Niacinamide 101: Why Your Skincare Routine Needs This Super Ingredient
You’ve likely seen it popping up in various skincare products, and for good reason! Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits for nearly every skin type. But what exactly is niacinamide, and why does your skincare routine need it? Let’s dive into the magic of this super ingredient and uncover why it deserves a spot in your daily regimen.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, an essential nutrient your body needs for various functions, including skin health. Unlike other skincare ingredients that can be too harsh or potent for sensitive skin, niacinamide is versatile and well-tolerated by most skin types. Its gentle, yet effective nature makes it suitable for anyone looking to boost their skincare game, whether they have oily, dry, or sensitive skin.
The Top Benefits of Niacinamide for Your Skin
1. Reduces Acne, Rosacea, or Even General Redness
Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
2. Works Wonders For Those With Oily or Combination Skin
Its ability to regulate the production of your skin’s natural oil is nothing short of a superpower. Keeping oil production in check helps prevent breakouts and keeps your skin from looking overly shiny.
3. Fights Acne and Breakouts
Niacinamide plays a crucial role in fighting acne. It calms existing breakouts and helps prevent new ones. It reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and scars, giving your skin a more even tone.
4. Gives a Strong Skin Barrier
A strong barrier means fewer irritants can penetrate the skin, reducing the chances of dryness and irritation. Niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting the production of natural ceramides.
5. Reduction in Large Pores
Large pores can be a concern for many, especially those with oily skin. Niacinamide works to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Over time, your skin will appear smoother, and pores will look less noticeable.
6. Fades Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
If you’ve been dealing with dark spots, sun damage, or acne scars, niacinamide can help lighten these areas over time. With consistent use, you’ll notice a brighter, more radiant glow.
7. Keeps your Skin Soft, Supple, and Plump
Niacinamide is known for its ability to retain moisture within the skin, making it a great ingredient for those with dry skin.
Niacinamide Products to Try at Buybetter Nigeria
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NGN18,999.00 NGPerfect For:
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Oily and combination skin
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Acne-prone skin
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Post-acne dark spots
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Uneven skin tone
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Sensitive skin looking for gentle brightening
How to Use It
When: AM and/or PM
How: After cleansing and toning, apply 2–3 drops of the serum to your face and gently pat in. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (if using in the morning). Use consistently for best results.Pro Tip: Pair with the Anua Heartleaf Toner and SPF 50+ sunscreen for full-spectrum brightening and skin-barrier support.
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NGN15,800.00 NGHow to Use:
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After cleansing, during the serum phase, apply a few drops to the skin.
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Use fingertips to gently massage and absorb the serum, starting from the center of the face working towards the edges.
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For daytime use, follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.
Who Should Use This Serum?
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum is ideal for:
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Individuals with oily or combination skin types.
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Those experiencing acne, blackheads, or whiteheads.
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Anyone looking to reduce the appearance of pores and achieve a smoother skin texture.
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Individuals aiming to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
Its gentle yet effective formulation makes it suitable for daily use, providing visible results without causing irritation.
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NGN13,000.00 NG💧 What It Does for Your Skin:
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Minimizes the appearance of pores
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Controls oil and shine throughout the day
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Reduces redness and inflammation caused by acne
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Evens out skin tone and fades post-acne marks
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Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier
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Enhances overall skin texture and radiance
Whether you’re battling hormonal breakouts or looking to smooth out rough texture, this serum provides gentle but effective care every step of the way.
🌿 Suitable For:
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Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal
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Concerns: Acne, Enlarged pores, Oiliness, Uneven skin tone, Dullness
Note: Not recommended to be used at the same time as Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) due to potential ingredient conflict.
🔬 How to Use:
Apply a few drops to your face in the morning and evening before heavier serums or creams. Gently pat into the skin and follow up with a moisturizer and SPF during the day.
Pro Tip: Introduce it gradually into your routine, especially if you’re new to active ingredients. Always patch-test before use to avoid irritation.
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NGN6,950.00 NGFACEFACTS -Ceramide Blemish Clarifying Foaming Cleanser 400ml Our low foaming Ceramide Blemish Cleanser deeply cleanses sensitive, blemish prone and oily skin. Formulated with our skin barrier complex of 5 Ceramides, 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide, our gel-to-foam formula lathers easily to remove impurities, dirt & oil. This cleanser helps improve […]
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NGN10,500.00 NG💖 Who Is It For?
This toner is perfect for:
Skin Type Why It Works Oily & Acne-prone Gently unclogs pores, balances oil, and reduces inflammation. Sensitive Low pH formula with calming botanicals = zero irritation. Dry or Dehydrated Adds hydration without stickiness or heaviness. Hyperpigmentation Licorice fades dark spots and acne scars over time. Dull Skin Instantly brightens complexion and boosts skin clarity. Basically, if you’ve got a face and you love glowing skin — this toner is for you.
🧴 How to Use
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After cleansing, pour a few drops into a cotton pad or your palms.
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Gently swipe or pat across the face, avoiding eyes and lips.
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Follow with serum, essence, or moisturizer while skin is still damp for better absorption.
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Use morning and night for best results.
Pro tip: Soak cotton pads with the toner and use as a quick 3-minute sheet mask on problem areas like cheeks or forehead.
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NGN3,600.00 NGWho’s It For?
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Acne-prone babes needing help with post-breakout scars
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Oily skin girlies looking to reduce shine without stripping moisture
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Anyone dealing with dullness or uneven tone
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Skincare newbies or budget-conscious baddies who want results without the ₦₦₦
If your skin’s been acting like a rollercoaster ride—breaking out, looking dull, or just feeling ‘meh’—this serum is the affordable reset button you’ve been waiting for.
How to Use
Apply 1-2 drops after cleansing and toning, both morning and night. Gently press into your skin before sealing in with moisturizer. Don’t forget sunscreen in the morning to help protect your glow.
Pro tip: If you’re already using actives like AHAs, BHAs, or retinol, alternate use to avoid sensitivity. You can also layer this serum under hydrating toners or lightweight moisturizers for an extra dewy finish.
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How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine
The good news is that niacinamide is incredibly versatile and can be used in both your morning and evening routines. Here’s how to incorporate it:
1. Cleanser
Start with a gentle hydrating cleanser from any brand to soothe and calm the skin right from the start.
2. Toner
After cleansing, use a mild exfoliating AHA/BHA toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the rest of your routine.
3. Serum
Niacinamide serums are highly concentrated and should be applied after toning. Look for a serum with 5-10% niacinamide for best results.
4. Moisturizer
Finish your routine with a ceramide & hyaluronic moisturizer to lock in hydration and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
5. Sunscreen
Always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Which skin types benefit from niacinamide?
The beauty of niacinamide is that it’s suitable for virtually everyone! Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, niacinamide offers benefits tailored to your skin’s needs. It’s especially beneficial for those struggling with acne, redness, hyperpigmentation, or an impaired skin barrier.