Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has become one of the most popular and beloved ingredients in the skincare world. But what makes it so special and why should it be part of your beauty routine? In this article, we’ll explore what niacinamide is, its benefits for different skin types and highlight eight top-rated skincare products that feature this powerful ally in the beauty industry.
- What is Niacinamide?
- What is Niacinamide used for?
- Is Niacinamide good for your skin?
- Top 8 skincare products containing Niacinamide – 2024
- Conclusion
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Its biological importance lies in its ability to enhance the skin barrier function and reduce inflammation, making it easily absorbed by the skin.
Found in many animal and plant-based foods, it can be assimilated through a balanced diet as well as through specific dietary supplements. Among the foods from which we can assimilate vitamin B3 are various types of meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork; offal, especially beef and chicken liver, are particularly rich in it. Some fish, such as tuna, salmon, and swordfish, are excellent sources, as are eggs and dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. Important sources of niacin and niacinamide are mushrooms, especially shiitake mushrooms, spinach, cabbages, potatoes, tomatoes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
What is Niacinamide used for?
Niacinamide is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient that provides numerous benefits to the skin, make it an excellent addition to any skincare routine. It is used to:
1. Improve Skin Barrier Function: niacinamide is a powerful ally for healthy skin, also functioning as a coenzyme in crucial cellular reactions. One of its most impressive properties is its ability to fortify the skin’s natural barrier by promoting the synthesis of ceramides, lipids vital for forming the epidermal lipid layer. This protective layer helps both cells retain their natural water loss, prolonging hydration, and protecting the skin from harmful external agents such as pollution and free radicals naturally produced by cells from exposure to UV rays.
2. Reduce Inflammation: it has anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histamine, which are key drivers of inflammatory responses in the skin. By doing so, it reduces redness and irritation, making it an effective solution to integrate into skincare routine to treat conditions like acne and rosacea. Additionally, by modulating the skin’s immune response and reducing its permeability, niacinamide prevents pore blockage resulting from excessive accumulation of inflammatory cells in skin tissues and blocks the entry of harmful external agents, thereby protecting the skin from potential irritations.
3. Control Sebum Production: it directly targets sebaceous glands and keratinocytes, reducing sebum production by inhibiting lipase activity, enzymes involved in sebum synthesis. By regulating their differentiation, it influences the speed at which skin cells develop and migrate to the skin surface, a process that significantly contributes to preventing pore blockage and the formation of comedones.
4. Even Out Skin Tone: it is renowned for its capacity to uniform melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. It achieves this by regulating and/or inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase enzyme involved in melanin synthesis, a process known as melanogenesis. By doing so, it reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin, promoting a more uniform skin tone.
5. Combat Signs of Aging: niacinamide is known for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production, two crucial structural proteins that contribute to the elasticity, strength, and vitality of the skin. Its effects are clinically proven to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, enhancing skin texture and reducing the impacts of hyperpigmentation such as roughness and superficial porosity. Additionally, it facilitates skin regeneration and renewal by minimizing damage caused by oxidative stress.
Is Niacinamide good for your skin?
Niacinamide is a versatile and well-tolerated skincare ingredient that can be safely used on most skin types. Due to its unique properties, it is particularly effective in addressing a range of common skin concerns when used consistently.
Oily and acne-prone skin
It is an excellent choice for those combating oily skin and acne. Its ability to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation can help prevent the formation of new imperfections and keep pores clean and free from obstructions.
For this type of skin, niacinamide can be applied twice a day to help control sebum production and reduce inflammation, preferably morning and evening, thus helping to prevent acne formation.
Sensitive skin
Niacinamide’ s calming properties make it an ideal ingredient for addressing sensitive skin concerns. Its calming and anti-inflammatory abilities can help reduce irritation and redness, providing relief and comfort to skin that tends to react easily to external stimuli.
If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to begin with a single daily application and gradually increase the frequency to twice a day.
Mature skin
Niacinamide’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production makes it valuable for combating signs of skin aging. When applied regularly, it can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, for a smoother, more youthful complexion.
For mature skin, niacinamide can be applied twice a day in combination with serums or devices that enhance the assimilation and production of structural proteins to maximize its anti-aging benefits.
Skin with hyperpigmentation issues
Niacinamide is also known for its power in counteracting skin discolorations. Thanks to its ability to inhibit and regulate your natural melanin production, it can help reduce the visibility of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
In this case, niacinamide can be applied twice a day to help even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.
Top 8 skincare products containing Niacinamide – 2024
Niacinamide can be applied directly to clean, dry skin, preferably after using toner and before moisturizing. However, since individual tolerance may vary, it is advisable to start with once-daily application and gradually increase frequency, closely monitoring any adverse skin reactions. It is always recommended to consult a professional in the cosmetic or dermatological field before introducing new products into your skincare routine, as each person has individual skin characteristics and sensitivities.
With this premise, here is a list of the 8 most effective and popular niacinamide-based skincare products, with a simple overview of the benefits provided based on individual needs:
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum: this serum is suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It is particularly effective in controlling sebum production and reducing inflammation and is recommended for year-round use, especially during periods of increased sebum production or during hot seasons to purify pores from any irritations due to natural body sweating and protect the dermis from UV rays’ action. Great for normal skin-type too.
2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: this moisturizing lotion is suitable for all skin types, especially for those looking for light and non-greasy hydration. It is recommended for daily use, especially during winter months when the skin tends to be drier and dehydrated.
3. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster: this concentrated niacinamide booster is ideal for those looking to improve skin texture and reduce acne. When mixed with a moisturizer and used year-round in synergy with products suitable for your skin type, it ensures excellent results.
4. Naturium Niacinamide 10% + Vitamin C Serum: enhanced with vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, this serum is recommended for those with hyperpigmentation issues and desire bright and visibly even skin. This product has been specially formulated for use during the colder months of the year when the skin tends to become drier and duller.
5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) SPF 30: a gel sunscreen formulated to effectively tackle acne and reduce imperfections. It is recommended for use during warm periods, especially for those with oily skin, prone to redness, pustules, and skin blockages; SPF 30 protection level.
6. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%: this serum is ideal for reducing the appearance of dark spots, pores, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It combines a high concentration of niacinamide with zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to visually refine the complexion. Suitable for sensitive skin.
7. Dropology Zinc + Niacinamide 11%: this serum not only aims to eliminate acne and pimples, but its zinc content enriched with organic Aloe vera juice acts in a balancing way on the skin thanks to its soothing properties. Suitable for combination and sensitive skin for daily use.
8. The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum: this serum is particularly suitable for regulating the skin’s natural sebum production and improving skin texture, reducing the visibility of spots and scars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, niacinamide emerges as a valuable ally in skincare, as it addresses a wide range of skin issues. From its proven efficacy in treating inflammatory conditions and reducing acne, dark spots and signs of aging, this ingredient offers optimal solutions if used as a daily basis and combined with other formulations tailored to your needs. Whether you are struggling with skin breakouts, hyperpigmentation, or desire to alleviate signs of aging for a more even texture, introducing niacinamide-based products into your skincare routine could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
