Fashion

Here's What Vitamin B3 Does For Your Skin

by Lindsey Rose Black

March 4, 2016

Anonymous woman standing and holding a bottle of face serum while putting some cream on her finger.

miniseries/E+/Getty Images

If spring cleaning has you inspired to polish your skincare act, too, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. If you've scanned the ingredients list on your favorite products and are asking yourself, what does vitamin B3 do for your skin, worry not — I'm here to break it down!

In most skincare products, vitamin B3 is listed as "niacinamide." As for its benefits, Paula Begoun, skincare expert and author, shared on her blog "[Vitamin B3] is a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture." So for those of you that spend a lot of time in the sun, you'll definitely want to consider using vitamin B3.

The product also has benefits beyond anti-aging. As explained on TotalBeauty, the vitamin "has been shown to reduce acne." Dang, talk about a powerhouse.

But before you start slathering yourself in niacinamide, keep in mind that it doesn't work well for everyone. The Dermatology Review shared, "If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, you should abstain from using a niacinamide cream as it may react with the increased levels of alcohol in the body. [Additionally], if you use a niacinamide cream for the treatment of acne, dermatologists suggest that you start with a small amount of the cream on your skin so you can take note of any negative skin reactions." If you discover excessive irritation, definitely stop using the cream and call up your doctor.

Want to test the vitamin out? Below are anti-aging and acne-fighting products that contain vitamin B3: