Pick niacinamide if you add just one active ingredient to your skincare routine this year. This seemingly simple ingredient has become ubiquitous of late – from your dermatologist’s prescriptions to the front labels of cult-favourite skincare products and, of course, unmissably on your social media feeds.
So, what exactly is niacinamide? Not to be confused with niacin, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can greatly improve and replenish skin health, along with brain and kidney function. Since our body does not produce niacinamide naturally, it can be taken orally or applied topically. However, when using niacinamide for the skin, a topical application works best. It is infused into various formulations, be it cleansers, serums or moisturisers.
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Below, we discuss niacinamide’s benefits for the skin and how to incorporate this star ingredient into your everyday routine.
1. Brightening
One of the most popular niacinamide uses for skin is as a brightening agent. It works by blocking the pathway through which pigmentation spreads, effectively helping in dealing with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. If you’re looking for an even complexion, pick a 5% niacinamide serum and use it in your AM routine. Simply pat the face serum on a clean, damp face and follow up with a moisturiser and sunblock to keep the dark spots from returning.
2. Clarifying
If you struggle with excessively oily skin and acne, niacinamide could prove to be a game-changing active. It regulates sebum production, reducing greasiness and unclogging your pores. It also soothes inflammation and reduces redness. Use it with salicylic acid for clear, grease-free skin.
3. Fortifying
Niacinamide has been known to strengthen your skin barrier, aka the outermost layer of your skin that is responsible for keeping the bad out and sealing the good in. It aids keratin production, fortifies your lipid barrier, and helps your skin retain moisture. If you struggle with eczema or dehydrated skin, use niacinamide in tandem with hyaluronic acid for best results. Apply hyaluronic acid on clean, damp skin to deliver hydration and follow it up with a niacinamide moisturiser to seal in the goodness. As your skin’s ability to retain moisture increases, your skin appears more hydrated, plump and soft. This can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for mature skin.
Can everyone use niacinamide for skin care?
Niacinamide is a true multitasker. The skin benefits of niacinamide can range from fading hyperpigmentation, balancing sebum production, strengthening your skin barrier, combatting acne, soothing inflammation, managing signs of ageing, and so much more – all while being completely safe and gentle. Unlike some of its trickier counterparts that can cause dryness and irritation (retinol, we’re looking at you), niacinamide is entirely safe and gentle enough, even for sensitive skin types. This versatile ingredient can be combined with other actives for faster and more targeted action. For instance, niacinamide used with hyaluronic acid works wonders in adding and sealing in moisture in your skin. In contrast, niacinamide with salicylic acid forms a powerful duo for battling acne and acne scars.
