When you search for almost any facial cream, be it a sunscreen or a moisturizer, chances are that you might have noticed something common; many of these creams have the ingredient ‘Niacinamide’ in them.
Not just in the ingredients, but many companies use it as a USP to sell their products. Having niacinamide is a feature, just as the word ‘moisturizing’ is present in almost all the creams advertised.
So what is Niacinamide and how is it beneficial for your skin? This article will explain everything you need to know about niacinamide and its importance in skin care. We will review the current research on niacinamide as well.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is the common name given to vitamin B3. It is actually a type of vitamin B3, also called ‘Nicotinamide’. You might see the resemblance between ‘niacinamide’ and ‘niacin’. Both of them are different types of vitamin B3
Our bodies can make niacinamide from niacin. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that if taken in excess or if the body has enough of it, the excess can be expelled from the body through urine.
The textbook definition of niacinamide is done. What remains to be known is how did this vitamin make its name in the skincare industry?
As it turns out, apart from having multiple benefits for our health (like all the other vitamins), niacinamide is one of the super-ingredients that has multiple benefits for the skin.
Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin
Let’s take a look at some of the extraordinary benefits of niacinamide for the skin and how it can be a game-changer for your skin care.
Maintains Oil Secretion
Niacinamide can help in controlling excess oil production by the sebaceous glands. For people whose skin is as oily as french fries, niacinamide can be extremely helpful.
Reduces Pore Size
Research has shown that regular application of niacinamide improves skin texture, soothes skin, and reduces the size of the pore. Reduces pore size results in less accumulation of dirt and oil, making skin healthier.
Niacinamide would be excellent for women in India as research has shown that the pore size increases with age for Indian and Brazilian women compared to Caucasian and Asian women. Read this article about pores to know more.
Reduces Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide, when used in combination with other depigmentation agents such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, etc, can be extremely effective in reducing dark spots, sun spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation.
Moreover, it also helps in the production of keratin which makes the skin look plump and healthy.
Reduces Signs of Ageing, Even Better than Retinol!
Niacinamide is wonderful in reducing many signs of aging including fine lines, crow’s feet, wrinkles, skin dullness, dryness, etc. A review of the literature by Matt P.J. et al. found that niacinamide improves the skin and prevents signs of aging very well.
When compared with Retinol, which is the go-to anti-aging product, niacinamide was much more stable and was not affected by oxidation, and is accepted by the skin easier than retinol.
Reduces Inflammation
Due to the efficient hydration properties of niacinamide, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent for people whose skin flares up easily and regularly. It might also help with inflammation due to skin allergies and other conditions.
Improves Moisturization, Reduces Dryness
Niacinamide is an excellent agent in improving and promoting the lipid barrier on the skin that keeps the microbiome intact and your skin moisturized.
Harsh chemicals, pollution, the sun, and other factors can strip the natural skin barrier away, making the skin dry and red. Regular application of niacinamide helps your skin in maintaining this barrier and restoring moisture.
Brightens Skin, Heals Skin Damage
Niacinamide has properties to protect skin cells from oxidative damage from pollutants, harsh environments, and the damaging UV rays of the sun. It helps in healing the skin, making it firm and bright.
How to Use Niacinamide?
The best way to ensure that your skin is healthy and enjoys all the benefits of niacinamide is by eating a balanced diet with all the nutrients. No matter how many creams you apply, if your body is lacking B3, your skin would look dull and damaged.
Cereals, nuts, seeds, bananas, meat, fish, chicken, etc all have adequate amounts of niacinamide.
Topical Creams and Serums with Niacinamide
There are many serums available that come with varying levels of niacinamide concentration. Some people might be sensitive to it, so it is better to start with a low concentration and then move to a higher concentration.
Starting with a serum with 2% niacinamide would be better to test it out. Then move to 5% if your skin accepts it happily. Then you can move to 10% if you are noticing great benefits.
Apart from serums, there are many other creams that come with niacinamide infused; from sunscreens, and moisturizers, to night creams, anti-aging creams, and even body wash!
How to Apply Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a clear, odorless liquid (sometimes it might have a pungent smell) that might cause a slight burning sensation when you apply it. The right procedure to apply it is gentle massaging.
Use the eyedropper tool that comes with almost all the serums and put two drops on both cheeks. Look up while dropping it and make sure you drop it under your eyes, on your cheekbones.
Let the serum drip slowly and cover more ground. Be patient with the application process. Do not rush and apply the serum using only your fingertips. Gently massage all over your face and distribute the serum evenly.
After a minute or two you will feel the serum seeping into the skin, making your skin ‘sticky’. Niacinamide must be applied after the toner and before the moisturizer.
It can be applied during the day and at night. Just make sure that you wear sunscreen after you have applied niacinamide. Use it for two to three weeks to notice its effects. Take care of your skin.
Here are great DIY face masks that are easy to make and beneficial for your face!
