Niacinamide for Dark Underarms: How to Use for Best Results
Can we use niacinamide for dark underarms? The short answer is YES! Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is one form of Vitamin B3 (it is different from niacin).
Niacinamide is essential meaning our bodies do not produce it so we have to obtain it from food and other products. It is a water-soluble nutrient that is very important for healthy skin, kidneys, and the brain.
But how can niacinamide help with dark underarms and how can we best incorporate it into our skincare routines? Let’s see.
Click here for a complete list of how to DIY & Medical Ways to Quickly Whiten Underarms Permanently
How Niacinamide Works For Dark Underarms
Niacinamide, when applied topically, inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin, reducing the appearance of brown or pigmented areas.
When applied to dark underarms consistently, dark areas will eventually lighten as new and less pigmented skin cells are generated over time.
One of the fastest ways to lighten dark underarms is to use Laser Whitening, click here to learn more.
You can also read Aloe Vera for Underarms: Benefits & How to Use Effectively
The Best Way To Use Niacinamide For Dark Underarms
The best way to use niacinamide topically to treat dark underarms is as a serum.
Many experts encourage us to think of serums as an extra treatment for our skin outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
Niacinamide serums are usually formulated to be easily absorbed into the skin while packing the most benefits. Additionally, it can also be used in cleansers, masks, toners, and moisturizers.
Check out these great ways to lighten dark underarms:
Hydroquinone For Dark Underarms – How to Use & Side Effects
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaner & Lighter Armpits
Salicylic Acid For Dark Underarms: What You Need to Know
What niacinamide concentration is best for dark underarms?
Researchers agree that niacinamide 5% is the safest OTC concentration you should use to effectively treat hyperpigmentation (darkened skin) without causing irritation.
If your skin can tolerate this concentration, you may use it without much supervision.
However, if you have sensitive skin, or if you are new to niacinamide, you can start with a lower concentration and work your way up.
There are also stronger concentrations of niacinamide available, but you should consult a doctor or skincare professional for advice and guidance before using them on your skin.
An easy way to lighten your armpit – click here to read: Toothpaste For Dark Underarms – Ultimate DIY Guide
Also see:
5 Best Soaps to Lighten Dark Underarms, Necks & Thighs
How to Use Potatoes For Underarm Whitening
How Long Does Niacinamide Take To Lighten Dark Underarms
Even though niacinamide is a powerful ingredient, it may take 2-6 weeks to see significant skin changes.
Niacinamide works gradually and requires consistency to see the best results. Now, the results and how long they take will ultimately depend on:
- how severe the hyperpigmentation (darkness) is under your arms
- what is causing the darkness (and whether that has been controlled)
- The concentration of niacinamide being used
- your skincare routine
- your skin itself (how well or not well it reacts to the serum)
Less severe hyperpigmentation will significantly improve in 2 weeks while more severe cases will take longer.
One of the most popular ways to lighten underarms is: Baking Soda & Lemon for Underarms: How to DIY & Benefits
Now for some great deodorants that can actually help to lighten dark armpits check out:
5 Best Deodorants to Lighten Dark Underarms- Prevent & Treat
Dove Even Tone Deodorant Review- Does It Work & Is It Safe
When to use niacinamide for dark underarms
Niacinamide serums can be used every day, in the mornings and/or nights, if your skin can tolerate it.
They should be used after toning but before moisturizing.
Coconut Oil is commonly used for Underarms Click here to read the Benefits, Cons & DIY Remedies.
Related Article – Best Niacinamide Soaps & Body Washes- Benefits & Risks
How often should you use niacinamide for dark underarms
To treat dark underarms, you may need to use niacinamide at least once every day.
However, this may vary based on how dark your skin is, how sensitive your skin is, and how your skin reacts to the serum. But in general, niacinamide is usually well tolerated.
You can also use:
Retinol For Dark Underarms: How to Use, Benefits & Effects
Tretinoin for Dark Underarms: How to Use Safely & Benefits
Turmeric for Dark Underarms – Benefits & Easy DIY Scrubs
Can niacinamide be used with other ingredients
Yes, you can use niacinamide with other ingredients. Some might even enhance its effects.
In terms of darkened skin particularly, niacinamide works best in combination with other lightening agents like hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, and soy.
Since they all inhibit pigment production and appearance on the skin, they are thought to collaborate, giving better results.
Now you should always moisturize after you use Niacinamide, you can click here to how, when, and what to use when using Niacinamide
Other Benefits for Niacinamide for Underarms
Niacinamide has other great benefits other than just reducing hyperpigmentation. They will help your armpits by:
- Healthier Underarms – Niacinamide helps in the production of keratin, which is a protein that keeps your skin tight and healthy.
- Keeps Armpits Hydrated & Moisturized – Niacinamide works to keep a healthy ceramide (lipid) barrier which improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture. This is important, especially for those with eczema or acne. Dry Armpits click here to learn How to treat.
- Reduced armpit inflammation – Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory, which means that it helps to ease redness and blotchiness, especially in acne-prone skin or in people with conditions like eczema and other inflammatory conditions.
- Control oil Underarms – Your underarms can be prone to become very oily and Niacinamide can also help to control how much oil your skin produces, by preventing them from being overactive.
- Treats Armpit wrinkles and pores – since niacinamide also improves collagen production, it will also tighten the skin and improves texture, making pores, fine lines, and wrinkles less apparent.
- Improvement of underarm acne – researchers have found that after a few months of consistent niacinamide use, many patients see a reduction in acne (and yes, these can even occur on the armpits and leave scars).
5 Reasons Why You Cannot Use Coconut Oil As a Deodorant
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Video: Showing the Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin
Possible Side Effects of Using Niacinamide For Dark Underarms
Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated. However, people who have previous allergies are more likely to experience an allergic reaction (rare but possible).
Histamines are the compounds that facilitate allergic reactions in our bodies and niacinamide encourages their production.
The best way to avoid an allergic reaction to niacinamide (or any product) is to do a patch test before applying it to the entire area being treated.
It is important to know How Often to Exfoliate or Scrub Underarms click here to learn more.
Sunflower Oil For Underarms: Benefits & How To Use
Niacinamide Products to Treat Dark Underarms
Best Niacinamide Serums For Underarms
1- Paula’s Choice Niacinamide Booster Serum
This serum is formulated with a combination of 10% niacinamide and organic soothing and hydrating additives.
All of these help to resolve the aggravating combo of enlarged pores, visible signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and other skin problems. It can be used alone or added to your moisturizer.
Click here to see the current price for Paula’s Choice Niacinamide Booster Serum on Amazon.
2- Glossier Super Pure Serum
This composition helps to balance the complexion in around four weeks thanks to the use of 5% Niacinamide, which is the ideal concentration to be effective without irritating skin.
Additionally, Glossier won’t have the drying side effects. And it contains zinc PCA which helps to minimize clogged pores.
Click here to see the Glossier Serum on Amazon.
3- The New Ordinary Niacinamide
This serum contains a high concentration of niacinamide (10%) combined with the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. This combination has been shown to greatly improve skin texture and brightness over time.
Click here to see the current price for The New Ordinary Niacinamide Amazon.
Best Niacinamide Cleanser for Armpits
1- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an affordable yet effective cleanser that contain niacinamide.
It contains ceramides which keep your lipid barrier healthy, hyaluronic acid which maintains hydration, and niacinamide, which repairs the skin.
Click here to see the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser on Amazon.
Best Niacinamide Toner for Armpits
1- Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
This formula effectively targets any stubborn dark patches of skin while maintaining a tight and more even skin tone.
The niacinamide, together with arbutin, vitamin C, and licorice extract strengthens the skin’s moisture barriers, maintains hydration, soothes the skin, and boosts the skin’s collagen production and usage.
Click here to see the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner on Amazon.
Best Niacinamide Moisturizer for Underarms
1- La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
This cream can be used for the hands, face, and body. It contains niacinamide, ceramides, and shea butter all of which hydrate, soothe and repair the skin while keeping it suitably hydrated. It should keep your underarms moisturized for 2 days.
Click here to check out the La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream on Amazon.
Related Articles:
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Sources:
1- Niacinamide: 10 Benefits for Skin, Topical or Supplement, Side Effects
2- Does Niacinamide Help With Hyperpigmentation? – Major Mag
3- Niacinamide Is the Brightening, Clearing Ingredient Derms Want You to Use
4- Niacinamide: everything you need to know about this super skin ingredient
