Niacinamide for Dark Spots & Wrinkles Under the Eyes
Niacinamide also called nicotinamide, is the most common form of Vitamin B3 used in skin care. But how suitable is it for treating darkness and dark spots under the eyes?
In this article, we are going to look into using niacinamide to treat both wrinkles and dark spots under the eyes and tell you everything you need to know.
Can You Use Niacinamide for Wrinkles & Dark Spots Under the Eyes
Yes, niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can be used to treat both darkness and wrinkles under the eyes.
The key is to find the right concentration and formulation for your skin.
While niacinamide is generally gentle and well tolerated, the skin under your eyes is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face and body. It is also very close to your eyes which are also very sensitive.
Using ingredients that are too harsh or strong can damage the skin under your eyes and irritate your eyes.
For a nice natural remedy to dark under eyes consider applying Chamomile Tea Bags click here to read the Benefits & How To Use
Also, consider Milk to Treat Dark Circles: Will it Work & How to Use
To explore your options to lighten dark circles check out my article on The 10 Best Medical & Home Remedies For Under Eye Dark Circles
Video Showing 10 Benefits of Niacinamide
How Do Niacinamide Lighten Dark Spots & Circles Under The Eyes
According to clinical studies, niacinamide lessens darkness in the skin (even the under eyes) by preventing melanosomes (the storage and transport units for the pigment in the skin) from moving from melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) to keratinocytes (the epidermal skin cells).
This process is said to have various steps that are still being studied. However, the conclusion is that niacinamide actively prevents the deposition of melanin (dark pigment) in the layers of the skin.
Some other great treatments for dark circles are:
How to Use Vitamin C for Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles
How to Use Azelaic Acid for Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Witch Hazel for Under Eyes- Dark Circles, Bags & Puffiness
Using Ice For Under-Eye Circles: Is it Safe, Pros & Cons
How Does Niacinamide Remove Under-eye Wrinkles
According to clinical studies, niacinamide reduces fine lines and wrinkles by:
- Increasing collagen and protein production in the skin
- And by decreasing the number of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin.
Increased collagen and protein production tightens the skin and improves elasticity.
On the other hand, high levels of dermal GAG are a sign of photodamaged or wrinkled skin. While the dermal matrix needs just a little amount of GAG to operate normally, excessive amounts are linked to the skin becoming loose and aged-looking. So, lessening the levels of GAG allows the skin to resurface itself without that disadvantage over time.
The combination of these two effects makes niacinamide great for improving wrinkles under the eyes.
Some natural ways that can help lighten your under-eyes are:
Using Potatoes For Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Cucumbers On Eyes: Benefits & Side Effects- What to Know
Essential oils for Under-Eye: Puffy Circles & Wrinkles
How To Use Niacinamide Under The Eyes
The best way to use niacinamide under the eyes is in a low-concentration serum or an eye cream.
What concentration of niacinamide is suitable for the under eyes
When using niacinamide under your eyes, it is best to start with the lowest concentration available.
While this may take longer to be effective, it is ultimately safer for you. And, you can build up your concentration over time as your skin gets used to the treatment.
Niacinamide is available in preparations with concentrations as low as 1% to 5% and as high as 10% over the counter.
You should not use anything stronger than 10% on the under eyes.
I recommend that you start with the lowest concentration that you can find (1% to 5%).
If you are using a stronger concentration, you can mix it with a gentle and versatile moisturizer or eye cream that does not already have niacinamide.
When using Niacinamide you need to moisturize correctly click here to learn more about Using Moisturizer After Niacinamide – What You Should Know
Related Article – How to use Vaseline for Wrinkles & Circles Under the Eyes
How often you should apply niacinamide under your eyes
If your under eyes can tolerate the treatment that you choose, you may apply niacinamide under your eyes once or twice every day.
However, you should always patch-test your skin before going full ahead with your treatment.
Also, even though niacinamide is usually well tolerated by all types of skin, you can start by using it only a few times a week at first. Then you can gradually increase the frequency until you are using it daily.
This will be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or people who are not sure how their skin may react. And, given that your under-eye skin is so thin, sensitive, and so close to your eyes, you want to avoid any bad reactions as much as possible.
One of the quickest ways to get rid of dark circles is to use Tretinoin click here to learn more about how to use it For Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles
Related Article – Best Niacinamide Soaps & Body Washes- Benefits & Risks
How long you should leave niacinamide on the skin under your eyes
Niacinamide, once well-tolerated, can safely be left on the skin of your under eyes all day or all night.
Niacinamide is usually hailed as one of the most versatile and well-tolerated ingredients in skin care. It works well with almost all other products and is usually gentle on the skin.
It penetrates well and is not known to be aggressive or harsh unless used in concentrations that are much too high for your skin.
Did you know you can use Toothpaste For Dark Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles, click here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you put niacinamide on the eyelids?
Yes, you can put niacinamide on your eyelids.
However, avoid getting this ingredient in your eye. Use a thick formulation if you can (like an eye cream) so that it is not runny.
Also, use a small amount that will evenly spread across your eyelids without becoming excessive.
If you get the product in your eyes, rinse your eyes and lids with clean water right away and give your eye area a break from any cosmetics and treatments for at least 24-48 hours.
If you notice that your eyes are becoming increasingly red, itchy and or swollen, seek medical attention right away.
Related Article – How to Use Turmeric for Under Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
How long will niacinamide take to lighten dark spots under the eyes?
Generally, you should see an improvement in your dark under eyes in about 2-4 weeks after starting niacinamide treatment.
However, this will vary depending on:
- How dark your under eyes are
- What is causing your under-eye darkness (lifestyle, diet, etc)
- The general condition of the skin around your eyes
- The concentration of niacinamide you are using
- How often you are using niacinamide
Related Article – How to use Honey for Under Eye Wrinkles & Dark Circles
How long will niacinamide take to get rid of under-eye wrinkles?
Under eye fine lines and wrinkles will generally start to improve after 2-4 weeks of using niacinamide consistently.
However, this too will vary depending on:
- How bad your under-eye wrinkles are
- The external and internal condition of the skin around your eyes
- Cause(s) of the wrinkles (sun damage, aging, products, lifestyle, etc)
- The concentration of niacinamide you are using
- How often you are using niacinamide
Are there any side effects of using niacinamide under the eyes?
Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, even under the eyes. However, some side effects remain a possibility:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Itching
- Swelling
These side effects are rare, but can happen if the niacinamide product you are using is too strong for you, or contain other ingredients that are unsuitable for your under-eye area.
However, if you notice any of these symptoms around your eyes, stop using niacinamide immediately. Wash your skin and monitor it to see if the symptoms will get better or worse. If they get worse, or if you are unsure how your skin looks and feels, seek medical attention right away.
Related Article – Lemon for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles – Benefits & Risks
What should you do if niacinamide gets into your eyes?
If niacinamide or any product gets into your eyes, wash your eyes with clean water immediately.
Here is what you can do:
- Get some clean, room-temperature water in a container wide and shallow enough for you to open your eyes in them.
- Submerge your face in the water (or just your eyes), open them, and blink a few times. Remove your eyes from the water, pat them dry and let them rest.
If you start to see blurry, your eyes start hurting, they begin to swell or burn persistently, seek medical attention right away.
Best Niacinamide Products For Dark Spots Under Eyes
1- First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream
This eye cream is made with Niacinamide, Pumpkin Seed Extract, and Caffeine all of which address the two major causes of dark circles—skin pigmentation (brown circles) and puffiness.
It is also suitable for sensitive skin since it is vegan and gluten and nut free.
Click here to check out the First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream on Amazon.
2- Cera Ve Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Cera Ve eye cream contains Caffeine, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides. These ingredients help to target pigmentation and wrinkles while keeping the skin around the eyes hydrated and healthy.
It is opthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin.
Click here to see the Cera Ve Skin Renewing Eye Cream on Amazon.
3- Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster
While this is a face serum that has a relatively strong concentration of niacinamide, it can also be used under the eyes.
If your skin is super sensitive, you can mix a small amount with a hydrating eye cream. Or you can use a small amount spread in a very thin layer on your under eyes.
Click here to check out the Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster on Amazon.
Related Articles:
Can You Use Salicylic Acid Under the Eyes – Shocking Truth
Niacinamide for Dark Underarms: How to Use for Best Results
Sources:
How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?
Niacinamide Benefits for Skin: Serum, Eye Cream, and More | Glamour
Can I use a Niacinamide serum for dark circles? | I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS
Niacinamide Tones and Firms Up The Skin Around The Eyes – Henry Tianus
4 Super-Effective Ingredients for Dark Circles, According to a Dermatologist – SHEfinds
Niacinamide: 10 Benefits for Skin, Topical or Supplement, Side Effects
