What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient. A B-3 deficiency leads to disorders of the skin, kidneys, and brain. Taking Niacinamide can help prevent B-3 deficiency. And there's much more to this nutrient, especially when it comes to general skin health.

What benefits does niacinamide offer?

Overall, Niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.

Immunity

Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.

Lipid barrier

Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can, in turn, helps 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.

Regulates oil

Moisture retention benefits aren't just for those with dry skin types. Niacinamide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into over drive.

Protects against sun damage

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

Treats hyperpigmentation

Five percent niacinamide concentrations can help lighten dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.

Minimize fine lines and wrinkles

Niacinamide concentration helped reduce some signs of sun damage that come with aging. It includes fine lines and wrinkles.

Protect against oxidative stress

Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.

Treats acne

Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.

REGULATES OIL PRODUCTION

Niacinamide can also help control and stabilize oil production in the skin and restore the strength of the skin barrier, and more specifically, the sebaceous glands in the skin that produce oil. Excess sebum (oil) on the skin can contribute to clogged pores, leading to the formation of both blackheads and inflammatory acne (papules and pustules). In helping to even out the amount of oil the skin produces, Niacinamide can help tame and even prevent acne.

IMPROVE SKIN TEXTURE, INCLUDING FADING FINE LINES

An intact lipid barrier promotes collagen and elastin production in the skin, which leads to a more youthful-looking and supple complexion. As we age, our natural reserves of and ability to produce these essential proteins decline, and thus fine lines and wrinkles begin to set in. By replenishing what gets lost, the skin's youthful vitality is restored.

Are skin products preferable over food and supplements?

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get micronutrients like vitamin B-3. You should only take supplements under medical supervision to treat deficiency. When it comes to general skin health, you may obtain some of the benefits of Niacinamide from the foods that you eat. Vitamin B-3 is found in:

• eggs
• cereals
• green veggies
• beans
• fish
• milk

However, there's no way to guarantee that the nutrients in your diet are impacting your overall skin health. The only way to ensure that Niacinamide targets your skincare concerns is to use it topically.

How to Use Niacinamide

Using Niacinamide is as easy as finding great skincare products that contain it and applying it in order of

• Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, pollutants, and other skin irritants.
• Pat dries your skin and apply a toner enriched with Niacinamide.
• Then use a niacinamide serum or moisturizer before finishing your routine with sunscreen.

Precaution

If you have an adverse reaction, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider since Niacinamide isn't a reactive ingredient. The patch test is essential while using.