Can Niacinamide Be Used on Broken Skin?
In the vast and overwhelming world of skin care, Niacinamide is certainly an outlier. This ingredient can work effectively in anyone’s daily routine, regardless of skin type. Not only does it attract and lock moisture into the skin, it also regulates sebum production, and that’s not all the benefits it offers to the skin. The best part is that it works effectively in tandem with other skincare ingredients. You can learn more about what Niacinamide is and how it works on the skin here.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, that is rich in antioxidants and moisturizing properties. You’ll find it commonly found in serums and other similar products, providing anti-aging benefits to the skin and improving overall skin hydration. Water contained in the formula around the face or in other products is drawn to the surface of the skin and retained there. The result is a plump, radiant, healthy-looking complexion. You’ll also notice a noticeable reduction in signs of dehydration (often mistaken for the first signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles). If you’d like to learn more about Niacinamide and its benefits for the skin, check out our dedicated blog post on Beauty Insiders.
Now that you’ve gotten a refresher course on niacinamide, let’s move on to answering today’s question: Can you use niacinamide on broken skin? Let’s dive into how this clever moisturizer works on open wounds and broken skin.
Can I apply niacinamide on open wounds?
Yes, you can apply niacinamide to open wounds and even during rosacea and acne flare-ups. That’s because the vitamin’s anti-inflammatory effects may work by increasing the production of fibroblast migration and proliferation. Both are responsible for supporting healing on the skin’s surface in the case of open wounds or skin damage. Applying niacinamide topically to wounds can increase the rate of healing without causing adverse side effects such as stinging, redness, or irritation.
However, everyone’s skin is different. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before using any new formula or skincare ingredient before applying it to your face.
Can niacinamide be used on peeling skin?
Anyway. In fact, niacinamide is the best ingredient to apply to your skin if you notice your skin starting to peel. Whatever causes your skin to peel, whether it’s sun damage or carelessness when exfoliating, Niacinamide will immediately resolve it, leaving you with a dewy complexion. You’ll also notice improvements in your overall skin texture, as well as the strength of your protective skin barrier. By strengthening your skin barrier, you’ll also find that your skin is able to fight off any free radical exposure, such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors, all of which can cause skin damage.
If you notice your skin peeling or are concerned about it, using Niacinamide daily will keep your complexion healthy, plump, and radiant. You’ll also find that by combating the dryness that often accompanies peeling skin, any products you apply afterwards will absorb quickly and effectively into the skin’s surface.
Can Niacinamide be used to treat breakouts?
Yes, you can, and for many people, Niacinamide is the secret weapon in the fight against acne. As I mentioned before, Niacinamide promotes skin healing, and when used on open pimples, it can shrink the size of blemishes due to Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties.
You’ll also notice that when pimples break out or open, the risk of acne scarring increases. By applying niacinamide topically to the affected areas, you can prevent hyperpigmentation or scarring and notice less inflammation and less scarring.
Does niacinamide make skin worse?
Not necessarily, but keep in mind that your skin may not tolerate regular use of niacinamide. Unlike other skin ingredients, such as exfoliating fruit acids like glycolic acid or active vitamin C concentrations, niacinamide does not purify the skin. Purification is the result of exfoliating ingredients, which are applied to the skin and increase skin cell turnover. The good news is that niacinamide rarely causes skin clearing, but it may cause some minor breakouts. This is usually because the ingredient percentage is higher than 10%, as sometimes this can be too strong for some skin types. If you notice breakouts, it is best to take note of how long it takes for the breakout to disappear. If it lasts longer than 4 weeks, stop using the niacinamide product and seek the advice of your primary care provider or doctor. Professional.
What can heal injured facial skin quickly?
The best way to heal injured skin quickly is to make sure it is constantly moisturized. I am not talking about keeping your face moisturized, but using plenty of moisturizing ingredients with hydrating properties, such as petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. By ensuring that the injured skin has a constant layer of moisture, it will heal faster and feel comfortable throughout the healing process.
What creams can I use for pimples on broken skin?
There are some things you should avoid applying to pimples on broken skin. Avoid harsh formulas and ingredients like sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid on broken skin. Make sure to moisturize the affected area, as this prevents the skin barrier from weakening and becoming vulnerable to damage from exposure to free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and other aggressors.
You can find more information on using niacinamide on broken skin here. If you have any additional questions, you can always reach out to us on Instagram. You can reach one of our skin care experts in a private message.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
