What is Niacinamide & How Does it Benefit Your Skin?
Every once in a while, the beauty space goes crazy over an ingredient. While some of these ingredients are frankly overhyped, Niacinamide is worth all the talk and then a bit more. This multi-tasking powerhouse ingredient is a staple in many skincare products and has grown increasingly popular in recent years.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in plants and animals. It is a form of Vitamin B3, an antioxidant which is important for cell repair. Our bodies do not produce it so we have to eat it to reap its benefits. Thankfully, it has been incorporated into many skincare products and our skin can also benefit greatly from topical application of products that contain niacinamide. It has been shown to have numerous aesthetic benefits for the skin and is dermatologist-approved as safe for virtually all skin types.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Repair Skin Barrier
Our skin barrier is our first defence against pollution, UV rays, etc. When applied topically, niacinamide can increase the production of ceramides. The outermost layer of the skin contains high concentrations of ceramides which acts as the skin’s natural moisturizer, creating a barrier that prevents moisture loss. Several factors like ageing and pollution reduce production of ceramides and niacinamide works effectively to tackle this. It can help improve skin texture, making it more youthful looking and reducing wrinkles.
Even Skin Tone and Reduce Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation by blocking the transfer of melanosomes, which produce melanin (the substance in our bodies that produce hair, eye and skin pigmentation). Scientists have not yet figured out exactly how this happens but the good news remains that Niacinamide will reduce hyperpigmentation and even out one’s skin tone.
Improve the appearance of enlarged pores:
Niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by improving skin texture and reducing oiliness. By improving the skin barrier, sebum production is regulated. This would have a direct effect on the appearance of pores.
Adding Niacinamide To Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating topical niacinamide into your routine is easy. Your skincare routine should go something like this:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Exfoliant
- Serums, treatments, and moisturizers (in order of thinnest to thickest texture)
- SPF (during the day)
There is no restriction to the kinds of products that contain niacinamide. It could be your toner, serum, moisturizer or even sunscreen and that should determine when you should apply it. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and Naturium Niacinamide Serum12% Plus Zinc 2% are all excellent choices.
