It may appear humble but Niacinamide is a superstar in the making. After all, it has a host it has amazing skin benefits you just can’t deny. A powerhouse of an ingredient, Niacinamide is slowly making its way to becoming an influential cog in the skincare game. After all, our skin regularly goes through trials aplenty that rob it of its natural moisture and sheen, giving it a dry and dull appearance.
Niacinamide comes like a ‘Knight In Shining Armour’ to uplift the skin and give it back its radiance and moisturize. Now, heave a sigh of relief because it’s time to bid farewell to the nasties like acne, enlarged pores, aging skin, fine lines, and welcome gorgeous, flaunt-worthy skin.
So let’s begin with the ever-important question.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide hardly sounds like a posh product that does your skin good, right? On the contrary, because the wonders of Niacinamide are effective and how. One of the most reliable ingredients, Niacinamide has been used in beauty products for a long time. It is a form of Vitamin B3 that is naturally derived from Nicotinic Acid found in brewer’s yeast and cereals. Once segregated, it goes through a chemical reaction to become Niacinamide.
Niacinamide is found in various foods like fish, meat, fish, eggs milk, green vegetables, and so on. It is needed for fat and sugar function and to maintain healthy body cells. A super-versatile ingredient, this ‘wow-vitamin’ is thought to be necessary for healthy brain function, nervous system, and digestive tract function too. Though popularly used to prevent Vitamin B3 deficiency, this component greatly improves skin health, especially for those with acne and blemishes.
How does it work?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble ingredient that works beautifully with your skin’s natural chemistry and helps to improve its texture. It not helps rebuild the lipid layer but also minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness prevents skin from sun damage, and also works as an antioxidant.
Benefits of niacinamide
Fights acne by reducing bacteria activity
There are many causes of acne breakout but the main contributor to acne is Propionibacterium acnes. It is a bacterium that naturally occurs on our skin. Topical treatments and products that contain Niacinamide are known to reduce the bacteria’s contamination of the skin thus improving the skin condition.
Minimalist Niacinamide is a serum that is rich in Vitamin B3 and the antibacterial Mineral Zinc. It contains 10% Niacinamide that boosts protein production, reduces melanin concentration, and improves skin complexion. It also balances sebum activity and reduces inflammation. This aloe-based formula is non-greasy and leaves the skin feeling smooth.
Lowers sebum production and secretion
Our skin produces natural oils called sebum that protect our skin and keep it moisturized. But excessive sebum production can clog the pores resulting in acne flare-ups, blackheads, and blemishes. Niacinamide is known to reduce sebum production and thus control acne. It also helps to normalize any changes in the skin barrier and works wonders especially if you have acne-prone, oily skin.
BB Picks: Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum
A unique formulation of Niacinamide with Ginger Extract, it is known to reduce acne scars and marks, minimize enlarged pores, and improve overall skin texture. Niacinamide acts as a potent antioxidant to reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and restore the skin’s elasticity. This serum prevents collagen breakdown and stimulates melanin production to minimize pigmentation. This amazing product has no intense chemicals and is paraben-free.
Increases ceramides
Ceramides are fats or lipids that are present in our skin cells. Ceramides make for over 40% of the epidermis (the outer layer of our skin) and they prevent the loss of moisture from our skin. They also block germs from entering our skin and prevent infection. Niacinamide increases the production of Ceramides and Free Fatty Acids to bolster this skin barrier thus strengthening the skin’s capacity to retain moisture. Remember to use Niacinamide to reduce acne flare-ups as many acne treatments tend to dry up the skin. Using Niacinamide will ensure that the moisture balance is maintained and your skin suppleness is not compromised.
BB Picks: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum
A night serum that is a blend of Niacinamide and Retinol, it penetrates the skin to improve fine lines, brighten skin and reduce dark spots and pores. This 24-hour hydrating serum is fragrance-free and hence does not irritate. Give your skin a good night’s hydration and wake up to radiant supple skin.
Balances the melanocytes’ activity
Melanocytes are cells that carry a pigment called Melanin which gives us our skin and hair the natural colour. Niacinamide can help alleviate Melanocytes’ activity that addresses the issues of hyperpigmentation due to acne scars and help repair skin cell damage due to UV rays.
BB Picks: Be Soulfull Brightening Serum
A lightweight, non-greasy serum, this contains Niacinamide which reduces skin discoloration, Hyaluronic Acid which retains moisture, and Vitamin C which brightens the skin. This serum hydrates instantly and also helps in firming and brightening of the skin.
It is anti-inflammatory
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that reduce acne and pimples and accelerate the healing of these blemishes. The decrease in inflammation also calms the redness and lessens pores and other inflammatory skin conditions.
BB Picks: StBotanica B3
This is a lightweight, non-greasy serum formulated with 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc and 1% Hyaluronic Acid. It is also enriched with potent natural extracts such as Aloe Vera, Caffeine, and Olive Leaf Extract that help minimize pores, fade dark spots and refine skin’s texture. It does not contain any silicones, parabens, or mineral oils and is a vegan product.
It hydrates the skin
Niacinamide has hydration boosting that works for the skin and improves its glow. This amazing ingredient can retain moisture and prevent it from evaporating. It is a form of Vitamin B3 that helps build protein and protect the skin from external aggressors.
BB Picks: Olay Luminous Cica Super Serum
This is an incredible moisturizer that contains 99% Niacinamide and keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized for a long time. Lightweight and non-greasy, it is suitable for all types of skin. Go on, plump up your skin and let it glow.
Niacinamide and usage
- Niacinamide works best when used in serums. Niacinamide is water soluble and is compatible with most skincare products. It works best when used as a moisturizer. It also works effectively when used in cleansers, face masks, and such.
- People with sensitive skin should start with a small amount of Niacinamide which is only 2% before increasing the quantity.
- Niacinamide is safe when applied topically but those who have prior allergies need to be careful. Though Niacinamide can generate histamine, a patch test would be a wise move
Do give Niacinamide a try and give your complexion a new lease of life. Incorporate it into your skincare regime and you will soon see a visible difference. There is a reason why this is a super ingredient and we highly recommend you buy it, you try it and see the amazing results for yourself. Go indulge in great skin. You deserve it!
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