You’ve likely seen niacinamide listed on labels of skincare products, or maybe you’ve heard the word buzzing in beauty news. It’s a popular ingredient used in different types of topicals, touted for its ability to protect skin health and combat signs of aging. As with any ingredient you don’t recognize or struggle to pronounce, learning more about niacinamide can help you decide if it’s right for you. Keep reading for insight into its benefits, steps for using it and info on niacinamide products you might want to try.
First, what is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient derived from niacin. It’s utilized by body to convert food into energy. In skincare, niacinamide is applied topically and offers benefits for hydration and firming. With regular use, it makes appear firm, tout and stronger, which can help to minimize the appearance of aging.
“Niacinamide penetrates deep into the skin, enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function, reducing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and increasing keratin synthesis,” says T. N. Rekha Singh, a certified dermatologist and skin, hair and anti-aging specialist at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic.
“It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals,” Singh says. Protecting skin from this type of damage is pivotal for anti-aging, as repeated oxidative stress leads to discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.
Additional benefits of niacinamide for skin
Besides being a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, niacinamide provides soothing benefits, helping to reduce irritation and assisting with regulating oil production.
It also firms skin by supporting the production of ceramides, resulting in a more substantial, resilient skin barrier to protect against environmental damage and other aging effects that decrease moisture.
Furthermore, niacinamide is a brightening agent, helping users to target dark spots and discolorations while giving skin a fresh glow.
“It inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone,” says Singh.
Potential drawbacks of niacinamide
Always consult with your healthcare provider or a skincare professional before trying new ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. Irritation and/or allergic reactions may happen. However, niacinamide is generally safe and beneficial for most skin types. Consider doing a patch test before applying to larger surface areas of skin.
How to use niacinamide for skin
Like many cutting-edge skincare ingredients, niacinamide is available in a wide variety of products, including serums, toners, facial cleansers and body wash, moisturizers and creams, night treatments and masks. For the most potent source, choose a niacinamide serum, which will deliver a highly concentrated form of niacinamide that’s easily absorbed by the skin.
Toners and cleansers contain lower concentrations of niacinamide, making them suitable for sensitive skin and regular or daily use.
“A toner provides hydration and prepares the skin for subsequent products, and cleanser is gentle enough to use daily, as it cleanses while providing niacinamide benefits,” Singh says.
Niacinamide is useful at night, too, applied as part of a night cream, overnight treatment or face mask.
“Night cream works overnight to repair the skin, capitalizing on the skin’s vital processes during sleep, and a mask provides a concentrated dose of niacinamide for immediate benefits,” Singh says.
Serums and night creams are often most effective for their more active and concentrated formulas.
Apply niacinamide after cleansing and toning but before heavy creams and oils, once or twice daily and either morning or night (or both). You can also combine it with other ingredients for a bigger boost.
“For maximum results, pair niacinamide with hyaluronic acid for added hydration or retinol for enhanced anti-ageing benefits,” Singh says.
Niacinamide products to try
TruSkin Niacinamide Serum
Serums are highly concentrated, offer quick absorption and are practical for targeted areas and issues, like dark spots or pigmentation, oily skin, fine lines and wrinkles. TruSkin Niacinamide Serum is a great choice as it combines niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for added hydration, suppleness and nourishment.
Derma E Even Tone Brightening Cleanser
Face wash containing niacinamide cleanses skin without disrupting its natural balance. “This is a gentle formulation suitable for daily use,” Singh says. Plus, it’s rich in other antioxidants, as there’s green tea and vitamin C, which give skin a fresh, youthful glow and dewy appearance.
NAD+ Nourishing Face Cream
Face creams work to hydrate and repair skin, and this one is fortified with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, as well as shea butter to calm and soothe skin. Collagen contributes to firming, which is great for anti-aging support and to encourage elasticity, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Acure Seriously Soothing SPF 30 Day Cream
This daily moisturizer includes sunscreen to protect skin against UV ray damage, which is a known contributor to aging of the skin. Acure’s cream is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is vegan and free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
The post Niacinamide for Skin: Why This Trending Ingredient is Worth a Try, According to a Dermatologist first appeared on The Upside by Vitacost.com.