Niacinamide is an ingredient that is commonly found in skincare products. Even though the name may sound scary, it can be quite beneficial for your skin.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and is one of the most effective and popular skincare ingredients available. Vitamin B3 is naturally present in food, called niacin, and is essential for everyone to consume since it helps convert carbohydrates into the fuel our body needs. When vitamin B3 is used in skincare products, it is known as niacinamide or nicotinamide.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble ingredient, which is why it is most commonly found in water-based serums, moisturizers, and masks. It is also one of the most stable active ingredients in skincare. Niacinamide is non-acidic and non-irritating, which is why it typically works well on all skin types.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Pigmentation
Niacinamide reduces color or pigmentation by disrupting one of the key enzymes that produce melanin. This helps combat sun spots and freckles. It also stimulates the production of keratin, which is in charge of increasing the skin’s outer layer. It is useful in evening out skin tone and helping with overall brightening of your complexion without irritating your skin.
Anti-Aging
Niacinamide reduces dryness and is anti-aging. Anti-aging has a lot to do with hydration; proper hydration level of your skin cells is what helps prevent signs of fine lines, wrinkles, and aging. Niacinamide dramatically reduces the evaporation of water from our skin and helps increase the moisture content of our skin barrier. It also speeds up collagen production, which allows our skin to stay elastic and bouncy.
Combating Acne
Niacinamide can also help control and alleviate mild to moderate acne. It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help control and prevent acne in a way that is gentle on your skin. It not only helps reduce redness and bacterial build-up, but also helps combat acne by reducing the amount of sebum secreted from your pores.
Minimizing Pores
Since niacinamide reduces sebum production, it also helps minimize pores. The less pores are clogged with excess sebum and dead skin, the smaller they will be. The texture of your skin can also become much smoother and softer with regular use.
Reducing Redness
Niacinamide can improve blotchy redness and skin conditions like rosacea. It helps improve your skin barrier, which in turn alleviates the redness.
Next time you reach for a skincare product, check if it contains Niacinamide to ensure you get all the benefits listed above!