Niacinamide news, part 2: Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?
Clinically reviewed by: Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS
From baby-proofing your home to adjusting your nightly sleep schedule, a lot of things are bound to change when you’re expecting a new baby. What you may not have planned for was a change to your skin: If your skin has thrown you for a loop since you began your pregnancy, you’re in good—albeit frustrated—company. For expecting mothers wondering what is niacinamide good for during this special time, the good news is many pregnancy-related skin issues can be safely addressed with niacinamide. Not only is niacinamide safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but it may be a potent antidote to skin conditions you’re contending with.
Here, we explore all the ways niacinamide can be your pregnancy-safe skincare all-star and why skincare is as much about healthcare as selfcare.
Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?
Dermatologists and doctors agree: Yes, it is. (We still advise that you speak to your medical professional before starting or changing your pregnancy skincare routine.)
Fortunately, niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 (niacin), is one skincare ingredient that’s clinically proven to be safe to use while you’re pregnant and breastfeeding your newborn. Niacinamide in dark spot serums, cleansers, and creams can be an excellent skin ally for contending with some of the hallmark skin hang-ups that can arise in those nine tender months before your baby is born.
What kinds of skin conditions can happen during pregnancy, and how does niacinamide help?
Understanding what is niacinamide good for during pregnancy can help you make informed decisions about your skincare routine. More than 90% of women experience some kind of harmless skin condition while pregnant, resulting from hormonal, metabolic and immune-related changes. Fortunately, many of the tell-tale skin ailments of pregnancy can be tackled with niacinamide—a uniquely gentle, effective skincare ingredient that can contend with the variety of skin concerns that can arise when you’re pregnant. Some of the most common pregnancy-related skin concerns that demonstrate what is niacinamide good for include:
- Eczema: Eczema shows as irritated, dry, red and itchy skin and typically reaches its peak in the first and second trimesters and dissipates thereafter. Niacinamide is known to strengthen the skin barrier, helping your skin to regulate and lock in any moisture you take in through other topical skincare products. A stronger skin barrier can also help calm and soothe eczema symptoms.
- Uneven skin pigment: Up to 75% of pregnant women experience melasma, a type of discoloration also known as chloasma faciei, or “the mask of pregnancy.” Skin discoloration during pregnancy is most acute in the first trimester and is the result of elevated estrogen levels, which can drive skin to produce more melanin that looks like blooming patches of discoloration and uneven skin tone across your skin’s surface. You may even notice existing freckles, moles or scars that deepen in color or expand in size.
Dermatologists rely on niacinamide as one of the most effective treatments for discoloration, and, with consistent use, using it may yield a visible improvement in patchy within 12 weeks.
- Blemishes and hormonal acne: Experiencing acne onset while pregnant is especially common in the third trimester, when hormones cause your sebaceous glands—the glands which supply your skin with natural oils (sebum)—to work overtime. This can lead to congestion and inflammation in the pores that triggers breakouts.
- Niacinamide is known to have potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to put blemishes to bed by quelling your skin’s reaction to congestion. What’s more, niacinamide is known to be a particularly well-tolerated treatment, which means it’s unlikely to cause any further irritation to your skin.
What skincare ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy?
While we’ve established that niacinamide is safe during pregnancy, there are some ingredients you’ll want to retire from your regimen. These include:
- Topical retinoids: A common treatment for acne vulgaris
- Topical antibiotics: This includes clindamycin and erythromycin, which are used to treat inflammatory acne
- Some oral acne treatment medications: This includes tetracycline, doxycycline, isotretinoin and minocycline
- Chemical sunscreen products: This includes oxybenzone, which may disrupt your endocrine (hormonal) system
How to incorporate niacinamide into your pregnancy skincare routine
Now that you know niacinamide is safe during pregnancy and understand what is niacinamide good for during this time, here’s how to seamlessly add it to your routine:
Start slowly: If you’re new to niacinamide, begin with a lower concentration (2-5%) and use it once daily to assess your skin’s tolerance, especially when pregnancy hormones may make your skin more sensitive.
Use AM and PM: Niacinamide is gentle enough for twice-daily use. Apply it after cleansing but before heavier creams or oils. It pairs beautifully with other pregnancy-safe ingredients.
Layer properly: Apply niacinamide serum to clean skin, then follow with a pregnancy-safe moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to protect against UV damage.
Be consistent: For the best results in addressing pregnancy-related skin concerns, use niacinamide consistently. Most people see improvements in skin texture and tone within 6-12 weeks of regular use.Combine with other ingredients: Niacinamide plays well with other pregnancy-safe ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and gentle peptides.
FAQs
Q: Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A: Yes, niacinamide is considered safe to use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s a form of vitamin B3 that’s well-tolerated and gentle on sensitive skin. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new skincare products during pregnancy.
Q: What is niacinamide good for during pregnancy specifically?
A: Niacinamide is excellent for addressing common pregnancy skin concerns including melasma (dark patches), hormonal acne, eczema, and skin barrier dysfunction. It helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and improve uneven skin tone.
Q: How long does it take to see results when using niacinamide during pregnancy?
A: Most people begin to see improvements in skin texture and tone within 6-12 weeks of consistent use. For pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation, visible improvement may be seen within 12 weeks with regular application.
Q: Can I use niacinamide with other pregnancy-safe ingredients?
A: Yes, niacinamide is very compatible with other ingredients. It pairs well with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and mineral sunscreens. Avoid combining with retinoids and other pregnancy-restricted ingredients.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
Learn more about niacinamide:
Niacinamide news, part 1: Why this multi-action ingredient is taking over the skincare routines of top influencers
References for this information:
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2014, volume 3, issue 4, pages 318-324
Antioxidants, 2021, volume 10, issue 8
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2022, volume 15, issue 4, pages 49-57
Acne Therapy in Pregnancy, 2013, volume 64, issue 4, pages 269-273
Journal of the Endocrine Society, 2018, volume 2, issue 8, pages 903-921
