3 Amazing Benefits of Niacinamide; Know How to Fit It in Your Skincare Routine

3 Amazing Benefits of Niacinamide; Know How to Fit It in Your Skincare Routine

Khushboo is a self-care enthusiast who loves taking care of the overall health of her skin & hair with well-researched and scientifically formulated topical solutions.

No problem comes without a solution, so do the skin concerns!

Facing multiple skin issues at one time? Relax! We have got your back. This is why we are here to simplify your skincare with just one “most loved” ingredient out of all others.

Any guesses?

Well, Niacinamide is one such buzzed up ingredient that can solve the majority of your  skin problems. Let’s unveil the amazing benefits of Niacinamide along with the tips on how to choose the right product, so that you can have flawless and concern free skin. Stay tuned!

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3. This essential nutrient has an impressive number of benefits for the health of your skin. Meanwhile, a niacinamide deficiency could cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms that affect your skin, digestive health, and nervous system.

 3 amazing benefits of niacinamide for skin 
1. Acts on spots and improves radiance

The dark spots on skin can be very unpleasant to deal with. A number of reasons can contribute to this condition- premature aging, excessive melanin production, prolonged sun exposure and stress. Dark spots ultimately enhance the dull appearance of the skin. Here’s how Niacinamide can come to your rescue!

  • Clears pigmentation 

One of the major benefits of niacinamide for skin is that it can fight hyperpigmentation. Whatever the source of your hyperpigmentation is, niacinamide can lighten up the skin over a few weeks of continuous use by inducing skin cell turnover.

So if you are having problems with spots and blemishes on your skin, adding a high-quality niacinamide-containing product to your routine could save the day. 

  • Battles inflammation

Recent studies show that Niacinamide can tackle inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties, giving you a clear and radiant skin, again.

So, if you are dealing with eczema, acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions, niacinamide can become your best friend!

  • Regulates oil production 

By controlling and stabilizing the amount of oil produced by your skin, this ingredient can reduce the unhealthy oily shine and restore beautiful radiance. Owing to this ability, Niacinamide minimizes your acne problem.

2. Works on pores and diminishes them

As people age, collagen starts breaking down, causing the skin to lose elasticity. When skin starts to relax and sag, pores get bigger and create a wide entrance for bacteria.

Also, the sun too can relax and widen your pores. Sun damage causes inflammation, which in turn thickens skin cells. These cells make pores appear even larger.

It can be hard to diminish pore size, but niacinamide can help you do it. Here is how 

  • Reduced sebum secretion 

Since niacinamide supervises the work of your sebaceous glands, it keeps pores from getting clogged with oil and dirt. As a result, pores aren't stretched by dirt and debris, so you can see them become visually smaller.

As a result your skin looks finer and smoother. Niacinamide works brilliantly to shrink enlarged pores and improve skin texture.

  • Moisturising 

Niacinamide has a highly positive effect on the epidermal barrier function . In simple terms, it allows your skin to retain moisture.

So when used in combination with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, it improves the hydrating and nourishing process. As a result, the skin looks smoother and younger while pores appear smaller.

3. Hydrates and soothes skin

Dryness is the third most common skin problem that people in India suffer from. Dehydrated skin doesn't just look unappealing. It's prone to inflammation, bacteria, damage, and other unpleasant issues

According to a study published in International Journal of Pharmaceutics, applying niacinamide to your skin twice a day decreases inflammation and reduces the loss of moisture, improving the condition of your skin tremendously.

Here are a few ways niacinamide can hydrate and soothe your skin:

  • Promotes elastin and ceramides production 

Both ceramides and elastin are integral skin barrier components. By promoting their production, niacinamide strengthens your skin's natural protection, keeping up its defenses against moisture loss.

As a bonus, niacinamide can help reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production, making your skin smoother, younger, and more appealing.

  • Prevents pore clogging

By keeping dirt and debris out of your pores, niacinamide helps your skin absorb the much-needed moisture and nutrients, which in turn keep it healthy and radiant.

Overall, niacinamide is an essential skincare ingredient. It doesn't matter which skin type you have, this nutrient can help your skin look better, younger, and healthier. However, choosing the right niacinamide-containing product can be tricky . Let's take a look at things to consider.  

3 Amazing benefits of niacinamide
How to choose the right Niacinamide product?

While niacinamide can be highly beneficial to your skin, using it incorrectly can have unpleasant consequences or no effect at all. Here are a few tips to keep in mind on your journey to healthier skin.

1. Don't overdo Niacinamide: 3% to 5% is what your skin needs

Too much of a good thing isn't always beneficial. Overdoing niacinamide uses for skin can be harmful to your skin especially if it's sensitive. Here are a few rules to follow:

If you go over 5%, you may experience redness, burning, itching, and irritation. Anything over 10% could spike your histamine levels and cause an allergic reaction.

Make sure to read the label to avoid high levels of this nutrient.

If you notice any irritation or other unpleasant symptoms after accidentally applying high doses of niacinamide, stop using the product and consult your dermatologist.

2. Niacinamide is not a magic wand but a team player  

While niacinamide serum has impressive number of benefits, it won't take care of all of your skin problems. In fact, it works best when used in combination with other ingredients . For example:

  • Retinol – Niacinamide with retinol works to combat skin ageing in a very efficient manner. As a bonus, niacinamide's calming ability eliminates some of the retinol's side effects.
  • Hyaluronic acid - together they act great to improve the hydration of your skin.

Niacinamide is also highly compatible with many antioxidants. However, there are a few products you should avoid using together with niacinamide.

3. Avoid serums containing acidic ingredients along with Niacinamide

If a serum contains AHAs, BHAs, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, and Azelaic Acid together with niacinamide, you may want to avoid it.

In some cases, when mixed with acidic ingredients, niacinamide becomes inactive as it can alter the functional pH of the skin and itself. This makes it as well as other combination ingredients inefficient. As a result, you can't take advantage of either.

Whenever acidic products and niacinamide are in different skincare products, you can use them. Simply wait about 15 to 20 minutes between applications. Ideally, stick to keeping niacinamide serums for your morning routine and leave acidic ingredients for your night skin regimen.

 P.S.

Take the time to look for high-quality niacinamide-containing products for your skin type to avoid purging caused due to niacinamide products. Make sure they don't also contain any acidic ingredients. Right application and consistent use can go a long way. 

Your skin is your calling card. It deserves the best care you can give it.