How niacinamide can help boost your skin health

 

I am sure you are intrigued to read about niacinamide after seeing those influencers flaunting their beautiful skin and saying all thanks to this & that niacinamide serum. But can’t actually blame them. Niacinamide has become such a rage in the skin care industry these days that everyone is talking about it and using it. 

 

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It has brightening benefits. But what sets it apart from vitamin C is it provides hydration & helps to repair the skin barrier. Unlike vitamin C it suits almost all skin types. I have hardly seen anyone complaining about niacinamide not working for them. 

 

So this article will help you understand what niacinamide is, how it works for skin, what % you should use and how to use it.

I have also listed some of my recommended products.

 

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, which is also called nicotinamide, is one of two major forms of vitamin B3 (niacin) found in supplements (the other is nicotinic acid). It’s often touted to help manage acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles.

Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums. Think of serums as extra treatments that address individual skin concerns outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

 

Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturizing.

 

Some cleansers and creams also contain niacinamide. This ingredient is also found in some face masks.

Benefits of niacinamide for skin:

• Helps to improve Lipid barrier

Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can, in turn, help retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.

• Minimizes redness and blotchiness. 

Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

• Minimizes pore appearance. 

Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.

• Protects against sun damage. 

Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.

• Free Radical Scavenger 

Free radicals are molecules that have either lost or gained an electron. These electrons scavenge through your body, damaging your DNA and other important components. Niacinamide sends out an extra electron to these molecules, preventing them from creating havoc in your body.

• Signs of Aging 

Research suggests that topical niacinamide is used to treat signs of aging. It also improves skin elasticity.

 

Keep in mind that while niacinamide is unlikely to hurt you, it’s not a miracle drug—if you’re thinking niacinamide is the solution to all your problems, you may be sorely disappointed.

 

How to use niacinamide in your routine:

You would want to use niacinamide according to its % in the product. Because that decides the concentration. And not everyone needs a high % of niacinamide.

Niacinamide concentration can vary across products, though most formulations are 5 percent or less.

Some reports suggest 5 percent formulas are effective in treating hyperpigmentation and damage related to sun exposure.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration. Formulas with 2 percent niacinamide may help ease symptoms of eczema and similar conditions.

Niacinamide is also listed as “niacin” and “nicotinamide” on product labels.

Read each product label carefully and follow all instructions for use.

As with any new skincare product, you probably won’t see any significant results for several weeks.

Although most of the available research describes noticeable improvements after four weeks of use, there’s no exact timeline.

You may see even more changes to your skin after eight weeks. This includes smoother, toned, and hydrated skin.

It can take several weeks to see noticeable improvement, so it’s important to be patient and to stick with your routine.

If you don’t see any changes within a couple of months, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist. They can assess your skincare routine and advise you on which products to use dietary changes that may improve your skin health, and more.

Product Recommendation:

All the products mentioned below are Cruelty-free.

1. Dr. Sheths Centella & Niacinamide Serum

This is great for sensitive skin as it contains Centella. Centella is a calming & soothing ingredient suits sensitive skin.

You can buy it here.

2. The Earth Rhythm 10% NIACINAMIDE + PHYTO CERAMIDES + HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

This will also work great for sensitive as well as dry skin. Also, good for acne-prone skin.

You can buy it here.

3. THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This is a bit expensive product. I recommend this to someone who already has used niacinamide.

4. Dot & Key 10% NIACINAMIDE SPOT CORRECTOR SERUM

This one is great for acne-prone skin. I have not used it. But there are mixed reviews about it.

You can buy it here.

The bottom line

When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.

Tell me your experince with niacinamide.

 

*This post contains ‘Affiliate Links’. Meaning if you purchase products using these links, I will earn a small % of the money at no extra cost to you.