What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide (as used in skin care) is a topical form of Vitamin B-3 and an essential nutrient. It's also called Nicotinamide. Its first usage in skin care is dated back to the 1930s.
Niacinamide has been well studied for its ability to support a healthy functioning skin barrier and its benefits for acne and various types of inflammatory skin disorders. It helps reduce the effect of environmental damage and stress that may occur to the skin.
Benefits Of Niacinamide For Skin?
Niacinamide has been proven to benefit the skin after 2-12 weeks of regular usage.
- Acts as an antioxidant
Help protect against oxidative stress due to UV exposure, pollution and environmental toxins.
- Treats hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide has been shown to help reduce dark spots and blotchiness in the skin.
- Limits transepidermal water loss
Helps support the lipid (or ceramide) barrier of the skin, which will help limit moisture loss and improve overall skin hydration.
- Leads to increased dermal collagen
Clinical studies have shown that Niacinamide provides a significant boost to the skin proteins, including elastin and collagen, to reduce signs of aging
- Niacinamide is anti-acne
Helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Niacinamide also helps regulate oil production in the skin, which can help minimize breakouts.
- Helps reduce redness and blotchiness
Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness associated with eczema, acne and inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea.
- Helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores
How To Use Niacinamide On Your Skin?
Niacinamide is compatible with most other common skincare ingredients, including peptides, AHAs, retinol, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories.
An active percentage of between 2-5% should provide the desired benefit. It penetrates well into the skin and plays well with other common active ingredients. Higher percentages of Niacinamide may lead to increased side effects such as irritation.
Niacinamide is generally applied after cleansing the skin and before any moisturizer applications to optimize absorption. It is considered safe for daily use and can be applied as a part of a morning and evening skincare routine.
Niacinamide Skin Care Myths
Myth: Will cause the skin to flush (although, Nicotinic acid may cause flushing + irritation)
Myth: Niacinamide can darken skin
Myth: Niacinamide causes purging
Myth: Niacinamide cannot be combined with other ingredients
Myth: Niacinamide won't help with breakouts
Myth: Niacinamide provides over-night results