Niacinamide is a form of the essential nutrient vitamin B-3 that is a core ingredient in today’s best skin care products. You might have noticed this in the ingredients list when you were browsing your Instagram or TikTok feed, and even though it's not as popular as other skin-aging fighters like retinoids or glycolic acid, it is worthwhile to learn more about it.
Whether you are already familiar with this vitamin or you are new to the bandwagon, this article will touch on the many skin benefits that it can bring to your skin, so you can look fabulous!
Keep on reading through this article to learn more about this beauty booster!
Related: 15 Common Skin Rashes to Know & Identify
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What is Niacinamide?
Some foods like meats, beans, nuts, and seeds contain vitamin B3 (in the form of niacin), as do some supplements. These support the health of your kidneys and prevent some brain issues which are a result of a B-3 deficiency.
However, this article’s focus is on the benefits that niacinamide can bring to your skin’s health.
Usually, you will encounter niacinamide in its topical form, as it is used in many cosmetics. Topical niacinamide has been seen to help treat some skin problems, such as acne and eczema. If you suffer from eczema, you might benefit from reading our article about it called 10 Best Eczema Treatments: Products for Fast & Lasting Relief.
In general, consumers who use niacinamide in their skincare routine may anticipate smoother, more hydrated skin.
Is Niacinamide Different From Niacin?
Niacinamide and niacin are distinct substances, despite having names that sound similar.
If you've consumed niacin pills in the past, it's important to know that your body uses this vitamin to create niacinamide.
How Does Niacinamide Help Your Skin?
Niacinamide has plenty of benefits as a skincare ingredient, including its ability to:
- Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and enhance skin texture
- Rebuild skin's ability to fend off dryness and moisture loss
- Enhance skin’s clarity by balancing out skin tone and healing sun damage discoloration
Niacinamide stands out among a few other amazing skincare components, such as retinol and vitamin C, due to its adaptability for virtually any skincare issue and skin type.
Niacinamide Builds Keratin
Niacinamide boosts intracellular NADP levels, stimulates ceramide formation, increases protein synthesis (including keratin), and speeds up keratinocyte development.
Topical niacinamide treatment rejuvenates aging skin, reduces wrinkle depth, and prevents photocarcinogenesis.
Reduces Redness From Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Niacinamide lessens swelling and eases the redness caused by eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin diseases.
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Maintains a Lipid Barrier
Niacinamide helps create a protective coat on the skin called a ceramide or lipid barrier. This barrier helps your skin maintain its moisture which is especially important for conditions like eczema.
We at Soteri Skin care a lot about your skin. If you are any skin problems, please contact us to see what product might be able to help you. We produce only things of the highest quality and we are sure you'll be happy with the results!
Regulates Oil
According to studies, niacinamide can also minimize the size of enlarged open pores and regulate excessive sebum production.
Following two and four weeks of usage, topical 2% niacinamide significantly reduced sebum excretion in research with 100 participants.
Therefore, it can be demonstrated that using this vitamin topically is highly advantageous for the treatment of oily skin.
Protects Skin Against Oxidative Stress
UV radiation and air pollution are the two main environmental aggressors to which our skin is exposed.
The skin's homeostasis is altered by these aggressors, which creates a chain reaction of chemical reactions such as oxidative stress.
Normal NAD+ concentrations are necessary to keep the balance of all these processes in place, and niacinamide is the main source of NAD+.
Related: 5 Best Balancing Creams for Combination Skin
Reduces Appearance of Fine Lines & Wrinkles
As we age, our bodies slow down skin cell production which causes our skin to become thinner. This combined with a lack of collagen proteins can cause wrinkles, especially in the areas that are most exposed to the sun like our face, hands, and neck.
The skin proteins (filaggrin, involucrin, keratin, etc.) and collagen can be improved by niacinamide.
Protects Your Skin From Sun Damage
Skin cells can be repaired by constantly taking niacinamide. Thanks to the repairing capabilities that niacinamide has, it may help to shield your skin from sun damage.
This is accomplished by:
- Repairing the DNA damage
- Reducing UV-induced immunosuppression
- Mitigates UV-induced disrupted skin barrier permeability
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 5% niacinamide plays a major role in reducing inflammation, barrier disruption, and erythema brought on by UV exposure.
Related: How to Repair and Restore a Damaged Skin Barrier
How Long Will It Take To See A Difference?
Continuous use of this vitamin is needed in order to see noticeable results. Generally speaking, after 2-4 weeks of twice-daily use, you should start to see the beneficial effects (The results will vary or depend on the severity of your skin concerns and how concentrated your niacinamide product is).
You cannot expect your skin to be fully "poreless"—that is not feasible with any skin care product—but results will continue to improve with time. Expect smaller pores, a more even-looking skin tone, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and a healthier glow.
What's The Recommended Daily Amount Of Niacinamide?
Should You Try Niacinamide Out?
When used topically daily, niacinamide may positively impact your overall skin health.
The substance can smooth out the texture of your skin overall, lighten your skin, and help with inflammation and hyperpigmentation reduction.
Be patient and continue your regimen because it may take many weeks to notice a change.