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

Published : February 21, 2024 4 mins read Updated On : Oct 29, 2024

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.

What does Niacinamide do for Your Skin?

• 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.

• Helps to reduce 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• Helps to 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.

• Helps to 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.

• 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 minimize 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.

• Helps in skin tightening

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 Serum?

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 moisturizing. 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 Niacinamide Serum Side Effects?

• Allergic Reaction
• Itching
• Mild Burning Sensations
• Redness

How to Choose the Best Niacinamide Serum?

To choose the best niacinamide serum look for Korean niacinamide with 2% to 5% niacinamide. According to research 2% to 5% niacinamide is ideal for skin health. It helps in brightening skin and protects skin from sun damage. Look for other ingredients like glutathione and vitamin C that are most popular along with glutathione for radiant and glowing skin.

Conclusion

Niacinamide is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare products. 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. How do you use niacinamide for the best results?

Apply a niacinamide serum on clean, dry skin after cleansing and toning, ideally in the morning and evening, followed by a moisturiser.

2. Does niacinamide brighten skin?

Yes, niacinamide helps to brighten the skin.

3. Is 10% niacinamide too much?

While 10% niacinamide can be well tolerated, it can cause skin irritation.

4. Why is my skin getting darker after using niacinamide?

This could be the result of other chemicals present in the niacinamide serum. 

author
Soumil Vartak
Health and Fitness enthusiast

Soumil is really passionate about health and fitness. He provides great insight on various trends about health and fitness. By writing about these topics he try to provide key insight on diet and e... Read More

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