Can You Use Niacinamide on Broken Skin?
Niacinamide is certainly an underdog when it comes to this vast and overwhelming world of skincare. This ingredient is one that can work effectively in anyone’s routine, no matter which skin type they are. Not only is it able to draw moisture into the skin and lock it into place, but it is also able to regulate the sebum production, and that’s not all the benefits it is able to deliver to the skin. The best part, it can work effectively with other skincare ingredients, here is a little more detail about what niacinamide is and how it works on the skin.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, and is packed with antioxidants and humectant traits. You’ll find it is often formulated into serums and other similar products which deliver anti-ageing skin results, as well as boosting the overall hydration of the skin. Any water surrounding the face or found in other products formulations are draw into the skin surface and locked into place. This results in a complexion that looks plumped, glowing, and healthy. You’ll also find that signs of dehydration, that are often mistaken for the beginning signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. If you are wanting to know a little more about niacinamide and the benefits it has on the skin, check out our dedicated blog post over on The Beauty Insiders.
Now you have had that little refresher course in niacinamide, let’s move onto the answering today’s question which is, can you use niacinamide on broken skin? Let’s dive right in and find out more about how this clever humectant works on open wounds and broken skin.
Can I put niacinamide on open wound?
Yes, you can put niacinamide on open wounds, even rosacea and acne flare-ups. This is because the anti-inflammatory effect of the vitamin can work by increasing the production of fibroblast migration and proliferation. Both are responsible for helping the skin surface heal when there is an open wound or broken skin. By topically applying niacinamide onto wounds you will the speed at which they heal is increased without any unwanted side effects, such as stinging, flare-up in redness, or irritation.
Having said that, everyone’s skin is different, ensure before using any new formulation or skincare ingredients you consult with a doctor or dermatologist before applying it on the face.
Can I use niacinamide on peeling skin?
Absolutely, in fact niacinamide is properly the best ingredient to apply to the skin if you find it has begun to peel. Whichever the cause of the skin peeling, be it sunburn, or you are being a little lapsed with your exfoliating, niacinamide will make light work of this leaving you with a hydrated complexion. You’ll also find that there is an improvement in the overall skin texture as well as the strength of the protective skin barrier. By strengthening the skin barrier, you’ll also find that the skin is able to combat any exposure to free radicals, such as UV light, pollution, and other environmental aggressors, all of which can cause damage to the skin.
If you find your skin is peeling, or you are apprehensive of it peeling, applying niacinamide daily will ensure the complexion remains healthy, plumped, and glowing. You’ll also find that by counteracting the dryness that usually comes with skin peeling, any products applied after will absorb quickly and effectively into the skin surface.
Can you put niacinamide on open pimples?
Yes, you can, for many, niacinamide is their secret weapon for combating pimples. As I have already mentioned, niacinamide helps to promote skin healing and when applied onto an open pimple will result in the blemish reducing in size thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of niacinamide.
You will also find that when a pimple is broken or becomes open, the risk of it leaving behind a post acne scar increase. By applying niacinamide topically onto the affected areas, you can prevent any pigmentation or scarring from developing, and instead find the inflammation is reduced, and scarring is non-existent.
Can niacinamide worsen skin?
Not really but be mindful that your skin may not take to applying niacinamide regularly. Unlike other skin ingredients, such as exfoliating AHAs, such as glycolic acid, or active levels of vitamin C, niacinamide doesn’t cause skin purging. Purging is a result of an exfoliating ingredient being applied to the skin and resulting in it increasing the skin cell turnover. The good news is that niacinamide rarely causes the skin to purge, but it can cause some minor breakouts. This is usually something related to the percentage of ingredient being higher than 10% as this can sometimes be too strong for certain skin types. If you find you have a breakout it’s best to make a note to see how long it takes to disappear, if it’s longer than 4 weeks, stop using your niacinamide product and seek the advice from your GP or medical professional.
What heals broken skin fast on face?
The best way of healing broken skin fast is ensuring that it is constantly moist. By this I don’t mean keeping the face wet but applying liberal amounts of hydrating ingredients with humectant benefits, such petroleum jelly, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. By ensuring the broken skin has a constant layer of hydration to it, it will heal faster and feel comfortable throughout the healing process.
What can you put on broken skin pimples?
There are a few things that you should avoid applying onto broken skin pimples. Avoid applying harsh and potent formulas onto broken skin, as well as ingredients such as sulphur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Ensure you keep the affected area moisturised and hydrated as this will prevent the skin barrier becoming weakened and suspectable to damage caused by exposure to free radicals, such as UV light, pollution, and other aggressors.
There you have a little more information about using niacinamide on broken skin, if you have any further questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us over on Instagram, you’ll find one of our skincare experts in the direct messages.
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.
