What is Niacinamide?

When it comes to achieving healthy and radiant skin, it's essential to understand the key ingredients that can make a real difference. One such ingredient that has been gaining popularity in the beauty industry in recent years is Niacinamide. But what exactly is Niacinamide and is it actually worth the hype?

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is found naturally in various foods, such as meat, fish, and green vegetables. However, in recent years, it has become a vital component in many skincare products due to its remarkable benefits for the skin.

The power of Niacinamide lies in its ability to address multiple skin concerns. Whether you're struggling with acne, visible signs of aging, uneven skin tone or sensitivity and redness, Niacinamide can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. Its versatility and compatibility with various skin types make it a go-to ingredient for individuals seeking a holistic skincare solution.

But why is Niacinamide so effective, and how does it work?

The Benefits of Niacinamide for Your Skin

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to skin health. Its numerous benefits make it a must-have in any skincare routine. Let's delve into the specific ways in which Niacinamide can transform your skin.

1. Supports the skin’s natural barrier function

The outermost layer of our skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a protective shield against external aggressors, environmental pollution, UV radiation and moisture loss. Therefore, an efficient and resilient skin barrier helps to protect our skin against external environmental damage and maintains optimal hydration.

When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to a whole host of skin issues, such as dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Niacinamide has the ability to strengthen the skin’s barrier. It does so through its ability to boost elastin, collagen and ceramide levels. (Ceramides are essential lipids that seal moisture within the skin).

A strong, intact skin barrier means your skin is better equipped to retain moisture, keeping it hydrated, therefore improving overall texture and plumpness. A strong barrier also helps to prevent toxins and irritants from penetrating the skin, reducing the risk of inflammation and sensitivity.

So the end result is more hydrated and healthier overall skin which is more resilient to everyday wear and tear.

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits

One of the standout benefits of Niacinamide is its ability to reduce redness and inflammation, through its potent and anti-inflammatory action. This makes it ideal for calming irritated and sensitive skin, meaning that whether you struggle with acne, rosacea, or general redness, Niacinamide can help bring relief and restore balance to your complexion.

It is also a powerful anti-oxidant, meaning that it can help reduce the activity of harmful free radicals and neutralize the damaging effects of oxidative stress – processes which play an integral role in cellular damage and accelerated aging.

3. Improves oiliness and calms acne-prone skin

Niacinamide has the ability to regulate sebum production which is often a contributing factor to acne, breakouts and blemishes.

Through its ability to regulate oil production, it can subsequently improve the overall appearance of the skin by controlling the appearance of oiliness and the visibility of pores.
This, in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties, can help to alleviate the inflammation associated with acne, promoting a faster healing process. Thus potentiating the benefits of Niacinamide use.

4. Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Niacinamide has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production – essential proteins which are responsible for the structure, elasticity and firmness of our skin. By improving skin elasticity, texture and plumpness, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the overall quality of the skin, are markedly improved.

5. Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide plays a role in the reduction of hyperpigmentation and therefore is able to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. It does so though its inhibitory action of melanosomes. Melanosomes are tiny cellular structures which are produced by melanocytes (the cells which produce pigment) and are used to store and transport melanin from the melanocytes them to the skin cells. Although melanin is the naturally-occurring pigment which is responsible for our skin and hair colour, if its production is unregulated, excessive or uneven, this can lead to the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, uneven tone, hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory skin changes.

How to use Niacinamide

With its increasing popularity, there are countless options available on the market, so when it comes to incorporating Niacinamide into your skincare routine, finding the right product is key.

We have included some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Niacinamide use, and with them, some useful tips to help you choose the best Niacinamide product for your skin and to help guide you on how to use this ingredient as effectively as possible.

What is the ideal concentration or strength of Niacinamide?

The optimal concentration of niacinamide in skincare products typically ranges between 2-10%. This range has been shown to provide significant benefits while at the same time minimising irritation or unwanted side effects. For those with very sensitive skintypes, I would recommend starting low and building up in strength.

What is the ideal formulation of Niacinamide?

Niacinamide has the benefit of being available in various formulations, such as toners, serums and creams. Although this can seem a bit overwhelming, it actually means that you can take advantage of the wonderful versatility of this ingredient and choose the format that best slots into your personal skin care routine.

For example – if you’re inundated with serums, it may be useful to use it as a toner instead. If your skin is oily and you hate the feel of heavy products, opt for a light-weight serum. Conversely, if your skin feels dry, sensitive and tight, you might relish in applying Niacinamide in the form of a nourishing cream or lotion. The choice of formulation can truly be customized and tailored to your individual skin type and skin concerns.

Is Niacinamide safe for sensitive skin?

One of the wonderful qualities of Niacinamide is the fact that it is generally very well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. In fact, it is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive, reactive or rosacea prone skin.

However, as with any new skincare product, it is always recommended to perform a patch test before introducing it to your entire face to ensure that you do not have any adverse reactions.

Although reactions to Niacinamide are not often seen, there have been reports of worsening redness and increased sensitivity due to its use. Aside from this potentially being an allergic reaction to the Niacinamide itself (which is rare but not impossible), this could actually represent an intolerance or allergy to one of the ingredients or preservatives mixed in with the Niacinamide or it could be the result of using too concentrated a product.

So if your skin is on the sensitive side, I suggest starting at a lower concentration and building up from there.

How often should niacinamide be applied?

For best results, niacinamide should be used consistently as part of your daily skincare routine.
Depending on the formulation used it can be incorporated safely into either or both of your morning and evening routines. Start by applying a small amount of product onto clean, dry skin and gently massage it in until fully absorbed. Follow up with your regular moisturizer or sunscreen.

Remember, consistency and patience is key when it comes to seeing benefits from a skincare ingredient. Results tend to not be immediate, so its important to stick to your routine and allow your skin time to adjust and reap the benefits.

Can Niacinamide be combined with other skin care ingredients?

Absolutely yes!

In fact, as we delve into the world of skincare, it becomes evident that the power of great ingredients lies not only in their individual properties but also in their ability to work synergistically with other ingredients. When it comes to Niacinamide, this is no exception. This versatile ingredient can safely and effectively be combined with a variety of other skincare superheroes to enhance its benefits and create a winning combination for your skin.

One such powerful combination is Niacinamide and Vitamin C. Niacinamide helps to improve the skin's barrier function and reduce inflammation, while vitamin C brightens the complexion and provides antioxidant protection against free radicals. When used together, these two ingredients can amplify each other's effects, giving your skin a radiant and youthful glow, and giving you skin that is resilient and protected against the outside environment.

Another complementary ingredient to consider is Hyaluronic Acid. Known for its incredible ability to retain moisture, Hyaluronic Acid keeps the skin hydrated and plump. By combining it with Niacinamide, you can achieve not only well-hydrated skin but also enjoy the benefits of reduced redness, improved elasticity, and diminished fine lines. The two ingredients together offer a gentle but super powerful boost to optimizing your skin barrier.

If you have acne-prone skin, considering incorporating Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid can prove to be a game-changer. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, has exfoliating properties that help unclog pores and treat acne. When combined with niacinamide, you can tackle breakouts while also reducing inflammation and soothing the skin.

Similarly, you can add Niacinamide to a routine containing Retinoids if you’re hoping to improve the appearance of fine, lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone and texture. In fact, the soothing and hydrating properties of Niacinamide can help balance out some of the more irritating and drying side-effects of your Retinoids.

Finally, Niacinamide can be gentle but effective addition to your anti-hyperpigmentation regime.

In conclusion…

The power of niacinamide lies in its ability to fortify the skin's natural barrier, combat inflammation and oxidative stress, and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

It has proved itself to be a true skincare hero that offers a multitude of benefits for your skin. Its versatile nature, versatility and tolerability allows it to be combined with other powerhouse ingredients, amplifying its effects and providing a winning combination. Whether you're looking to reduce redness, fight acne, or achieve a radiant, even-toned and youthful complexion, considering niacinamide as part of your skincare routine can be a game-changer. So why wait? Embrace the power of niacinamide and unlock the true potential of your skin.