Niacinamide is one of the most well-loved ingredients in skincare. Niacinamide benefits for skin are scientifically proven, and it’s almost universally effective across various skin types. Niacinamide can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine to address multiple skin concerns. But what does niacinamide serum do, and what is niacinamide good for? Who should use a niacinamide serum, is it right for you, and what are the biggest niacinamide skin benefits that routine users experience?
This post will answer those questions and more, exploring the many niacinamide benefits for skin and how it’s utilized as a safe and effective ingredient in a healthy skin regimen.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is found in various foods and is a common ingredient in several skincare products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums. Niacinamide is a multitasking nutrient that reduces inflammation, fights free radical damage, and helps balance moisture and oil production.
Niacinamide Benefits
Niacinamide is best known for its ability to shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. But this skincare nutrient is the ultimate multitasker and possesses numerous benefits for your skin.
Brightening: Niacinamide helps lighten skin and create a more even skin tone. It brightens skin and lightens hyperpigmentation by blocking the enzyme that produces melanin (pigment), including dark spots and sun damage. And it is gentler than other lightening agents commonly used in skincare products.
Anti-inflammatory: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a leading contributing factor to all kinds of skin woes, including acne and rosacea.
Oil and acne control: Niacinamide is especially popular among people who struggle with congested skin, frequent breakouts, and acne scars. While the causes of acne are varied and unique to each person, niacinamide helps clear and prevent acne by controlling oil and sebum production, a major source of breakouts.
Reduces fine lines: Niacinamide can increase the production of ceramides (lipids) that strengthen the skin barrier and prevent loss of hydration. When used consistently for eight to 12 weeks, niacinamide can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin texture: Niacinamide helps smooth skin texture by shrinking pores, preventing clogs, and maintaining hydration.
Antioxidants: Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that help fight off the effects of free radicals and environmental stressors, including UV rays, pollution, and lack of sleep.
Sun damage prevention: While niacinamide is not a replacement for sunscreen with SPF, it has been shown to help prevent damage caused by UV rays when combined with sun protection.
Boosts hydration: Niacinamide helps to prevent and reverse dehydration and excessive dryness. By restoring and strengthening the skin barrier, niacinamide can help your skin retain moisture and make your moisturizer more effective.
How to Use Niacinamide
Whether you struggle with acne, dry skin, or signs of aging, it’s easy to add niacinamide to your skincare routine and begin reaping the benefits.
Niacinamide can be used in the morning and the evening. Niacinamide can be used independently but is often an ingredient in cleansers, serums, or moisturizers. Your skincare routine should begin with cleansing and exfoliation, followed by applying toners and serums. Then, lock in hydration with a moisturizer. Finally, don’t skip sun protection. Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended to help protect against UV rays and prevent skin cancer.
Niacinamide is the ultimate team player; it is safe to use in combination with other active ingredients and helps them be more effective. Niacinamide is compatible with other popular skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, PHA, AHA, zinc, and more.
Is Niacinamide Safe for All Skin Types?
Niacinamide is exceptionally gentle and safe for all skin types. Even people with highly sensitive or dry skin and conditions like rosacea can benefit from using niacinamide. Irritation and adverse reactions are uncommon, and people with all skin types—oily, dry, mature, sensitive, or anything in-between—can safely use niacinamide.
The Bottom Line
Niacinamide is a unique form of vitamin B3. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that performs multiple skin-perfecting functions. Niacinamide restores and protects the skin, helping achieve balance for dry and oily skin types. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, fortifying the skin barrier against the elements, preventing breakouts, holding hydration, and improving the skin’s overall appearance.
Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient, safe for all skin types, and compatible with other active skincare ingredients. That’s why it’s an important ingredient in our results-driven SkinTherapyMD™ products, all of which are gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and non-GMO. Browse all of our powerful ingredients and shop our innovative product lines today.
References:
“Cosmeceuticals”, Edited by Zoe Diana Draelos, Third Edition, 2016
“The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here”, by Paula Begoun, First Edition, 2015