Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients around, helping with tone, pores, oil and the skin barrier. It's also generally gentle. But should you use it straight after microneedling? Here's how to fit niacinamide into your routine.
The short answer: niacinamide pairs well with microneedling as part of your routine, but it's best to skip it on the day of a session. Reintroduce it after about 48 hours, once your skin is calm. Choose a lower strength, around 2% to 5%, as higher strengths are more likely to cause flushing on freshly needled skin.
What niacinamide does
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In skincare, it's used to:
- help skin tone look more even
- support the skin barrier
- help pores look smaller and balance oil
- calm the look of redness
It's well studied and generally well tolerated, which is why it's in so many products.
Why wait after microneedling?
Although niacinamide is gentle, some people experience flushing, tingling or stinging with it, especially at higher strengths. Freshly microneedled skin absorbs products more readily, which can make this more likely. Waiting a couple of days lets your skin settle first.
Timing guide
| When | Niacinamide? |
|---|---|
| The days before | Yes, as normal |
| Session day | No. Hyaluronic acid and moisturiser only |
| Day 1 | No |
| Day 2 onwards | Yes, if skin is calm. Start with a small amount. |
For nanoneedling, you can often reintroduce it the next day if your skin is calm.
Choosing the right strength
- 2% to 5%: gentle and effective for most people, ideal around microneedling
- 10% and above: more likely to cause flushing; best kept for well-settled skin, if at all
Niacinamide with other ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid: pairs well
- Peptides: pairs well
- Retinol: pairs well, and can help offset some of retinol's dryness
- Vitamin C: can be used together by most people, though some prefer to use them at different times of day
Who benefits most
- Oily or combination skin focused on pores and shine. See microneedling for oily skin.
- Uneven tone or dark spots. See microneedling for dark spots.
- Skin that needs barrier support.
Planning your routine with Olapen
With Olapen sessions spaced weeks apart, it's easy to keep niacinamide in your routine most of the time. See microneedling with retinol, vitamin C and acids for timings for other actives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use niacinamide after microneedling?
Yes, from around 48 hours afterwards, once skin is calm.
Can I use niacinamide as a glide?
No. Use plain hyaluronic acid.
Why does niacinamide make my skin red?
Some people flush with it, especially at higher strengths. Try a lower strength.
What strength is best?
Around 2% to 5% for most people.
Can I use niacinamide and retinol together?
Yes, once your skin has settled after microneedling.
The bottom line
Niacinamide is a great everyday partner to microneedling. Skip it on session day, bring it back after about 48 hours, choose a gentle strength, and enjoy its tone, pore and barrier benefits the rest of the time.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.