Niacinamide vs. Azelaic Acid: Uncovering the Differences and Benefits of Each

Niacinamide helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and it can be used alongside other vitamins that do the same thing, like vitamins C and E. It is one of the nutrients that helps balance complexion too, and as such it can be used to minimize redness associated with conditions like acne. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores and regulates oil production, which is why it is often compared to other strong acne treatments like azelaic acid.

Understanding Niacinamide

While niacinamide is an important compound for treating eczema and other skin conditions, it is a lot more than just a topical medicine. It is also a B vitamin, specifically B3, and like many B-complex vitamins, it plays an important role in the brain, kidneys, and other major organs. Like vitamin B5 and B7, it also plays a big role in the production of keratin and other key compounds needed for hair, nail, and skin growth.

Deficiency can cause serious health complications, but it is also useful as a topical directly applied to the skin. Niacinamide helps with keratin production, and it also encourages the production of ceramides in the skin, which helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. Its role in keratin production makes it an important ingredient in hair serum for hair growth as well as in skincare products, too.

Exploring Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is one of a group of organic acids that are being explored for use in skincare. The entire group seems to help regulate infections and imbalances in one way or another, but it is still being explored. This compound has been in use for some time and it is well understood for its ability to regulate skin redness and reduce dark spots. That makes it useful for cosmetic purposes as well as for the treatment of conditions like acne that come with redness and irritation.

Like niacinamide products, azelaic acid cream helps regulate oil production and pore size, which helps treat acne. It has been shown to be effective in low doses for many patients, and for resistant forms of acne it is also available in prescription strengths. Over the counter products tend to be between 5% and 14% percent concentration, with prescription strength running from 15% to 25%.

Choosing an Acne Care Product

If you are weighing your options, it is worth noting that many skincare products combine both ingredients in low concentrations, so they are not mutually exclusive. That being said, high strength applications are more likely to have side effects if used in combination, so it is a good idea to consult your dermatologist before mixing them. If you are looking to choose one over the counter strength option, azelaic acid has very low side effects, and it is also less likely to be included in other products.

This consideration is important when weighing niacinamide vs. azelaic acid because overdoing your B vitamins can cause hair and skin issues too. If you are already taking B3 for other issues, it might not be the best choice for concentrated acne care. Keep that in mind as you choose your acne treatment.