Niacinamide also called nicotinamide or vitamin B3 is a form of vitamin with several proven benefits for the skin & internal health. It is not taken internally unless recommended by a healthcare professional. For the sake of this article, weβll focus on its skincare properties and benefits only.
Niacinamide is a multi-functional skincare superstar. Itβs a great anti-aging and anti-wrinkle ingredient that can be used on its own or mixed with other ingredients like acetyl glucosamine, amino sugar, etc. ClinicalΒ evaluationsΒ of topical formulations containing this vitamin have identified a wide range of skincare benefits. Dermatological effects of topical niacinamide have also been observed in human testing, such as improvements in acne and bullous pemphigoid.
What Does Niacinamide Do? -Β How Niacinamide Benefits The Skin
Niacinamideβs best benefit according to dermatologists is the prevention of skin cancer, but is that all that is about niacinamide? Weβll find out below:
Barrier repair functions
The region between our skin cells consists mainly of free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. These three determine how healthy our skin barrier is. Studies have shown that 2% of niacinamide can increase the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides, which gives us a healthier, better-hydrated, and stronger skin barrier.
InΒ another study, niacinamide demonstrated the ability to improve the top layer of the skin barrier function in patients with rosacea.
Improves wound healing
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, niacinamide induces an improvement in wound healing. Not only this, but it also improves tissue regeneration through the rapid production of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis.
Anti-aging & anti-wrinkle benefits
InΒ studies on cell cultures, it is found that niacinamide enabled NAD(P) contents to increase to a level of young cells in ageing cells. It was also found that niacinamide boosts the production of collagen, which in turn decreases ageing and wrinkles.
Hyperpigmentation & skin-brightening benefits
Niacinamide is often employed in fading brown spots and brightening the skin because it slows down the transfer of melanosomes (where melanin is stored) from melanocytes (where melanin is produced) to keratinocytes (the outer layer of the skin where melanin shows).
Anti-inflammatory properties
In aΒ studyΒ intended for the treatment of acne, it was found that 4% niacinamide was effective in reducing the inflammation of the papules. In total, 82% of those treated showed significant improvement after 8 weeks. This same method was applied in the treatment of rosacea, and it improved the layer's moisture. There was also a reduction in the reddening of the skin as an indication of the anti-inflammatory effect.
Side Effects
Niacinamide is generally safe to use for everyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women. You can only react to this if you have an existing allergy. To be on the safer side, do a patch test of any new product before introducing it completely into your routine.
When to Use Niacinamide:Β How Niacinamide Benefits The Skin
Niacinamide is suitable for anyone who wants to address acne, pigmentation, hydration, and reducing dark spots and redness. You can also use it to prevent aging, wrinkles and brighten your skin.
Skincare Ingredients You Can Mix or Use With NiacinamideΒ
Niacinamide can be used alone or mixed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, acetyl glucosamine, amino sugar, AHA, and BHA. In treatments for acne, some have reported a more effective result when they mixed niacinamide with copper, folic acid, and zinc. Ensure to check with your dermatologist before combining topical products.
Skincare Ingredients You Can't Mix or Use With NiacinamideΒ Β
Do not use vitamin C and niacinamide in the same routine if you have sensitive skin. Use vitamin C by day and niacinamide by night, or vice versa.
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