Why doctors do not recommend using niacinamide
Nov 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Doctors do not recommend using niacinamide if patients have risk factors such as allergy to niacinamide, sensitive or damaged skin, are taking medications with potential interactions, do not require niacinamide for their condition, or have underlying medical conditions; decisions should be made based on individual circumstances. If redness, swelling, itching, or other adverse reactions occur after self-administration, prompt medical attention is advised.
Doctors do not recommend the use of niacinamide in many cases, primarily due to risks such as potential allergy to niacinamide, sensitive or damaged skin, concurrent use of medications with possible interactions, conditions that do not require niacinamide treatment, or underlying health issues. Decisions should be made based on individual circumstances. If redness, itching, or other adverse reactions occur after self-administration, prompt medical consultation is advised.
1. Risk of niacinamide allergy: Some individuals are allergic to niacinamide. After application, they may experience allergic reactions such as skin redness, itching, or stinging. If a doctor identifies an allergic tendency through medical history or testing, they will advise against using niacinamide to prevent serious skin complications.
2. Sensitive or damaged skin: When the skin barrier is compromised, during acute dermatitis, or if open wounds are present, niacinamide may irritate the skin and worsen symptoms like redness and stinging. Doctors typically recommend repairing the skin barrier first and reassessing niacinamide use only after the skin condition has stabilized.
3. Potential drug interactions: Niacinamide may interact with certain medications, such as antihypertensives or antidiabetic drugs, potentially affecting efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects. After reviewing a patient’s medication history, doctors may advise against niacinamide to avoid harmful interactions.
4. Condition does not require niacinamide treatment: If a patient's skin issue or other medical condition can be effectively managed with basic skincare or safer alternative treatments, niacinamide is unnecessary. In such cases, doctors will prioritize recommending more appropriate solutions.
5. Presence of underlying medical conditions: In patients with severe liver disease, gout, or other chronic illnesses, niacinamide metabolism may increase organ burden or interfere with disease control. From a holistic health perspective, doctors generally recommend avoiding its use.
In daily life, individuals should select skincare products according to their specific skin condition, avoiding blind adoption of active ingredients simply because they are popular. Maintaining skin cleanliness and hydration, adhering to regular sleep patterns, eating a balanced diet, and enhancing the skin’s natural resilience and repair capacity are essential for healthy skin.
