Everything You Need to Know about Niacinamide: How to Use and Benefits

Skincare is a hot topic right now and people are looking for the best ingredients that can help to improve their skin health. Many ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and glutathione are popular ingredients in many skin health supplements. Niacinamide is also one of those ingredients that is gaining popularity as an important ingredient in skin care supplements. In this blog, we will deep dive into niacinamide. We will understand what niacinamide is, what are its benefits for the skin and how to use niacinamide supplements.

What is Niacinamide?
In the skincare context niacinamide is a topical version of vitamin B3. Niacinamide also contributes to maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential benefits in managing certain skin conditions like acne and eczema, as well as for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin

1. Helps to boost hydration
Niacinamide helps your skin to grow a lipid barrier called ceramide. This helps your skin lock moisture in and keep pollutants or other potential irritants out, making your skin more hydrated and less sensitive. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.

2. Helps to calm redness
Niacinamides help to reduce inflammation. This can help calm redness due to conditions like acne, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Niacinamide also soothes irritation caused by strong exfoliants like retinol or glycolic acid that remove dead cells from the surface of your skin (1).

3. Helps to shrink pores
Niacinamides have shown to shrink pores by helping keep your skin smooth and clear. Niacinamide also helps to regulate the amount of oil your glands produce, which can prevent breakouts and clogged pores.

4. Helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Niacinamide is also helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide contains some antioxidant properties which help protect your skin and aid its recovery from damage due to factors like aging, sun and stress.
One study has found that topical niacinamide can improve fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin’s natural complexion (2).

5. Helps protect against oxidative stress
Niacinamide can help protect against oxidative stress. It has antioxidant properties that enable it to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to cells. Niacinamide helps protect the skin from environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and toxins, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage.

6. Help reduce dark spots
Niacinamide can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage. It inhibits the transfer of pigment within the skin and reduces melanin production, resulting in a brighter and more radiant complexion.

7. Helps to regulate oil production
Niacinamide can help regulate oil production in the skin. It works by inhibiting the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. By controlling sebum production, niacinamide helps to reduce excess oiliness on the skin's surface, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

This makes niacinamide beneficial for individuals with oily or combination skin, as it can help minimise shine and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Additionally, regulating oil production can contribute to a more balanced complexion and reduce the likelihood of acne flare-ups.

8. Helps keep skin firm
Keratin, the primary structural protein in the skin, is essential for maintaining its firmness, smoothness, and health. Niacinamide usage in skincare has been demonstrated to promote keratin production in the skin, leading to a firmer and more youthful appearance.

How to Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is commonly used in brightening serum for the face. These are topical serums that need to be applied to the face. You can apply 3-4 drops on your clean face and pat well for better absorption.
Niacinamide serum should be used after toning but before moisturising. Niacinamide is also a key ingredient in sheet masks which are rinsed off after each use. Niacinamide can also be paired with ingredients such as hyaluronic acids, vitamin C and glutathione to provide a complete skincare supplement.

What are the side effects of niacinamide?
• Allergic reaction.
• Itching.
• Mild burning sensation.
• Redness.

Conclusion
Consistent daily use of niacinamide topically can promote better skin health. It aids in reducing inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smoothing skin texture, and enhancing skin brightness. Results may take some time, as improvements typically become noticeable over several weeks.

FAQs
1. Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Yes, niacinamide is beneficial for oily skin as it helps regulate sebum production, reduces shine, minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and prevents acne breakouts.

2. Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes, niacinamide is generally safe for daily use in skincare routines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and can be applied both morning and night.

3. Does niacinamide whiten skin?
Niacinamide doesn't bleach or lighten the skin. However, it can help even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, resulting in a brighter complexion over time.