Niacinamide for acne-prone skin: calm, clear, and (mostly) drama-free

Photo by @simoneschoemanprinsloo

Quick take

If teenage skin had a wish list, it would say: “less redness, fewer breakouts, no sting, and please don’t dry me out.” Niacinamide (a type of vitamin B3) ticks all those boxes. It helps calm visible inflammation, supports the skin barrier, softens the look of post‑blemish marks, and combines well with other ingredients. Upenya's Moisturising Gel, is a great midway between the gentle Upenya Exfoliating Cleanser and the more targeted Upenya Blemish Care. Pair these three products together in a simple 3-step routine to support your skin's microbiome whilst gently unclogging pores and keeping things calm through the powerful action of niacinamide [1–6].

Why niacinamide earns a spot in a teen routine

1) Helps keep blemishes in check (without the drama)

A well‑designed clinical trial found 4% niacinamide performed comparably to 1% clindamycin (a prescription antibiotic) for mild to moderate acne by reducing inflammatory lesions without the antibiotic‑resistance concern [1]. The result? Calmer‑looking spots without the worry of skin becoming intolerant or sensitive due to continuous use [1,2,6].

2) Strengthens the skin barrier (so your face doesn’t feel like cardboard)

Niacinamide signals skin to make more of its own barrier lipids (hello, ceramides), which is linked to lower transepidermal water loss and better comfort, especially in teen skin that may swing between oily and dehydrated [3]. [2,3,6]

3) Helps fade the look of post‑blemish marks (PIH)

Niacinamide reduces melanosome transfer (how pigment gets passed to skin cells), which in studies translates into a more even‑looking tone over time. This is especially beneficial for skin that marks easily after spots [4–6].

4) Smooths texture and reduces blotchiness

Clinical work with 5% niacinamide showed improvement in redness/blotchiness and texture -with good tolerability, even for sensitive skin. This means your skin is less likely to throw a tantrum when the going gets tough [5].

The friendly science (no lab coat required)

• How it behaves: Niacinamide is non‑acidic and water‑loving, so it blends seamlessly with moisturisers and SPF. [2,6]

• What it likes: Consistency. Most supportive studies use 2–5% for daily leave‑on; more isn’t always better if your skin is sensitive. [1–5]

• Who it suits: Oily, combination, and “oily‑but‑dehydrated” teen skin. It’s also a great buffer alongside other targeted actives. [2,6]

  
  

The Upenya routine (teen‑tested, parent‑approved)

AM

1. Cleanse: Upenya Exfoliating Cleanser - a gentle, microbiome-friendly cleanse to lift oil and debris without stripping.

2. Calm & balance: Upenya Moisturising Gel -  (niacinamide inside) to support the barrier and keep skin comfortable. [2,3,6]

3. Target: Upenya Blemish Care - apply to spots and break-outs to calm and control sebum.

4. Protect: Broad‑spectrum SPF every morning. Future‑you will be thrilled.

PM

1. Cleanse: Upenya Exfoliating Cleanser - clear the day’s build‑up.

2. Target: Upenya Blemish Care - on breakout‑prone areas. Apply a thin layer, let it dry.

3. Soothe & support: Upenya Moisturising Gel - to keep the peace while actives do their job. [2,6]

   
   

Pro tips

• Start once daily for a week, then move to morning and night if your skin is happy.

• Add new steps one at a time; your skin likes routines, not plot twists.

• Be patient: most visible improvements are measured over 8–12 weeks. Small wins count. [1,4,5]

  
  

FAQs we hear all the time

Will niacinamide dry me out?

No. It supports barrier lipids and helps skin hold onto water which is ideal when other steps can feel like leaving the skin dry. Your face should not sound like paper when you smile. [3]

Does it replace my acne treatment?

No single ingredient is a silver bullet. Niacinamide in Upenya Moisturising Gel is the base layer that keeps things calm while Upenya Blemish Care and other evidence‑based steps handle targeted work. Team effort, like the Springbok bomb-squad, but less blood and tears [2,6]

Can sensitive skin use it?

Generally, yes. It’s one of the better‑tolerated actives. Patch test new products and listen to your skin. [2,6]

When do I need to seek medical advise?

If blemishes or acne persist despite a well-structured routine, it’s important to consult a medically trained professional (e.g., a dermatologist) for medical-grade assessment and support.

Bottom line

Niacinamide is an effective addition to production aimed at teenage and blemish‑prone skin: it calms visible inflammation, supports the barrier, softens the look of post‑blemish marks, and works well with an easy routine. Found in Upenya's Moisturising Gel, and used in a twice-daily routine alongside Upenya's Exfoliating Cleanser and Upenya's Blemish Care, this simple, science‑guided routine will keep you focused on life and not your T‑zone. [1–6]

Regulatory note: We use cosmetic language i.e.. appearance, comfort, and support of healthy‑looking skin which is consistent with Cosmetic regulations. For persistent or severe acne, consult a healthcare professional. Patch test first, and discontinue if irritation occurs.

References

1. Shalita, A.R., Smith, J.G., Parish, L.C., Sofman, M.S. and Chalker, D.K. (1995). Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel 1% in the treatment of acne vulgaris. International Journal of Dermatology, 34(6), pp. 434–437. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1995.tb04449.x

2. Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 17(6), pp. 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x

3. Tanno, O., Ota, Y., Kitamura, N., Katsube, T. and Inoue, S. (2000). Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides and free fatty acids in human keratinocytes. Journal of Dermatological Science, 23(3), pp. 188–194. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x

4. Hakozaki, T., Minwalla, L., Zhuang, J., Chhoa, M., Matsubara, A., Miyamoto, K., Greatens, A., Hillebrand, G.G., Bissett, D.L. and Kaczvinsky Jr, J.R. (2002). The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology, 147(1), pp. 20–31. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.x

5. Bissett, D.L., Oblong, J.E. and Berge, C.A. (2005). Niacinamide: a B3 vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 31(7 Pt 2), pp. 860–865. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732

6. Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Bibi, R., Danishvar, S. and Feily, A. (2013). Nicotinamide in dermatology: a review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 24(2), pp. 158–169. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12119