If you have keratosis pilaris, you’ve probably heard about niacinamide and its potential for treating your skin condition.
But what exactly is niacinamide, and how does it work?
This article explains what you need to know about using niacinamide for KP.
Is Niacinamide Bad for KP?
Although there is no cure for KP yet, many people find relief when they use products containing niacinamide topically.
However, it’s important to note that these products aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy because they may cause birth defects if absorbed through the skin into your bloodstream.
It’s also worth noting that there haven’t been enough studies done on topical niacinamide yet so we don’t know whether or not it provides long-term benefits for those with KP over time
How to Use Niacinamide for Keratosis Pilaris
- Apply a small amount of niacinamide to the affected area. You can use it in the morning and at night, but be careful not to get it too close to your eyes. (Do this with just a drop or two.)
- If you have sensitive skin, try mixing niacinamide with your moisturizer rather than applying it directly.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Niacinamide on KP?
There are no known side effects of using niacinamide on KP.
Niacinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in the doses used for treating skin conditions.
However, because it is a form of vitamin B3, there may be some interactions with other medications that you are taking if you have been prescribed these drugs by your doctor.
It’s important to talk with your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with any existing treatments or medications you’re taking.
There aren’t any known side effects from applying topically either; however, keep in mind that most people experience a burning sensation when they first apply it to their skin due to its high concentration levels compared with other vitamins used in skincare products (for example vitamin A).
If this happens during application then try diluting it with water first before applying again until your body becomes accustomed to its presence!
How Do You Know if You Should Use Niacinamide for Your KP?
Do you have dry skin? If so, you may be prone to KP.
This can be the result of a number of things:
- A genetic predisposition
- Aging
- Certain medications (like statins)
- Stress or other environmental factors
How Long Does It Take for Niacinamide to Work on Keratosis Pilaris?
You’ll want to use the niacinamide for at least two months before you see results, but it can take up to six months.
You should expect your KP to improve during this time, but don’t worry if your symptoms don’t get any better after three or four weeks of using niacinamide.
This is normal; there are many factors that affect whether KP sufferers’ skin responds as quickly as they’d like, including genetics and other conditions (like rosacea).
Some people have seen their skin clear within a month or two of using niacinamide, while others may require a year of regular use before seeing noticeable improvement in their KP symptoms.
The key thing is patience: some people have found that using the right combination of treatments allows them to clear up their keratosis pilaris in just a few weeks!
What Are Some Alternatives to Using Niacinamide on Keratosis Pilaris?
If you’re looking for an alternative to niacinamide and don’t want to experiment with other skin care products, there are a few things you can try.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals, which can damage the keratin in your hair follicles.
It also reduces inflammation and is known to improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, sun spots, and other marks on the skin.
If you have KP, applying this vitamin directly to affected areas could help reduce its severity or even clear it up altogether.
It’s important that you use water-soluble vitamin C because fat-soluble forms are not easily absorbed by our bodies.
2. Vitamin A
Another antioxidant ingredient that’s good for KP is retinol or retinoic acid (vitamin A).
These ingredients help increase collagen production within the body which makes them perfect for anti-aging treatments as well as fading scars left behind by KP bumps (known as “papules”).
However, if using these types of products make sure they’re non-comedogenic so they won’t clog pores like some other facial lotions do when applied daily over time such as benzoyl peroxide products
Can You Use Other Products With Niacinamide if You Have KP?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can use other products with niacinamide, the answer is yes, of course.
In fact, there are many reasons why doing so can be beneficial.
- Niacinamide may interfere with some products—if you’re using a moisturizer that contains oils and/or fragrances that can irritate your skin, it might make sense to alternate between niacinamide and another anti-aging product every few days or so (depending on how much oil or fragrance is in each product).
- Niacinamide may enhance the effects of other products—for example, using a retinol cream nightly under your moisturizer could help reduce wrinkles faster than if you were only using the moisturizer alone (though this will increase side effects such as redness).
What Else Should You Know About Using Niacinamide for KP?
You should also remember that niacinamide isn’t a cure for KP.
You’ll need to use it regularly for at least 6 months before you see results, and some people find that they need to continue using it even after they’ve seen improvement in their condition.
If you’re wondering whether or not you should try this treatment, remember that it’s safe for most people, but talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about how it might affect your skin or other health conditions you may have.
Where Can You Buy Niacinamide for Your KP Treatment?
If you’re looking to get started with a niacinamide treatment and want to buy it at the right price, you can do so via Amazon.
The good news is that there are hundreds of reviews on the best products, which means you don’t have to worry about buying something that doesn’t work.
Here are some of our favorite KP products:
- Kyra Skin Care Niacinamide Serum 2%
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion (for those who prefer a lotion over a serum)
- Cure Natural Aqua Gel 10% Niacinamide for Face (this one is great for acne-prone skin)
Final Thoughts
If you’re suffering from KP and want to try something new, it may be worth giving niacinamide a try.
This ingredient is safe for most people to use on their skin and can help treat many different types of skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.
It can also help improve the appearance of your keratosis pilaris by reducing redness, bumps, and rough patches while smoothing out the texture of your skin so that it looks more even overall.
