Last updated on: January 30, 2026
If you’ve ever stared at the mirror and wished your pores would magically disappear, trust me — I’ve been there too. I’ve tried pore strips, clay masks, ice cubes, and way too many filters to count. But nothing ever gave me that smooth, blurred look… at least not for real.
Then I kept seeing dermatologists and beauty lovers raving about niacinamide. This tiny skincare ingredient is everywhere — TikTok, Instagram, every shelf at Target and Ulta. So I finally thought, Why not me? What if this serum could help me feel confident in my bare skin again?
So I committed: 30 days of niacinamide, twice a day. And wow… I was not ready for the results.
Let me take you through everything — what niacinamide is, why pores get big in the first place, and exactly what changed in my skin week by week.
So, What Even Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is just a fancy name for Vitamin B3 — something your skin actually loves. It’s gentle, it doesn’t sting like retinol, and it works on so many skin concerns like:
-
Big, noticeable pores
-
Oily T-zone
-
Breakouts and redness
-
Uneven skin tone
-
Aging and fine lines
-
Weak, dehydrated skin barrier
You don’t have to be a skincare pro to use it. It fits into most routines easily, and it’s safe for almost every skin type — especially if you get shiny fast or struggle with texture.
Why Do Our Pores Look Huge?
If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to have naturally smooth skin while others (like me!) deal with moon-crater pores, here’s the truth:
-
Genetics — Yay, thanks mom and dad!
-
Excess oil — Pores stretch when they’re full
-
Aging — Collagen drops, skin sags
-
Sun damage — Makes pores appear bigger
-
Clogged skin — Makeup and dirt build up
-
Stress + hormones — The root of all skin chaos
Pores never “close” — but niacinamide helps them look tighter by strengthening the pore walls and reducing oil.
That’s what made me excited to try it.
My 30-Day Niacinamide Experiment Setup
Here’s what my skin looked like before:
✔ Combination skin — oily around my nose
✔ Visible pores on cheeks
✔ Rough texture
✔ Makeup creasing by mid-day
I used a simple niacinamide serum — 10% strength, lightweight texture. Nothing fancy or pricey.
How I used it:
-
Morning: Cleanser → Niacinamide → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
-
Night: Double cleanse → Niacinamide → Moisturizer
I kept everything else gentle so the results would be real and obvious.
The Real Results: Week-by-Week Diary
Week 1 — Small Start, But Skin Felt Different
The first few days, I noticed my skin feeling smoother. The shine on my nose calmed down, especially during the day. No irritation — no stinging, no purging. My makeup wasn’t melting off by lunchtime. That boost alone made me want to keep going.
Week 2 — “Wait… Are Those My Pores?”
Around day 10, I kept checking the mirror because something looked different. The pores near my nose? Less noticeable. My face looked slightly blurred, like a soft-focus filter.
Also:
-
Less redness around my chin
-
Blackheads looked lighter
-
More even skin tone
I couldn’t stop touching my face — I know, no one should — but it just felt so soft.
Week 3 — Texture Turnaround
By now, I felt confident enough to wear less foundation. My skin had this natural glow that made me look more awake and healthy.
My pores?
Visibly smaller — almost like they tightened inward.
Even my best friend asked what highlighter I was using… and I was wearing NONE.
Week 4 — Full Transformation
This is where I got honestly shocked.
-
My cheeks looked smooth and firm
-
The pores I hated for YEARS… looked much lighter
-
Oil was under control even after a long day
-
My skin barrier felt stronger and plumper
The biggest win: confidence without makeup.
I actually started loving seeing my bare skin in the mirror — and that felt amazing.
Okay, But How Does Niacinamide Work? (The Simple Science)
Niacinamide does a few powerful things at once:
Tightens pore lining → so they don’t stretch
Reduces oil → stops pores from filling up
Strengthens skin barrier → locks in hydration
Boosts natural radiance
Calms redness and sensitivity
It’s like the ultimate multitasker — the best friend your skin didn’t know it needed.
How To Use Niacinamide So It Actually Works
Follow these tips for the best results:
Use once or twice daily
Cleanse first — it absorbs better
Layer before moisturizer
Stick to 2–10% strength
Always wear sunscreen in the morning
What niacinamide loves:
-
Hyaluronic acid
-
Peptides
-
Zinc
-
Vitamin B5
What to be careful mixing:
-
Very strong acids (they can lower the pH and cause irritation)
If your skin is sensitive, start slow — every other night.
Who Should Try Niacinamide?
-
If you have oily, shiny skin
-
If you see visible pores
-
If you breakout or have textured cheeks
-
If your skin barrier needs some love
-
If you want a smoother canvas for makeup
It’s also pregnancy-safe and great for teens too.
Basically — it’s for anyone who wants better skin without harsh products.
My Favorite Product Suggestions
(Just based on personal love and popularity)
Budget-friendly picks
-
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
-
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol + Niacinamide Serum
-
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
Mid–High range
-
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
-
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops
-
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Serum (with niacinamide)
Choose what feels right for your skin and wallet — the magic is in consistency.
Final Thoughts — Is Niacinamide Worth the Hype?
Before this experiment, my pores were one of my biggest insecurities. They made me feel like I always needed makeup to look “polished.” But after 30 days:
Pores smaller
Texture smoother
Shine controlled
Breakouts calmer
Skin stronger and glowing
Yes — niacinamide completely earned its spot in my daily routine.
If you’re tired of searching for a pore solution, or if you just want your skin to feel healthy and confident again, niacinamide is definitely worth trying. No pain, no irritation — just real improvement.
And trust me… seeing your own pores shrink?
It’s the best kind of beauty thrill.
