Niacinamide Skincare (Vitamin B3) - Know the Benefits

Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3 is a popular skincare ingredient that has gained considerable traction within the skin care and beauty community in recent years.

Known for its versatile application and visible results, niacinamide is a common ingredient in anti-aging creams and serums and can be used alongside more potent substances like retinol and benzoyl peroxide. 

The multifunctional use of vitamin B3 means that it is used to treat a wide range of skin concerns from fine lines and wrinkles, through to moisturising and hydration. In this article, we’ll look at the role that B3 plays in enhancing skin hydration, reducing redness and inflammation, and treating common skin problems such as hyperpigmentation.

 

Table of Contents

• What is Niacinamide?

• Benefits of Niacinamide for skin

o   Treating inflammation

o   Reducing pores and regulating oil production

o   Brightens skin tone

o   Treatment of hyperpigmentation

o   Anti-aging benefits

o   Protective properties

• How to incorporate Niacinamide into your skincare routine
• Niacinamide side effects & safety considerations

 

 

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is found in food, dietary supplements, medication, and cosmetic products. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that is not naturally produced in the body, hence why it is a featured ingredient in so many skincare, medical and food products.

Niacinamide helps to build essential proteins in the skin such as keratin and offers a layer of environmental protection against pollution and UV rays which can damage the skin and lead to premature ageing.

Today, incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine is simple due to its widespread use across a range of skincare products and brands. Niacinamide is an active (albeit gentle) ingredient in moisturisers, serums, toners, face masks, and many other products that make it easy to incorporate it into any skincare routine.

 

Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin 

Niacinamide offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing addition to most skin care routines. Whether that means used as a standalone ingredient, or as an ingredient in products used to treat other, more specific skin conditions, niacinamide’s benefits include:

• Treating inflammation - 
  Niacinamide is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties which make it so effective for soothing irritated or red skin. For those that are fighting common skin conditions such as acne or rosacea, niacinamide is certainly worth trying. 

• Reducing pores and regulating oil production - 
  Niacinamide effectively regulates the production of sebum which helps to control oily skin and reduce the appearance of pores on the skin’s surface.

• Brightens skin tone - 
  Niacinamide works to inhibit the transfer of pigment within the skin which can effectively lighten skin, even out dark spots, and create a brighter and more radiant skin tone. For those looking to reduce ‘dullness’ and improve the overall brightness, niacinamide is a worthy addition to your skincare routine. 

• Treatment of hyperpigmentation - 
  Niacinamide can effectively treat hyperpigmentation and melasma by reducing melanosome transfer in the skin. In doing so, niacinamide effectively helps to fade dark spots on the skin, even out pigmentation, and contribute to a more uniform skin tone. 

• Anti-aging benefits - 
  Niacinamide is well known for its anti-aging benefits. Vitamin B3 can effectively stimulate collagen and epidermal protein synthesis which can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around sensitive spots which can contribute to an ‘aged’ appearance. 

• Protective properties - 
  As an antioxidant, niacinamide is an effective ingredient to protect the skin from environmental damage, pollution, and harsh UV rays. Niacinamide converts into coenzymes that effectively fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress to effectively aid in the repair of damage and preserve skin health.

 

How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into your Skincare Routine 

If you’re looking to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine, then you don’t have to look too far. Niacinamide can be found in a range of serums, moisturisers, and face masks. To ensure that you are using niacinamide effectively and reaping all of its rewards, it’s a good idea to apply niacinamide after cleansing and toning the skin, ensuring that you are using it both day and night, and opting for products that have a niacinamide concentration of no greater than 5% to reduce the risk of irritation.

 

Niacinamide Side Effects & Safety Considerations

So then, plenty to love about niacinamide and some very good reasons that it should become part of your skincare routine, but what about any potential drawbacks or safety considerations with niacinamide skincare products?

Niacinamide is one skincare ingredient that is widely used because it is known to ‘play nice’ with so many other common ingredients. As a result, you can layer niacinamide in the same routine with retinol, vitamin C, and a range of other active ingredients. As always, you should consult with a skin care professional before making dramatic changes to your skin care routine. While niacinamide is known as a ‘hero’ ingredient because of its diverse application, it’s important for individuals to consider their unique skin conditions before adding niacinamide to the mix.

Niacinamide is one of the most versatile and easy-to-incorporate skincare ingredients on the market. Its wide usage and safety profile means that it is favourable for most skin types. Just like any skincare products, it’s important that you pay close attention to your skin’s response and be sure to adjust your dosage accordingly for any adverse reactions.

 

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