Finding a skincare product that truly addresses multiple issues can seem impossible. But there's one ingredient that keeps proving itself time and time again: niacinamide serum. It's loved for a reason it controls excess oil, tightens pores, soothes irritation, and helps strengthen your skin's natural layer, leaving your face feeling fresh and healthy every day.
If you're dreaming of clear, glowing, and soft skin, here's how to use it correctly, and how choosing a gentle, balanced formula like Lilymin can transform your routine.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. When we discuss niacinamide serum, we're referring to a concentrated, water-based treatment designed to deliver this vital nutrient directly to your skin cells.
Its role is to act as a cell messenger. It stimulates your skin cells to function better, helping them produce strong protective proteins (like keratin) and essential lipids (like ceramides). This ability to normalize and strengthen skin function is the basis for all of its amazing benefits. It's stable, gentle, and effective for almost everyone.
The Power of Niacinamide Serum: 5 Key Benefits
A good niacinamide serum is a multi-tasking product, addressing several common skins concerns simultaneously.
a. Visibly Minimizes Pores
The appearance of large pores is usually caused by excess oil clogging the pore walls. Niacinamide helps regulate and normalize the amount of sebum (oil) produced by your skin. When oil production is balanced, pores are less clogged and appear visibly smaller and denser.
B. Builds a Strong Skin Barrier
The skin barrier keeps good things (moisture) in and bad things (pollutants, irritants) out. Niacinamide dramatically increases the production of ceramides, the cement that holds your skin cells together. A stronger barrier means your skin will be less sensitive, less red, and better hydrated.
C. Fades Dark Spots and Brightens Skin
If you're struggling with sunspots, age spots, or dark marks caused by old acne (hyperpigmentation), niacinamide serum is extremely effective. It works by preventing the transfer of pigment to the surface cells of your skin, thereby brightening your overall complexion and helping existing dark areas lighten over time.
D. Reduces Redness and Soothes Skin
Niacinamide has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it excellent for calming common facial redness and irritation associated with acne or sensitive skin, resulting in an even and calm complexion.
E. Fights Signs of Aging
As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radical damage that breaks down collagen and elastin (the cause of wrinkles). By protecting cells and promoting collagen production, regular use of niacinamide serum helps keep skin firm, soft, and youthful.
Why Lilymin's Formula Is Excellent
Lilymin offers a perfectly balanced product:ย Pore Refining Serum 10% Niacinamide with Rose and Water Lily Extract.
Lilymin uses 10% niacinamide, which is clinically proven to be highly effective for oil control and pore minimization.
Water lily extract soothes the skin, ensuring the powerful 10% niacinamide works without causing irritation or dryness. This thoughtful combination guarantees you get the maximum benefit from the niacinamide serum while keeping your skin comfortable and nourished.
How to Use Niacinamide Serum
This is a lightweight, water-based serum, so it's best applied early, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Cleansing: Wash your face thoroughly.
Apply Serum: Apply 2 to 3 drops of your Serum. Gently pat and press it onto your face and neck.
- Wait: Wait about a minute for it to fully absorb.
- Moisturize: Apply your regular face cream to preserve the serum's properties.
- Protection (Morning Only): Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.
Morning Routine
- Best for Oil Control and Shine
- Niacinamide works best in the morning because it balances your skin throughout the day.
How to use in the morning:
- Cleanse your face.
- Apply 2-3 drops of niacinamide serum.
- Let it absorb for 1 minute.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Apply SPF 50 sunscreen (very important).
Morning benefits:
- Controls excess oil during the day
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Protects skin from pollution
- Keeps skin calm and refreshed
- Nighttime routine (evening) best for repairing and strengthening skin layers
- Nighttime is your skin's repair time, so niacinamide works deeply.
How to use at night:
- Cleanse
- Apply niacinamide serum.
- Follow with moisturizer or night cream.
- Nighttime benefits:
- Repairs skin's lining
- Fades dark spots
- Reduces redness
- Helps acne heal faster
- Increases acne smoothness
How often to use:
- Normal skin: Twice a day (morning and evening)
- Oily skin: Twice a day for optimal oil control
- Sensitive skin: Start with nighttime use 3 times a week, then increase
- Acne-prone skin: Morning and evening for fastest results
When to use:
You can use Lilymin Niacinamide Serum both morning and night. It protects against pollution during the day and works to repair and rebuild pores at night.
Who can use it and how to avoid irritation
It's especially beneficial for those with oily or combination skin (to control oil/pores).
- Acne-prone skin (to reduce inflammation).
- Sensitive skin (to strengthen blood vessels).
- Mature skin (to prevent aging and retain moisture).
Niacinamide is very safe, but highly concentrated formulas (such as 10%) can sometimes cause temporary, mild redness or irritation when first used.
Solution: If your skin is sensitive, start using a niacinamide serum only 3 times a week at night. As your skin gets used to its potency, gradually increase its use to daily.
Combination with other ingredients
Niacinamide is a great companion
With retinol: It's a great companion. Niacinamide reduces dryness and irritation caused by retinol, making your powerful anti-aging treatment even more comfortable.
With Vitamin C: Together, these two are excellent for antioxidant protection and enhanced radiance. Use them in the morning or use them separately (vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide in the evening).
Conclusion
This is brilliant science in a bottle. It offers a clear and effective way to address many skin concerns while keeping your skin healthy.
By choosing a high-quality product like Lilymin Pore Refining Serum 10% Niacinamide, you're giving your skin the tools it needs to minimize visible pores, balance oil, reduce dark spots, and maintain a firmer complexion. Commit to using it consistently, and watch your skin become smoother, calmer, and truly radiant.
Can I use niacinamide serum with retinol?
Yes, this is a powerful combination Niacinamide helps prevent dryness and irritation from retinol by strengthening the skin's layer. Apply niacinamide serum first, then your retinol, to create a protective buffer.
How long does it take to see results from niacinamide serum?
Be patient and use consistently. You may notice reduced oiliness and redness within 2-4 weeks. More dramatic improvements in pore size, texture, and lightening of dark spots usually occur within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent, daily use.
Does niacinamide serum cause acne?
No, not usually. Acne breakouts are caused by ingredients that accelerate cell renewal (like retinol or acids). Niacinamide controls and soothes. If you experience acne breakouts, it could be due to irritation from excessive or frequent use or a reaction to another ingredient in the product.
Can niacinamide serum replace my moisturizer?
No. A serum is a treatment designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. Moisturizer is necessary to seal the serum, protect the outer layer of skin, and prevent water from escaping. Always apply moisturizer after niacinamide serum.
