What if there was one skincare ingredient that offered numerous, multifaceted benefits for all skin types without any side effects? Sounds too good, but it's true! Despite the impressive effectiveness of niacinamide, it is even and especially suitable for sensitive skin.
We believe that everyone (literally absolutely everyone) can benefit from niacinamide and that you should be using at least one product containing niacinamide every day. Let us tell you why!
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3.
It's a (rightly) popular ingredient in skincare formulations, but it's also an ingredient used to treat dermatological conditions like acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.
What is the effect of niacinamide?
#1 For acne and enlarged pores
Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive treatment for skin conditions characterized by inflammation, such as acne. Niacinamide has been shown to reduce acne and blackheads, as well as sebum production in people with oily skin.
Niacinamide is relatively non-irritating compared to other acne treatments, making it a particularly attractive option for those with dry or sensitive skin.
#2 To reduce visual signs of skin aging
Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, therefore it scavenges free radicals. As a result, niacinamide helps reduce visible signs of aging. Free radicals are unstable molecules and to gain stability they react with other molecules, setting off a chain reaction that damages healthy skin cells. Our bodies produce free radicals naturally, but they can also be produced by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, and other chemicals.
When there is an excess of free radicals in our system, it causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress breaks down collagen, hindering the skin's natural repair process and triggering inflammation. This shows up in wrinkles, sagging skin, acne and an uneven skin tone.
As we age, our skin produces less important proteins, such as keratin, filaggrin, and involucrin. A reduced amount of these proteins leads to poorer skin structure, reduced skin elasticity and more wrinkles. Studies show that niacinamide can boost collagen production as well as the production of these three important proteins.
#3 For pigment spots and melasma
Niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin) to keratinocytes (skin cells in the top layer of the skin). Melanosomes carry the melanin pigment, which belongs to a group of biological pigments that are responsible for the coloring of the skin, choroid and hair in humans, among other things.
#4 To strengthen the skin barrier
Other helpful benefits of niacinamide include helping to renew skin's surface and protect against moisture loss and dehydration by helping skin stimulate its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. As ceramides break down over time, skin is vulnerable to all sorts of problems, from dry, flaky skin to irritation.
If you have dry skin, topical application of niacinamide has been shown to boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer, reducing the skin's moisture loss that can lead to dehydrated and tight skin.
It could also be useful for rosacea and atopic dermatitis, both of which dermatological conditions benefit from niacinamide's skin barrier strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties.
What ingredients can I use Niacinamide with?
Niacinamide is compatible with all products in your skincare routine, including those containing retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, vitamin C, and all kinds of antioxidants.
Studies even show that antioxidants delight in other antioxidants because the combination of different antioxidants can enhance its antioxidant activity and make it more effective. It is therefore a good idea to use vitamin C and niacinamide together, for example.
How do I use niacinamide?
We recommend using a skin care product containing niacinamide at least once a day. Since niacinamide usually has no side effects, you can use it twice a day without any problems.
In theory, niacinamide can also be applied to the eye area, unlike many other ingredients. It is even a good idea, because the sensitive eye area in particular tends to develop wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Of course, you should still pay attention to which other ingredients are contained in the specific skin care product. All of the products listed below can also be safely used on the eye area. Yayy!
Since the ingredient offers numerous benefits for all skin types of all ages, there is no reason not to include it in your facial care routine.
Our most popular products with Niacinamide
Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid Vitalizing Toner by iUnik
Uhhh, that feels good: 45% hyaluronic acid! Plunge your face into a flow of enveloping moisture and pleasant freshness. This toner gives your skin new life and prepares it pleasantly for the day. Thanks to its nourishing properties, it is also suitable for your self-care time in the evening and supports skin regeneration.
Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence by Cosrx
Say goodbye to pimple scars, age spots and skin discoloration! Ferment Galactomyces lighten dark areas of skin and give an even, radiant complexion. This essence provides deep, penetrating moisture and has a feather-light, pleasantly refreshing texture. It counteracts skin aging and makes tired, sad skin happy again.
Tea Tree Relief Serum by iUnik
Your skin is irritated, red and just not behaving the way it should. A weakened skin barrier can result in inflammation, redness, itching and textured skin. This is where the Tea Tree Relief Serum comes in, giving your skin the relaxation and rejuvenation it has been longing for.
Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask by Cosrx
This rice mask envelops you in a full abundance of moisture and care. Rice extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which helps your skin regenerate overnight and gives you a soft, glowing face the next morning. The night mask helps even out a rice-kissed skin tone and calms stressed, angry skin for nourishing dreams.
Cover photo by Cottonbro
Sources:
Pooja Bains, Manpreet Kaur, Jasleen Kaur, et. al "Nicotinamide: Mechanism of action and indications in dermatology", https://ijdvl.com/nicotinamide-mechanism-of-action-and-indications-in-dermatology/, DOI : 10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_286_17
Ao Xuan Zhen, Mei Jing Piao, Kyoung Ah Kang, et. al. "Niacinamide Protects Skin Cells from Oxidative Stress Induced by Particulate Matter", http://europepmc.org/article/MED/31272139, DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.061
Dawnielle C Endly, Richard A Miller, http://europepmc.org/article/MED/28979664 , Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2017
Lademann J, Vergou T, Darvin ME, et. al. "Influence of Topical, Systemic and Combined Application of Antioxidants on the Barrier Properties of the Human Skin." Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2016;29(1):41-6. DOI:10.1159/000441953
