Dr. Deepthi Prasad, MBBS.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Niacinamide is a very popular skincare ingredient, and for good reasons. It is a skincare allrounder that potentially improves all kinds of skin concerns ranging from acne to hyperpigmentation. It is commonly found in the INCI list of a variety of topical skincare products. From hydrating the skin to promoting skin elasticity, Niacinamide is the jack of all skincare trades, so let’s discover this brilliant skincare hero.
What is Niacinamide?
A stable form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide happens to be one of the most studied cosmeceutical ingredients, because of its beauty-enhancing properties. This also means that such a well-researched ingredient is very safe to use. There are 8 forms of Vitamin B, and our body needs each of them for good health. Niacinamide is the precursor to two very important coenzymes; namely nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate which are essential for cell reactions needed to repair the skin. This superstar ingredient is a water-soluble vitamin that is not synthesized within the body and therefore needs to be added to the skin, via topical application.
Benefits of Niacinamide for the skin
Niacinamide is an incredibly restorative ingredient with skincare benefits galore. It helps in restoring cellular energy and repairing damaged DNA to reverse skin problems. It fights internal and external skin stressors, to improve the cell regeneration process. Here are some well-researched benefits of Niacinamide for skin:
Also Read : Our Honest Take On What Niacinamide Does For Your Skin!
1. Reduces the appearance of large pores
Those looking for a solution for enlarged pores must use Niacinamide because it works like magic when it comes to shrinking pore size. It removes oil and grime from the pore lining by declogging it and therefore helps in tightening pores.
2. Helps with skin hydration
Niacinamide is an excellent skin moisturizer by preventing the evaporation of moisture into the environment from the skin.
3. Acts on rosacea and acne
Niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be an excellent addition to an anti-acne skincare regimen. It is a good alternative to oral antibiotics when it comes to mild to moderate rosacea.
4. Reduces skin pigmentation
Niacinamide is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it helps in evening out and brightens the skin. A few clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of Niacinamide to help with hyperpigmented skin. It reduces the transfer of pigment-producing melanocytes to the outer layer of the skin and therefore prevents skin discoloration. It also prevents and helps with tanning, sun spots, and melasma caused by sun damage.
5. Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
Prolonged use of Niacinamide for skin can help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Those who are allergic to anti-ageing ingredients like retinol and hydroquinone opt for Niacinamide, to smooth out lines and wrinkles. It has a favorable tolerability profile and people with sensitive skin prefer using Niacinamide in their anti-ageing skincare regime. It enhances barrier function and promotes the synthesis of fatty acids, lipids, and ceramides in the skin to promote collagen production and skin elasticity.
Also Read : Can Wrinkles Be Reversed? Let's Find Out.
How to use Niacinamide? Can you use Niacinamide on your face every day?
Topical Niacinamide comes in all shapes and forms. You can find Niacinamide serums, face washes, toners, masks, and moisturizers packed in the beauty aisles. However, the best way to incorporate this ingredient in a skincare routine every day is in the form of a Niacinamide serum and moisturizer. This way, the skin imbibes the maximum benefits of it. A 5% to 10% concentration of Niacinamide twice a day is ideal for showing quick results.
Buy ThriveCo 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc PCA Serum
How long does Niacinamide take to show results?
Generally, Niacinamide takes about 2 to 4 weeks to show results, with daily use. Of course, every person is different, and the results will vary depending on the severity of the skin conditions. After 4 weeks, the skin should ideally appear to be more even-toned, smooth, with reduced acne and post-acne marks. With regular use, Niacinamide imparts a natural, luminous glow to the skin and reduces skin irritation.
Ingredients that work well with Niacinamide
- Retinoids: Retinols and Niacinamides are a match made in heaven! They have a similar pH range and help each other to function better. Dermatologists suggest using Niacinamide before Retinol because it can help in curbing skin irritation caused by the latter.
- Zinc: Niacinamide works exceptionally well with Zinc. Together they can help in healing acne, redness, and other inflammatory responses of the skin. Many formulations combine zinc and niacinamide to create a skin-soothing concoction that helps in maintaining barrier function.
- Peptides: Peptides are short-chain amino acids that help in building collagen. When paired with Niacinamide, peptides help in tightening and smoothening the skin.
- Alpha arbutin: Alpha arbutin and Niacinamide work synergistically to reduce skin hyperpigmentation. Together they work on the pigment pathways to clear dark spots and discoloration.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide work as a moisture bank and quench dehydrated skin. Together these two ingredients protect the moisture barrier of the skin.
Also Read : Why Is Hyaluronic Acid There In Every Skincare Product In Recent Times?
ThriveCo’s anti-ageing face and neck cream with niacinamide
ThriveCo’s Antiageing Face and Neck Cream is packed with a multitude of skincare benefits. It is an ultra-hydrating cream enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Pentavitin, and Squalane. The occlusive properties of this cream, plumps the skin, making it radiant and youthful. Apart from that, it corrects visible signs of ageing by boosting collagen production and promoting cell turnover. It also protects the skin from redness and irritation caused by other active ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, this multi-faceted cream is a must-have.
Potential side-effects of Niacinamide
While niacinamide is a skincare superstar, with skin moisturizing and brightening properties, it may cause skin irritation, if used in higher concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a lower concentration and build the skin’s toleration toward a higher concentration over time. Overuse of niacinamide for skin may cause skin redness, which is why it is recommended to use it not more than twice daily.
About Doctor :
Dr. Deepthi Prasad specializes in Dermatology, Cosmetology, and Aesthetic Dermatology and has been practicing for over 15 years. After completing MBBS from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences Andhra Pradesh in 2009, she earned a MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad in 2014.
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