Niacinamide is one of the most well-known skincare actives. From its dark spot and pigmentation reduction powers to improvement in skin texture, Niacinamide has several benefits. But what is Niacinamide? Otherwise known as Nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3. It's found in foods such as meat, fish, green vegetables, and even cereals. It is also popular as a dietary supplement and skincare active ingredient.
Niacinamide has many benefits for both skin and body. It plays a key role in maintaining our body's and face’s cell health. Niacinamide’s skincare benefits can be further enhanced when it's paired with other potent actives like Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, and more. Hence, Deconstruct has carefully crafted several of its skincare products with Niacinamide and other potent actives to make your skin healthy and plump in the long run.
In this blog post, we discuss 5 science-backed benefits of using Niacinamide for skin daily. The skincare active’s impressive advantages will put away any doubts you had about adding it to your routine.
1. Minimizes the Appearance of Pores
Niacinamide has many skincare benefits for oily skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll know the struggles of having large pores. They can easily make your skin look unhealthy and also accumulate dirt and sebum.
Niacinamide, however, regulates skin’s oil production, making pores appear smaller and their lining tighter. Hence, they won’t be easily visible to the naked eye. Its non-comedogenic properties are how Niacinamide helps shrink pores. Non-comedogenic actives and products are lightweight and don’t clog your skin’s pores.
2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Niacinamide also has some anti-aging skincare benefits, when used regularly. The Vitamin B3 variant promotes collagen production in your skin, thus reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide’s skincare benefits also include improved barrier health and elasticity over time. When used with 2% Alpha Arbutin, which inhibits melanin production, Niacinamide can give smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is the protective shield keeping your body safe from free radicals and environmental pollutants. It also protects the water inside your body from evaporating. The outermost layer of your skin, also called the stratum corneum, is your skin barrier. It's made up of the toughest skin cells that are bound together by lipids.
If you’re wondering “how to strengthen skin barrier naturally,” the answer is pretty uncomplicated. Cleanse your skin gently, hydrate it appropriately, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and wear sunscreen.
Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 for skin, boosts ceramide and lipid production in your body, thus strengthening your skin barrier. It prevents moisture loss and protects your skin against pollutants.
4. Balances Oil Production
Whether you have oily or dry skin, Niacinamide’s oil-balancing properties can hugely benefit you. Niacinamide is the Vitamin B3 variant for skin that impacts the sebaceous glands’ ability to produce sebum. Keeping your skin pores unclogged prevents acne. When used in a gentle 2% formulation, it prevents breakouts without drying your skin too much.
Niacinamide’s benefits for oily skin make it the ideal active to incorporate in your oil control skincare.
5. Improves Uneven Skin Tone and Dark Spots
Niacinamide’s role in treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots is well-researched and dermatologist-recommended. Multiple studies, including one from the National Library of Medicine (USA), have confirmed Niacinamide’s role in fading hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists also swear by this Vitamin B3 variant for skin when it comes to treating dark spots. A radiant complexion is one of Niacinamide’s core benefits for skin. Whether you use it in Brightening Face Wash or Clearing Face Serum, form, it’ll brighten your skin after consistent usage of 4 to 8 weeks.
Niacinamide’s Best Formulations With Other Actives
Actives to pair with |
Best percentage formulations |
Product Type |
|
Niacinamide |
Liquorice root extract |
2% Niacinamide and 2% Liquorice Root Extract |
Face Wash |
Alpha Arbutin |
5% Niacinamide and 2% Alpha Arbutin |
Serum |
|
Kojic Acid |
5% Niacinamide + 1% Kojic Acid Dipalmitate |
Moisturizer |
|
Salicylic Acid |
0.5% Salicylic acid + 1% Niacinamide |
Face Wash |
|
2% Salicylic Acid + 3% Niacinamide |
Serum |
||
Hyaluronic Acid |
2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with 1% Niacinamide |
Serum |
To summarize the table, below are the 5 skincare actives Niacinamide can pair well with.
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Liquorice root extract
-
Alpha Arbutin
-
Kojic Acid
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Salicylic Acid
-
Hyaluronic Acid
-
Retinol
-
Vitamin C
Niacinamide is most commonly found in the below skincare products:
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Face Serums
-
Face Washes
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Moisturizers
-
Sometimes in Sunscreens too
Niacinamide Benefits for Skin – Why It Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Niacinamide is one of the most important Vitamin B3 variants for skin out there. It's a game-changing skincare active for those with oily as well as dry skin. With its oil control and balancing properties, it minimizes pores and sebum production, thus preventing acne and acne marks.
It is also a key anti-aging ingredient that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide pairs well with Retinol. It strengthens the skin’s barrier, thus helping against environmental damage. Finally, Niacinamide’s most-loved skincare benefit is reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Like every other skincare active, the only way to unlock Niacinamide’s top 5 skincare benefits is to use it consistently and in the right formulations. That's where Deconstruct’s carefully crafted products come into play.
FAQs
Is Niacinamide safe for daily use?
Yes, both 2% and 5% Niacinamide are safe to use daily in AM as well as PM routine.
Can Niacinamide be used with other ingredients like retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, Niacinamide is safe to use with both Retinol and Vitamin C.
Is niacinamide proven to work?
Yes, Niacinamide is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and dermatologically recommended for dark spots.