Everybody is looking for that all-around skincare ingredient: one that updates other ingredient’s performance, gives you a good cleansing routine and avoids irritating anti-agers. This ingredient is called niacinamide – popular for its gentle nature, ease of use and other benefits, this is the “it” ingredient as far as it goes.
Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3. Annie Gonzalez, M.D., board certified dermatologist at the Riverchase Dermatology, Miami said that “this is also called niacin, which is an essential nutrient for the development and function of the cells in your body.”
Niacin is also found in our food like salmon, chicken breast, brown rice and marinara sauce. By consuming this vitamin, it assists your body to convert the food you digested into energy, says Dr. Gonzalez. The benefits go ever further when it is used for the skin.
“Much like cells in your body use B3 to improve their functions, the skin utilizes it to optimize various processes, such as to repair damaged DNA, regenerate cellular energy, and reduce the effects of UV rays from the sun,” explains Dr. Gonzalez.
Here are the skincare benefits of niacinamide:
1] It gives your a clear complexion.
Purvisha Patel, M.D., founder of Cisha Skincare and board-certified dermatologist states that niacinamide assists in balancing oil and sebum production to lessen breakouts.
Since this vitamin is an anti-inflammatory, niacinmaide calms down pimples, acne and lessens red spots. Past research has also proven that a nicotinamide gets is as affection as a topical antibiotic to get rid of facial acne.
2] It protects from irritants
Dr. Patel says that “it can soothe the skin and limit any irritation that can be caused by the stronger exfoliants.” This includes the potentially irritating anti-agers like glycolic acid. Since it is anti-inflammatory and quells redness, it is recommended to also be used on sensitive skin.
3] It tones down dark and irregular spots
If you are prone to having dark spots, irregular patches and freckles, consider applying niacinamide. “In specific concentrations, niacinamide is thought to be able to block the enzyme responsible for producing pigmentation, or melanin, and improve skin tone,” explains Dr. Gonzalez. According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2016, researchers studied a product that contained skin brighteners such as retinol, resveratrol and niacimade. When it was used regularly for a month, it improved skin clarity and tone and lessen hyper pigmentation.
4] It hydrates skin
Dr. Gonzalez adds that “when used in conjunction with common moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, it can boost the product’s hydrating ability.” This could be one of the best functions of niacinamide. It also helps prevent water loss and protection from irritants by supporting the production of cermides, which are natural fats found in your skin.
5] It protects skin from harmful stressors
Pollution, UV rays, lack of sleep and stress all damage skin cells on a daily basis. “This causes premature signs of aging like discoloration and wrinkles,” says Dr. Gonzalez. Because of the antioxidant properties that are found in niacinamide, it not only protects skin from damage but can even reverse some of it.
What are the side effects of niacinamide?
Angela Lamb, associate professor at the department of dermatology in Mount Sinai, New York says that “it’s a really safe ingredient. It doesn’t tend to be irritating, and anecdotally, I haven’t found patients who can’t tolerate it.” Niacinamide is really gentle vitamin that even people with extremely sensitive skin and those who suffer from rosacea use niacinamide. In fact, it is often found in rosacea products because of its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Niacinamide for your skin
Dr. Gonzalez recommends buying a product that has 2 to 10% niacinamide. This is her advice:
Wash your face then wipe it using a cotton ball with alcohol-free toner. Use your “active” anti-ager product like vitamin C or retinol and finish it up by applying niacinamide. She also suggests using a niacinamide serum or mixing it with your moisturizer of choice. Apply this product all over your face and neck for calmer, happier and healthier glowing skin.
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