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If you’re new to skincare or just looking to enhance your routine, you’ve likely heard of niacinamide. This versatile and gentle ingredient has become a staple in the beauty world, praised for its ability to improve a wide range of skin concerns. But what exactly is niacinamide, and how can you incorporate it into your skincare routine for the best results?
Why Niacinamide Deserves More Hype
Niacinamide offers numerous benefits for the skin, making it a must-have in your skincare arsenal. Despite its effectiveness, it often flies under the radar compared to other skincare powerhouses like retinol and vitamin C. However, its potential as a promising anti-aging ingredient and its compatibility with all skin types make it a superstar everyone should be using.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about niacinamide and how to use it for glowing, healthy skin.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin essential for healthy skin. Unlike its counterpart, nicotinic acid, which can cause skin flushing, niacinamide is well-tolerated by all skin types, making it a popular choice in skincare products. It plays a crucial role as a precursor to cofactors like niacinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphate derivative (NADP), both of which are vital for the skin’s overall health.
The Benefits of Niacinamide for Your Skin
Niacinamide is a true multitasker, offering a wide range of benefits that can transform your skin. Here’s a closer look at what niacinamide can do for you:
1. Treatment For Acne
Niacinamide is an effective treatment for acne, offering results comparable to traditional acne treatments without the irritation. A study comparing 4% niacinamide gel to 1% clindamycin found that niacinamide was equally effective in improving acne over eight weeks, making it a gentle and non-irritating option for those with sensitive skin.
2. Fades Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide helps fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This process brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of acne scars and melasma. A study found that 4% niacinamide was as effective as 4% hydroquinone in treating melasma, with the added benefit of being less irritating.
3. Reduce Excess Oil Production
If you struggle with oily skin, niacinamide can help regulate sebum production. A study showed that using a 2% niacinamide moisturizer for four weeks significantly reduced facial sebum levels, leaving skin less greasy and shiny.
In the study, a group of people with oily skin applied 2% niacinamide moisturizer on the face while the other group used any moisturizer with niacinamide for 4 weeks. The niacinamide group showed a significantly lower amount of facial sebum after 4 weeks of application.
4. Minimize Pore Size
By controlling excess oil production, niacinamide also helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, leading to smoother, more refined skin texture.
5. Improves Skin Hydration
Niacinamide enhances the skin’s natural barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and improving moisture retention. This makes it particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
6. Reduce Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Niacinamide stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A study involving 50 women with signs of aging showed significant improvements in the side of the face treated with 5% niacinamide compared to the untreated side.
In the study, they were told to apply 5% niacinamide on one half of the face and the other half with any moisturizer without niacinamide. The results showed that the side with niacinamide significantly improved the signs of aging while the other side of the face showed no improvement.
7. Soothes Rosacea Redness
Niacinamide is a game-changer for those with rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and prevent flare-ups, making it a gentle yet effective treatment for this sensitive skin condition.
Studies have shown that niacinamide applied topically to rosacea patients can significantly improve the persistent redness of rosacea as well as reduce flare-ups. Niacinamide is well-tolerated and gentle that can be used for people with rosacea.
8. Provides UV Protection
Niacinamide helps protect the skin from UV damage by reducing the production of free radicals and inflammatory molecules that can damage collagen. While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, it can enhance your sun protection routine.
9. Reduces Yellowing of the Skin
As we age, the skin can develop a yellowish tint due to glycation, a process where sugars damage collagen. Niacinamide’s antioxidant properties help prevent this by inhibiting the glycation process.
10. Improves Skin Elasticity
Niacinamide’s ability to boost collagen production and prevent glycation helps improve skin elasticity, making your skin firmer and more resilient.
Side Effects Of Niacinamide
Niacinamide is generally safe, stable, and well-tolerated. However, some users may experience mild stinging or irritation, especially when using high concentrations for the first time. If you’re new to niacinamide, start slowly. Apply a small amount or mix it with your moisturizer to allow your skin to adjust.
Best niacinamide serums to try
1. Paula’s Choice Niacinamide serum 10% Booster
Paula’s Choice Niacinamide contains a high dose of niacinamide. It is technically a booster which means you can add this to your moisturizer or use it alone. Its watery weightless consistency makes it even better for those with oily skin. It also contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin.
2. The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide serum
The Ordinary contains a high amount of niacinamide and it is still affordable. It also contains zinc which makes it perfect for those with acne or oily skin. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and calm the skin.
3. InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Serum
InstaNatural contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide making it a great anti-wrinkle agent. It is lightweight and also contains vitamin E to boost collagen and improve skin elasticity.
4. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
This product is called discolouration defence for a reason. It contains 5% Niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid; a precursor to hydroquinone, and 1% kojic acid. This trio helps in combating hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
5. PCA skin vitamin b3 Niacinamide serum
PCA contains 6% niacinamide and it helps improve the skin’s barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. It also contains peptides and green tea extract to fight dark spots and even out skin tone.
6. Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum
This serum is perfect for reducing any stress-related look. From the bottle, you would notice the spheres it comes in. This means the active ingredient is separated until you apply it which makes the serum very potent. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and cannabis to help rejuvenate and relax the skin.
7. CosRx BHA blackhead power liquid
This K-beauty product is unique and one of a kind. It contains niacinamide and natural BHA to even out skin tone. Although it says blackheads, this product can treat acne, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone.
8. CeraVe facial moisturizing lotion
This moisturizer is just amazing!. It is lightweight and includes ceramides, and niacinamide to hydrate the skin. If you have dry and dull skin, this is a moisturizer to go for.
9. La Roche-Posay double repair moisturizer
This product is great if you have sensitive skin. It contains a high amount of niacinamide and ceramides to improve the skin barrier and make your skin resistant to environmental toxins. It helps soothe and hydrate the skin.
10. Obagi Daily hydro drops facial serum
Obagi is formulated with innovative moisture formula to deliver niacinamide into the skin in its purest form. This helps to increase ceramides and other skin moisturizing factors to keep the skin hydrated and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Conclusion
Niacinamide is a versatile and powerful ingredient that should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine. Its wide range of benefits—from treating acne to reducing wrinkles—makes it an essential addition for all skin types. Whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned enthusiast, niacinamide can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with friends and family. Have you started using niacinamide yet? Let me know in the comments below!
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Good post and very informative. I learned a lot about niacinamide by reading this post. Thank you for sharing.
That’s great, thanks for reading 💜
I have been using The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum for the past few months and I instantly noticed such a huge difference in my skin – and now I won’t ever go without it!!
Roni | myelevatedexistence.com
The Ordinary Niacinamide is amazing, I love the fact that it is affordable too.
I’ve never heard of this before! Since it is supposed to help with rosacea then I might go ahead and try it. Some of them do seem pretty affordable! Thank you for this post. :]
I could have included it in my post about Rosacea but I learn as the days goes by. It’s amazing how this ingredient is gentle even for rosacea. And yeah, it’s worth the try
Hey you’re fine! I would rather you learn about it then talk about it 🙂
This was very informative! I didn’t know most of this stuff, but now I’m wondering how I went this long without knowing. It seems like something important to know about my skin. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I haven’t ever heard of Nicinamide before so I learned so much from reading this post. Thanks for sharing it!
It’s a wonderful ingredient isn’t it? Thank you so much for reading
Such a well researched I haven’t heard of Nicinamide before but this was really informative. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of this before. Sounds like it could be really good for some sun issues that I have.
You should try it out.
I am loving the sound of these serums! I have skin that could use some pore tightening and a little help getting old scars to fade, so Nicinamide is something I wish I had heard of sooner. I think I would give the Power Liquid a whirl. 🙂
Yeah you should really give it a go, it’s an amazing ingredient
Ooooh! I didn’t know niacin is also referred to as vitamin B3. It is great that we can get it from everyday foods, big plus that it is so good for us too!! I need to give this serum a try. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
I’ve never heard of this, very interesting, looks like it has some really beneficial uses!
This is such an informative and helpful post. Thank you for sharing some suggestions also. I will have to research more about this. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren | http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I’ve never heard of this, so I’ll have to look into it more. Interesting! I’ve been eating more nuts and leafy greens, but maybe I need to be doing more.
It is an interesting ingredient… I’m glad you know about it now 💜
Oh wow, I’ll be honest – I have never heard of niacinamide serums before and was totally unaware that it would carry so many great benefits. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this start to gain attention and notoriety as people like you are talking about it more and highlighting this valuable information. Thank you!
The funny thing is this ingredient has been around for a while, it’s just not as popular as retinol and vitamin c so I guess that’s why lots of people don’t know about it. I’m glad you learnt about it today. Thank you so much for reading 💜
This sounds like a great ingredient to serums. I have never heard of it before, but it sounds like it has lots of benefits. I will have to check out some skin care with it in.
Thanks for sharing…I always learn something new on your blog!
Aimsy oxox
Aimsy’s Antics
I’ve never heard of niacinamide serums. But this sounds awesome. Looks like I should give it a try!
Oh wow, this sounds like it works wonders. I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of it until now, which is surprising since it seems to have a lot of benefits. I know you said it’s not as popular as retinol and vitamin c but maybe that will change now – always love learning new things on your blog! It’s amazing, thanks!
Great, informative post. I definitely need to check some of these products out.
Very informative and well written post. I learned a lot from reading this. I never knew what niacinamide was, thanks for sharing! 😊
I’ve honestly never heard about niacinamide but from what youve said it sounds dreamy! I’ve been looking for something that would reduce some of my hyperpigmentation and this looks perfect!! My flatmate swears by the cerave moisturizer and maybe this is why! Thanks for the info and making me aware of this.
A great read! Your posts are always so informative!
Amber – The Unpredicted page
Thank you 💜
I love niacinamide in products, and I actually have it in both a serum and my cleanser! It really does help to clear my skin.
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ooh I really want to try this! Great post, very informative:)
You should 💜. Thank you for reading
I totally want to try a niacinamide serum and see how my skin likes it, I haven’t heard of it before! Thanks for sharing the list of the best ones to buy 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a niacinamide serum before – tbh I had no idea there were so many benefits! I use a Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid, which I love, but when that runs out I might give The Ordinary one a try, especially as it has zinc which would be good for my slightly sensitive cheeks. Such an interesting article, thank you for sharing this 🙂 Lisa
I’m not sure if I can pronounce these serums properly, but their benefits sound amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great post ! Niacinamide and other face oils and serums have been all the rage right now & I love that people are hopping on ! It’s so beneficial to the skin !
Great post. You always teach me something I didn’t know before, thank you🥰🥰🥰
I’ve only ever tried the Niacinamide from The Ordinary and my skin reacted horribly to it but I’ve since learnt that my skin reacts badly to all products from The Ordinary so maybe I should try another version, it has so many great properties. I’d like to be able to find one that my skin likes! x
Sophie
I learned a lot from this article. Thanks for sharing it!
I did not expect the UV protection part! I will definitely have to check it out. I’ve let my skin care routine slide in quarantine and really need to get back on it.
That The Ordinary Niacinamide is a great product. I ran out and need to order a new one. I always applied in the morning. Is that the right way?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay to apply it in the morning
I didn’t know anything about niacinamide before reading this article, but it sounds like a great serum. Going to buy it from The Ordinary as I already love their products. Thanks for all this information!
Great… it’s an amazing ingredient. Thanks for reading 💜
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I had no idea about the benefits of niacinamide but I’m definitely going to get a serum of it now!
This is such an interesting and informative post. I’d never heard of niacinamide before.