Sometimes life hands you lemons, and sometimes it hands you a breakout. Whether it's a recurring issue or an occasional visitor, acne can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. You may find yourself staring at your skincare, wondering which products can treat acne effectively while also preventing it from worsening or reoccurring.

Many people turn to quick over-the-counter solutions to treat acne, but these can be overly harsh, stripping the skin of its natural oils and weakening the protective barrier. When the skin’s barrier is compromised, bacteria can easily infiltrate, leading to more breakouts. Thankfully, skincare has evolved, with research-backed ingredients that are both effective and gentle—like niacinamide.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient that supports skin health in multiple ways. It plays a crucial role in creating NAD and NADP—molecules essential for over 40 cellular processes, including skin repair and defense against environmental stressors. It also boosts collagen and keratin production, helping to keep skin firm and resilient. Acne often flares up when the skin becomes imbalanced, and niacinamide works to restore harmony, promoting a clearer, healthier complexion.

Niacinamide Benefits

Acne can stem from excess oil, clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth, hormonal changes, and even lifestyle factors. Niacinamide is a multitasker, working both as a preventive ingredient and a soothing treatment for active breakouts.

• Reduces redness: Niacinamide helps calm irritation and redness by strengthening the skin’s barrier and reducing inflammation. For those with acne, rosacea, or sensitivity, it promotes a balanced, more even complexion.

• Minimizes pore size and appearance: Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and keeps pores clear, making them appear smaller over time. The result? Smoother, more refined skin—no harsh treatments required.

• Balances oil production: By keeping sebum levels in check, niacinamide prevents the overproduction of oil that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

• Brightens and evens skin tone: Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone by reducing melanin transfer, making it an effective solution for acne scars and discoloration. With consistent use, it promotes a brighter, more even complexion.

• Boosts hydration: Niacinamide enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, ensuring the skin remains hydrated without clogging pores. Hydrated skin is less likely to become irritated or overproduced with oil, helping to prevent acne.

• Strengthens skin barrier: A strong barrier helps protect against external aggressors like bacteria, reducing the risk of breakouts.

• Lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient in anti-aging skincare. By stimulating collagen and lipid production, niacinamide helps smooth fine lines and keep skin looking healthy and resilient.

Niacinamide for Acne

Many acne treatments can be overly aggressive, causing irritation and stripping away too much of the skin’s natural oils. When the skin becomes overly dry, it may overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading to a cycle of increased breakouts rather than improvement.

At YUNI, we believe there’s a gentle solution for every skin concern—including acne. Niacinamide is a soothing yet effective option for acne-prone skin, helping to calm inflammation, balance oil production, and fade post-breakout marks. Studies have shown that niacinamide can reduce both inflammatory acne (like papules) and non-inflammatory acne (like blackheads), making it a gentle yet powerful alternative to harsher ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

And while niacinamide for acne isn’t a magic overnight cure, with consistent use, it helps create long-term balance—resulting in clearer, healthier skin over time.

Niacinamide for Oily Skin

Oily skin isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it keeps your skin hydrated, provides a healthy glow, and helps maintain a protective barrier. But we know it takes a little extra care to keep that balance. Too much oil? It’s all about finding the sweet spot. Thick moisturizers can make things worse, and harsh cleansers or toners might strip away too much moisture. Even typical acne treatments can dry out the skin, causing it to overcompensate with even more oil.

If you’re managing acne or oily skin, it’s important to take a holistic approach to your skincare. Start with a cleanser that deeply cleans without stripping the skin’s natural oils, then follow up with a niacinamide treatment to help balance your skin and regulate sebum production. And don’t forget that what you eat can also play a role — many people find that sugary foods, dairy, and trans fats can trigger excess oil production.

Face Cream with Niacinamide

A well-rounded skincare routine for acne should include a nourishing moisturizer. Balancing Act is a uniquely powerful niacinamide face cream that works in harmony with your skin’s natural repair process, optimizing moisture balance so your skin can truly thrive. Plant-sourced Mevalonic Acid boosts the skin’s capacity to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. The result: a radiant, healthy-looking complexion that feels refreshed and balanced.

Resources:

Bissett, D. L., Oblong, J. E., & Berge, C. A. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 31(7 Pt 2), 860–865. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732 

Gehring, W. (2004), Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 88-93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x

Zoe Diana Draelos, Akira Matsubara & Kenneth Smiles (2006) The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 8:2, 96-101, DOI: 10.1080/14764170600717704