Niacinamide: What Is It And What Are The Benefits?

Do you include niacinamide in your skincare routine yet?

Niacinamide is a key skincare ingredient that has taken the beauty world by storm, having grown 399% in 2020 alone, but why? Well, because the skin benefits of niacinamide in skin care products are truly too good to pass up.

In this blog, we look into what niacinamide is, what it does, and ultimately why our skin needs it.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin b3 and an essential nutrient for our skin. It naturally occurs in food that we consume such as fish, meat, and eggs however, you can also apply it topically to the skin via skincare products. It penetrates the skin well to provide fantastic results. Not only does it have a ton of overall skin health benefits, but it also plays well with many other ingredients, and virtually anyone can use it.

The efficacious skincare ingredient is a major contributor to skin health and helps to replenish skin by strengthening the skin barrier, refining uneven skin tone, improving skin hydration, firmness, and repairing past skin damage. Topical niacinamide can also help treat certain skin conditions, including acne and eczema. But more on that later...

Niacinamide is water-soluble, which means you’ll find niacinamide in skincare products that are water-based rather than oil-based. Niacinamide is completely stable, highly unlikely to cause skin irritation, and has a neutral pH.

Niacinamide is also an antioxidant so if you've ever experienced sensitive skin from using vitamin C or other brightening formulas, this ingredient should really spike your interest.

What Are The Benefits?

I think we can all agree that niacinamide is definitely a real multi-tasker! So whether you suffer from rosacea, acne, pigmentation, or wrinkles; niacinamide will make a visible improvement. Niacinamide is useful in improving almost all major skin concerns. Here's how:

Improve skin's barrier Niacinamide boosts the skin barrier function by increasing ceramide production, helping to retain moisture, and keeping the skin hydrated. Keeping a healthy skin barrier is extremely important and beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema, dry, or mature skin. You can expect to smooth your overall skin texture, brighten, and hydrated skin.

Reduces redness Niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation which in turn may help reduce redness whether that be from rosacea, acne, pigmentation, or other inflammatory skin conditions.

Regulates sebum and oil production Clinical studies have shown how niacinamide was effective in reducing oil production in oily skin types by regulating the sebaceous glands.

Minimizes pore appearance You've probably heard that you can't shrink your pores however, with niacinamide, you can. Niacinamide is clinically proven to visibly tighten pores, reduce enlarged pores, and lessen orange peel skin. As sebum production is reduced, the appearance of pores is reduced too.

Protects against sun damage and oxidative stress As niacinamide is a natural antioxidant meaning that topical application helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as UV rays, pollution, and external toxins.

Targets pigmentation Niacinamide is very helpful in reducing skin pigment and brightening the complexion. Research has found that as little as 5% niacinamide can be effective in treating and lightening dark spots.

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles With continued use, niacinamide increases collagen production which helps rebuild healthy skin cells to improve skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles.

Treats acne-prone skin Niacinamide has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in order to target papules, pustules and reduce breakouts.

Are Skincare Products Better Than Eating Food High In Vitamin b3?

Of course, we would always recommend eating a varied and balanced diet to maintain a healthy body. However, there is no guarantee that the nutrients consumed will be used to improve your skin health. In fact, your skin is usually the last place to get any nutrients as your other organs are favoured first! The only way to ensure that niacinamide benefits you and your skincare concerns is by applying it topically in the form of a serum or moisturiser.

Who Should Use A Niacinamide Serum?

• Those who want to streamline their routine with an all-round multitasking ingredient

• Those who are looking for a gentle, non-irritating skin brightener

• Basically, all skin types! It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive types!

How Can I Incorporate Niacinamide Into My Routine?

Depending on the formula, you can use a niacinamide serum twice daily. It is gentle enough to be tolerated easily and no irritation will be caused.

Which Products Contain Niacinamide?

Skin Brightener: PCA Skin Vitamin b3 Brightening Serum

Moisturiser: PCA Skin Clearskin

Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF50

Cleanser: PCA Skin Pigment Bar

Facial Oil: ZENMED Omegaceramide+ Elixir In Oil

Things To Keep In Mind:

• It’s a myth that you can't use both vitamin C and niacinamide together in your skincare routine however, if you’re experiencing sensitivity, use one in the morning and one at night.

• Because some niacinamide benefits are longer-term projects (i.e. improve uneven skin tone, treating acne, and smoothing fine lines), you’ll need to be patient with these products to get the results you’re really looking for.

Hopefully, now you have all the information that you need to start incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine and how it will benefit you. If you need some further help regarding niacinamide or just general skin care advice then feel free to ask us! All the products featured above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct with free tracked delivery via Royal Mail. We can help with our expert advice and top tips making your skincare shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via [email protected], or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.