Can You Use Niacinamide on Open Spots?
In recent years, niacinamide has gained an impressive amount of popularity. An established favourite amongst skincare experts and fans combined, niacinamide is a highly effective ingredient able to deliver an array of skin benefits.
With an increase of many of us suffering from frequent breakouts due to wearing masks and day to day stress on the skin. Niacinamide has been able to step in and work on perfecting the skin’s clarity as well as keeping it hydrated and protective skin barrier strengthened and functioning properly. If you are wondering what niacinamide can do for the skin, here is a quick recap on its benefits before we find out more about whether you can use niacinamide on open spots.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and can naturally occur in the body thanks to the amino acids found in some forms of protein. When formulated into skincare products, niacinamide can deliver hydrating skin results. Fine lines and wrinkles are notably reduced, and the complexion is plumped with a youthful bounce. It can prevent further skin damage caused from exposure to free radicals by keeping the skin barrier healthy and strong.
Niacinamide is known for acting in a similar way on the skin as hyaluronic acid but has its own unique trait. It can regulate the production of sebum in the skin helping to reduce the frequency of breakouts and minimise the appearance of pores making it a beneficial ingredient for those with an oily and blemish-prone skin type. It is one ingredient that can be introduced into a routine in an easy and effective way, but always ensure you have consulted with a doctor or dermatologist beforehand. If you wanted to know more about niacinamide, check out our dedicated blog post about how to use the ingredient on your face.
Now, let’s dive in and find out more about using niacinamide on open spots.
Can you put niacinamide on spots?
Yes, you certainly can! Niacinamide is a highly effective, yet gentle ingredient to use on the skin. Favoured by many, especially if prone to frequent blemishes as the humectant ingredient can regulate sebum production. Quite often those who suffer from regular breakouts may tend to opt for ingredients that can sometimes be too potent for the skin. This will lead to the skin overproducing sebum resulting in more blemishes and a vicious cycle resulting in the protective barrier being weakened and pH levels becoming imbalanced.
You’ll find that apply topical formulations, such as serum enriched in niacinamide on the skin surface will keep the complexion plumped whilst reducing the size and redness of spots. You can continue to use these formulas once the complexion has cleared to help ward off any possible hyperpigmentation, or acne scarring left behind from acne and free radical exposure.
Can I put niacinamide on open wound?
Yes, absolutely you can apply niacinamide to open wounds. There have been several studies carried out that prove how effective the anti-inflammatory properties are on the skin. Niacinamide works at accelerating the speed of healing wounds by increasing proliferation and fibroblast migration, both of which are essential at healing wounds and speeding up how quickly they close on the surface.
Can I apply niacinamide on popped pimples?
Yes, you can apply niacinamide on popped pimples. The only concern is, the pimple shouldn’t have been popped in the first place, but we understand you’re only human. So, here is an example of how to treat a popped pimple ensuring it doesn’t snowball into an influx of problematic skin. Here is what you should do after popping a pimple.
Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial handwash.
Dab the pimple with clean cotton bud absorbing any remaining blood, liquid.
To prevent the area from becoming infected, swipe a cotton disc soaked in a glycolic acid or salicylic enriched toner.
Next apply an overnight spot treatment directly onto the popped pimple to coat the area preventing bacteria from getting into the area.
Continue applying the rest of your evening skincare routine avoiding the infected area.
Once you’ve woken up in the morning wash your face with a cleanser containing low percentage of salicylic acid, follow this with serum enriched in vitamin C, wait for 15 minutes then follow this with another serum containing niacinamide.
Finish off your routine with a daily SPF of 30 and above for full protection from UV exposure and other free radicals.
Everyone’s skin is different; therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin will remain happy introducing niacinamide into your daily routine.
Can niacinamide cause breakouts?
Not really, this is because niacinamide does not work on the skin in a way that can cause breakouts or purging. When a skin ingredient increases the speed of cell turnover, you’ll find you suffer from more breakouts before the skin gains more clarity. Because niacinamide delivers hydration to the skin and doesn’t exfoliate it is unlikely this ingredient will cause purging or breakouts.
What you will find is teaming niacinamide with an exfoliant, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, any sign of irritation, purging, dryness, redness, or discomfort will be counteracted.
Is niacinamide good for acne scars?
Yes, niacinamide is a great ingredient to use to target acne scars. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it can help prevent any existing acne scars from remaining on the skin. When niacinamide is applied to the skin it will work at reducing the pigmentation of dark spots and acne scars whilst reducing any inflammations caused from active blemishes. You will also find teaming niacinamide with acne fighting ingredients, such as the BHA, salicylic acid, the skin will remain healthy, balanced, and easier to maintain.
There you have a little more information about using niacinamide on open spots, don’t forget if you have any further questions, come, and follow us on Instagram. You’ll find one of our skincare experts in our 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.
