How much niacinamide should you use per day?

What percentage should you choose?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. Concentrations of 2% to 5% have been used for different skin goals. A 2% moisturizer reduced facial oil production, while a 4% gel helped moderate acne. A 5% topical formula improved several signs of skin aging, including fine lines, pigmentation and texture. These are different formulations used for different purposes, not a reason to choose the largest percentage available.2

How do you use niacinamide each day?

1. 1If you are concerned about a reaction, test a small amount on your forearm and wait 24 hours.
2. 2Cleanse gently before applying niacinamide as part of your normal routine.
3. 3Start with one daily application. Niacinamide can generally be used once or twice daily.
4. 4Apply a separate niacinamide product after moisturizer, or combine a niacinamide serum with moisturizer and apply them together to your face and neck.

Niacinamide comes in moisturizers and some sunscreens, so a separate serum is not an entry fee. Check which products already contain niacinamide before adding another; avoid using too many products containing it at once.1

What should you expect, and when?

Topical niacinamide can support the skin barrier, the protective outer layer that helps keep water inside the skin. It also has clinical benefits for skin aging and hyperpigmentation, meaning darker patches or spots. Niacinamide can cover more than one skincare goal without needing a separate bottle for each job.34

Expect changes over weeks rather than after one application. Reduced oil production was measured after 4 to 6 weeks with a 2% moisturizer. A cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide improved eyelid wrinkles after eight weeks, while a 5% formula improved pigmentation, texture and fine lines during a 12 week trial. Those timings belong to the particular formulas tested, so use them as a broad guide rather than a deadline for your serum.2

What if your skin becomes dry or irritated?

Niacinamide is generally well tolerated, including by people who cannot tolerate topical retinoids or fruit acids. With a niacinamide acne gel, excessive drying from twice daily use is a reason to reduce application to once daily or every other day.2

Rare reactions include itching, redness, mild burning and allergy. Do not increase application frequency when a product is causing these symptoms. Niacinamide can be paired with retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and moisturizers containing ceramides, but compatibility is not a reason to add everything at once.1

If you are using niacinamide for acne, see a doctor for moderate or severe acne, nodules or cysts. Also seek help if pharmacy treatments are not controlling acne or it is making you very unhappy.5

Does the same advice apply to tablets?

No. Oral nicotinamide has medical uses and separate dosing instructions. A skincare percentage is not a tablet dose. Oral nicotinamide has been reported to raise blood sugar, lower blood pressure and increase sweating; very high doses can cause nausea. Follow the medicine's approved directions for your country rather than borrowing a topical routine.2

How much retinol should you use per day?

Use about a pea sized amount of retinol in a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding your eyes, nose and mouth. After a patch test, start at bedtime every other day for the first couple of weeks, or less often if needed. Cleanse gently, pat dry and finish with moisturizer. Follow the package or your prescriber's instructions. Retinol can cause dryness, redness and peeling and increases sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before using retinol.6