When it comes to hot topic skincare ingredients, Niacinamide is no stranger to the spotlight. This versatile skincare ingredient is incredibly popular for the benefits it brings to skin!
Niacinamide is an ingredient that doesn’t just target one issue or concern of the skin - it helps with many! That’s why it’s such a popular ingredient; effective and non-irritating, Niacinamide works for all skin types and in all skincare routines.
But what is Niacinamide, exactly? Here’s our guide to this powerful skincare ingredient.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3. The difference between the two is that niacinamide has a special peptide bond attached to it that makes it usable by the skin.
Is Niacinamide An “Active” Ingredient?
Often, we’re told to use ‘active’ ingredients carefully to avoid irritating our skin - this can include Vitamin C, Retinol, and Exfoliants. Does Niacinamide fall into this category?
While Niacinamide certainly acts on the skin, it’s not an ‘active’ that needs careful introduction to skin.
What are the Benefits of Niacinamide?
So, what exactly does Niacinamide do for skin? Here’s a list of what this derm-favorite skincare ingredient can do for you.
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Anti-aging
- Anti-wrinkle
- Skin barrier support
- Fade dark spots
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Minimize pores
Niacinamide shows off antioxidant-like activity, meaning it’s able to protect skin from external stressors that kick-start the signs of aging and wrinkles. Studies have found that Niacinamide improves skin elasticity and firmness, restoring a youthful appearance.
Another reason Niacinamide is recommended for all skin types - and especially sensitive skin - is that it’s an ideal ingredient for maintaining your moisture barrier.
This important part of our skin helps to prevent dryness caused by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Put simply, TEWL is the evaporation of water away from your skin. When your moisture barrier is strong and taken care of, your skin is less easily irritated and dried out. These are both conditions that lead to the worsening in appearance of wrinkles!
If your skin has dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sunspots, Niacinamide might be able to help! This skincare ingredient has noted abilities to lighten dark spots for a more even skin tone.
Last but not least, Niacinamide visibly improves the look of enlarged pores and balances sebum without drying out skin. Studies have shown that after just two weeks of use, skin decreased sebum production levels. Pores look larger than they really are due to filling up with sebum. When sebum production is regulated, they don’t appear as noticeable and skin isn’t as shiny.
Niacinamide in Skincare: Key Ideas
Niacinamide is an effective skincare ingredient that’s ideal for all skin types and a wide range of concerns, from anti-aging to dark spots and pores. This gentle ingredient can be used to complement other actives in your skincare routine, or can even work as the hero serum in your skincare routine.
