What Is Niacinamide And What Are Its Skincare Benefits?

In the overflowing world of skin and beauty products, there are always buzz words constantly used and a new “it” ingredient appearing in almost every product out there. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of them. Much like many on-trend ingredients there is a long-standing history within the professional beauty world having been used in dermatologists offices for many decades.

Certainly reassuring to know the professionals are a fan, but you won’t be blamed for not really understanding what niacinamide actually is? Or what are the skin benefits of using it, this is why we are here to clear a few things up a bit.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and has been scientifically proven to help with acne, rosacea and pigmentation concerns as well as signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. Your skin is in constant need for niacinamide to maintain a healthy state and can’t produce the ingredient naturally. Taking supplements or using niacinamide enriched skincare products that are topically applied to the skin will give long-standing result to a healthy and happier skin which can be found by all skin types and ages.

What skin benefits does niacinamide have?

It would be easier to list the skincare benefits that niacinamide does not deliver. It is no wonder how the popularity of this ingredient is unwavering within the industry by experts and beauty fans combined. Here are some benefits you can expect from using niacinamide.

Niacinamide benefits for skin:

• Niacinamide protects the skin from environmental damage
• Niacinamide helps with the production of collagen
• Niacinamide helps with the production of hyaluronic acid found naturally in the skin
• Niacinamide helps improve hydration of the skin
• Niacinamide reduces the signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles
• Niacinamide manages acne and breakouts
• Niacinamide diminishes enlarges pores
• Niacinamide can help lighten any areas of pigmentation to the skin

Pretty impressive don’t you think? Niacinamide is the master of skin multitasking and can be used as a stand-alone ingredient in your skincare routine, but it is also very compatible with other actives and can be introduced easily into your routine without any worry of irritation, reactions or other concerns.

You may also be interested to know that niacinamide works as a cell-communicating ingredient, which basically means it is able to speak to different cells in the body and tell them to make younger, healthier cells. That teamed with the powerful antioxidant properties of niacinamide with the ability to protect and generate other molecules for the skin you have yourself a very powerful skin-enhancing ingredient.

Can niacinamide be used by all skin types?

Yes, it can, taking into consideration which skin type you have may help you introducing niacinamide into your skincare routine. It has been added to many various products throughout the skincare collective.

For an oily, blemish-prone skin type, light gel cleanser and face wash would be the best option for you to use. This allows the niacinamide to work its magic without causing any imbalance to the skin’s protective barrier. For a dry skin opting for a moisturiser or serum as they remain of the skin for a longer amount of time and will result in hydration and moisture being locked into a parched face, restoring comfort and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Aside from the products to choose from that work best for your skin type you will find that niacinamide on its own can work at targeting any areas of concern you or your skin may have, with its pinpoint accuracy it can deliver fast and impressive results.

When should I use niacinamide?

Niacinamide is an all-rounder, and as previously mentioned is tolerated by almost everyone, no matter your age and skin type. The featherweight texture of niacinamide means it can absorb into the skin in rapid time and can be used every day, during a morning and evening routine without any signs of irritation. Unlike other skin ingredients such as retinol, you do not have to worry about the skin lacking in some tolerance to this powerful vitamin and it’s remarkable just how easy it is to slot into your already existing skincare routine.

How often should I use niacinamide?

As often as you wish, you are now aware that niacinamide is safe to use on a daily basis, but everyone’s routines are different and it is considered a good idea amongst skincare fans that creating your own cocktail of ingredients to target different areas of the skin and concerns on alternating days. 

What are the side effects of niacinamide?

When using niacinamide topically on the skin you may find have these side effects:

• Mild burning
• Itching
• Redness to the skin

There are a number of precautions to remember when using niacinamide. For pregnancy and breastfeeding it is considered safe to use, but as always, we recommend you seek the advice of a GP or medical professional.

How long does it take for niacinamide to work?

You can see some results almost instantly, the face will look plumped and younger with the help of the boost of hydration to the skin. When shopping for a niacinamide enriched product it is best to look for no less than 5% in the ingredients list as this is the percentage that can show results after 8-12 weeks without causing irritation. Higher levels of niacinamide are available but are usually formulated for specific areas and can be slightly too harsh and become irritating.

Another benefit of niacinamide is its capability to work in conjunction with other ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs, by teaming these potent skin-saving substances together you will find your skin is looking more radiant, noticeably younger-looking skin with a smoother and even looking overall complexion.

It is no wonder how and why niacinamide has remained so popular throughout the decades of its use with skin care professionals and clued up beauty fans. I wouldn’t blame you for feeling frustrated about not knowing more about the countless skin benefits of niacinamide sooner. Now, excuse us whilst we dash to stock up!