As a plastic surgeon, I see a lot of buzzworthy ingredients come and go. But niacinamide has quietly held its ground for good reason. It is one of the few actives I consistently recommend across nearly all skin types. The study from Dermatologic Surgery showing improvements in elasticity and fine lines with 5 percent niacinamide over 12 weeks aligns with what I have seen clinically. While the changes are not dramatic overnight, they are meaningful especially for patients looking to reduce redness, smooth uneven tone, and support their skin barrier over time. Niacinamide also helps regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of pores. That said, "pore shrinking" is a bit of a myth. It is more about smoothing the surrounding skin and reducing inflammation, which makes pores look less noticeable. It is incredibly well tolerated, which is part of its strength. I typically recommend patients apply it once or twice daily, after cleansing and before heavier serums or moisturizers. It layers well with retinoids and vitamin C, and unlike many active ingredients, it rarely causes irritation. The only caveat: more is not better. When people start stacking too many actives (exfoliants, acids, high strength vitamin C, etc) niacinamide can get lost in the noise or become part of an irritating routine. Simplicity wins. Overall, niacinamide is a reliable, evidence backed option for improving skin texture, tone, and resilience. I would not call it a miracle, but it is absolutely a staple.