When we think about our skin and skincare routine, every day we try to find something new and expect it to work on our skin.
If you are someone who actually follows a proper skincare routine then you might have heard about niacinamide a lot these days because this skincare ingredient is grabbing everyone’s attention because of the magical results it shows.
Niacinamide is actually the must-have skincare just like Retinol and Vitamin C, and also suitable for all skin types.
So, if you are concerned about your skincare routine- just keep everything aside for a few minutes and know about what actually niacinamide is and what it does?
Table of Contents
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3- an essential nutrient that is useful for skin as well as our diet. It is often used to treat acne, control excess sebum production, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and many other skin problems that most of you may be facing.
This must be surprising and questionable at the same time about how the single ingredient can fight with these many skin issues?
Niacinamide is one of the two major forms of Vitamin B3- niacin/nicotinic acid (found in supplements) and the other is niacinamide itself.
As it is a form of Vitamin B3, it can be found in foods like meat, yeast, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. But however, having it as a diet is not only sufficient for you to have a glowing and healthier skin. So, it is expected to be taken not only by mouth but also to be applied to your skin for better results.
The research says that niacin can be effective in skincare because it is a precursor to the two important biochemical factors: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide(NAD+/NADH) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate(NADP+), and both of these molecules are central to the chemical reactions that your cells need to repair the damages, propagate and function normally.
Why Should You Use Niacinamide?
It is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to improve uneven skin tone, control excess sebum production in oily skin, minimize enlarged pores, tightens lax pores, diminishes dullness, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Further research explains that it works to protect skin from environmental damage and also helps your skin to make more collagen and hyaluronic acid that improves hydration, reduces signs of aging, and lessens skin discoloration.
Nicotinamide is definitely a magical multitasker that you can add in your daily skincare routine easily with any other products without worrying about adverse reactions.
The other reason why nicotinamide is a multitasker is because of its antioxidant properties and also works as a cell-communicating ingredient which means it helps all the cells in the skin to make the skin healthier and younger.
Moreover, you may have a lot of products for your skincare routine like toners, serums, and other highly concentrated leave-on treatments. The special feature of Niacinamide is that it is uniquely compatible with any of the products in your skincare routine like AHAs, BHAs, hyaluronic acids, peptides, and any other type of antioxidants.
How to use Niacinamide?
By now you may have known that Niacinamide is a game-changer ingredient for your skin that helps you to get rid of various skin issues.
Nicotinamide can be found in various forms like foods, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, or any other products. As mentioned above, having niacin or nicotinamide as a diet may not be sufficient as it doesn’t get to the outermost surface of your skin, so using it individually in a skincare routine is important.
The cleansers and moisturizer having niacinamide can be used normally, but it is mostly found in the form of serums and serums are basically the extra treatments for your skin.
You can use niacinamide serum after cleansing and toning your face but apply it before moisturizing and using any other heavy cosmetic products.
Note: Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions before using the product.
Benefits and Side Effects
Even though the main function of niacinamide is to build proteins in the skin and lock the moisture to prevent environmental damage. It also offers other uncountable benefits for you to have a glowing and healthy skin.
Benefits
Regulates Oil
The major benefit of niacinamide to lock moisture is not only for the people having dry skin types. It also helps to regulate the amount of excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands for the people having oily skin.
Treats Acne
It can show great results within 4 weeks to the people who suffer from different types of acne. Besides treating the different forms of acne it also helps to improve the skin texture overtime.
Minimizes redness
It works as an anti-inflammatory agent for your skin which helps to ease redness caused due to different reasons like acne, eczema, and other inflammatory conditions.
Protects against sun damage
It can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting skin from the harmful ultraviolet(UVA and UVB) rays.
Minimizes pore appearance
Excess sebum production and large pores may be a major skin issue for those having oily skin types. Niacinamide works magically on your skin by naturally reducing pore size over time.
Treats Hyperpigmentation
Sometimes, some patches of skin become darker, which is known as hyperpigmentation.
It occurs due to the production of excess melanin. Due to the increased collagen production, the nicotinamides can help lighten dark spots and treat hyperpigmentation.
Protects against oxidative stress
Niacinamide not only helps to rebuild the cells in your skin but also protects them from environmental stress like pollution, sunlight, and other toxins.
Side Effects
Among many of the serums, toners, or any other skincare products, niacinamide is generally considered as the safest to use.
But some people who may have pre-existing allergies can get rashes, allergic reactions, or have negative results due to its use.
So, it is always suggested to do a patch test before you directly apply the product to be sure about the allergies or the sensitivities.
How to do a patch test?
- Apply 2-3 drops of product on your forearm.
- Leave it on your skin for 24 hours.
- If you get rashes or feel an itchy sensation wash the area immediately and discontinue use.
- If you don’t experience any side effects, you can safely apply the product to the desired area.
Wrapping Up
Skin transformation is not something that happens overnight, you need to have a proper schedule, diet, and patience at the same time.
Niacinamide can give a positive result on your overall skin health if used every day with proper care and all the precautions.
Even though it may take several weeks or even a few months for someone to see noticeable changes in your skin it is important to be patient and stick with your skincare routine if you want clear and healthy skin.
Niacinamide is worthy of all the attention that it has been gaining and there’s no reason to wait to add it to your skincare routine as it improves your skin’s appearance and makes it brighter and younger.
NOTE: If you don’t see any improvements or get allergic reactions, consult your dermatologist for a proper skincare routine and the diet changes that you may need to follow for improving your skin health.
Freuently Asked Questions
What does Niacinamide do to your skin?
There are numerous benefits that you can get from Niacinamide like treating your acne, hydrating your skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, controlling excess sebum production which results in breakouts, protecting skin from sun damages, minimizing pore appearance, and so on….
How long does Niacinamide take to work ?
It may depend upon your skin type and skin issues. However, it may start showing results after 3-4 weeks. You can choose a product containing 5% Niacinamide as it has been proven to visibly make a difference without causing any irritation.
Can I use Niacinamide everyday?
Yes, Niacinamide is recommended to use in both A.M and P.M skincare routine after cleansing and toning and before applying moisturizer.
Be careful if you are using it with retinol or Vitamin C.
Who needs Niacinamide?
It is actually the form of Vitamin B3, so, basically, everyone needs it to have healthy skin. It is especially recommended to those suffering from skin problems like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and different types of acne.
At what age should I use Niacinamide?
Although there are no age boundaries for its use, however, you can start using it in your early 20’s, as your skin normally faces different types of skin issues at this age.
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