Niacinamide as a skincare ingredient is definitely worth your attention. Your skin will thank you for it. Along with other great ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, niacinamide really stands out. Especially because it’s such a versatile ingredient, it can be used for almost any skin concern and skin type. This probably isn’t news to most people, but for those who don’t know yet, we always rely on scientific research for ingredients. The research on niacinamide for skin unanimously shows just how special it is. New studies also continue to show that it’s one of the most exciting ingredients in skincare.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 and nicotamide. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which interacts with substances naturally present in the skin. It visibly reduces and shrinks enlarged pores, smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, improves uneven skin tone, restores radiance to dull skin and strengthens the natural skin barrier.
As niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, it also reduces the impact of harmful environmental influences. It also helps repair previous skin damage. This leaves the skin looking younger and more radiant.
Why should you take niacinamide?
In case you’re still wondering: what does niacinamide actually do? We’re pretty impressed with what niacinamide can do for your skin when it’s incorporated into products like toners, serums, and high-strength leave-on treatments. Niacinamide works well with everything in your skincare routine, including products containing retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and all types of antioxidants.
Feel free to include several products containing niacinamide in your routine. This will not cause sensitivity or irritation, as vitamin B is well tolerated by all skin types. Niacinamide is even suitable for those who suffer from sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Another benefit of niacinamide/vitamin B3 for the skin is that it helps to renew and repair the skin's surface. It also prevents moisture loss and therefore dehydration of the skin, because it stimulates the natural production of ceramides. And ceramides, in turn, strengthen the skin. A lack of ceramides leaves the skin vulnerable and can cause all sorts of skin problems, such as dry, flaky or very sensitive skin.
If you suffer from dry skin, you can use niacinamide to boost the moisturizing properties of day and night creams. This helps prevent dry, tight skin. Niacinamide pairs well with many moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, unscented vegetable oils, cholesterol, sodium PCA, and sodium hyaluronate.
So what does niacinamide do to your pores?
Good question, although the answer to this question is not entirely certain. In fact, research has not yet fully established how exactly vitamin B works to reduce the appearance of pores, but... it works! It seems that niacinamide works primarily inside the pores. It prevents dirt from building up there, preventing clogged pores and rough, bumpy skin. If a pore becomes clogged, it will be stretched and you will have enlarged pores. By helping the skin behave normally again, the pores can return to their original size. Sun damage can also cause enlarged pores. This can lead to what is known as orange peel skin.
For those wondering what niacinamide does for pimples, we have good news: Research has shown that a concentration of 2% or higher is already effective in fighting the spots (redness) after pimples. Skin care products containing niacinamide are therefore a good choice for those with acne-prone skin.
How does niacinamide help with discoloration and uneven skin tone?
Both of these issues are caused by excess melanin (skin pigment) on the skin's surface. Niacinamide products, which come in a 5% concentration, target different processes to prevent new discolorations. At the same time, this ingredient helps fade existing discolorations, so your skin looks more even. Niacinamide and other anti-discoloration ingredients work well together, such as all forms of vitamin C, licorice, retinol, and bakuchiol.
How do you use niacinamide?
Using niacinamide is very simple: choose well-formulated skin care products that contain niacinamide along with other ingredients that are good for your skin, such as antioxidants and skin-nourishing and repairing ingredients.
It’s important to use multiple ingredients in your skincare because while niacinamide is an impressive ingredient, it’s not the only one your skin needs to feel and look its best. Think of it like your diet: Kale may be healthy, but you’ll quickly become malnourished if you only eat kale. Your body needs more than one type of healthy food. The same goes for your skin, which is your body’s largest (and most visible) organ. For best results, use a leave-on product containing niacinamide twice daily after cleansing. That means you can use a toner containing niacinamide right after cleansing to refresh and hydrate your skin.
Do what you want. Experiment a little to find what works best for your skin!
Do you have stubborn skin problems such as visibly enlarged pores, sagging pores or rough, bumpy skin texture?
Try niacinamide in a unique concentration of no less than 20%. The clinical treatment with niacinamide 20% visibly reduces enlarged and dilated pores, smoothes rough (orange) skin and minimizes bumps due to sebum accumulation. It restores the skin's fine and smooth texture.
Products containing niacinamide are also safe to apply around the eyes. They can even help reduce dark circles and fine lines. It also prevents moisture loss around the eyes and ensures firmer skin. And it can definitely help with that delicate skin.
There’s really no reason not to add niacinamide to your routine. This incredibly versatile B vitamin improves skin in so many ways: it gives you an even skin tone and makes your skin appear more radiant and youthful. As with all skincare ingredients, it’s important to protect your skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a day cream with at least SPF 30. That way, your skin gets the most out of the niacinamide and other proven active ingredients in your skincare.
