Niacinamide: The Multi-Tasking Acid That Works For All Skin Types

best niacinamide products

Niacinamide, also known in the skincare world as Vitamin B3, is an industry-favourite due to its impressive range of skin benefits. It's the ultimate 'all rounder' some might say. Thinking of introducing Niacinamide into your daily skincare routine? Read on to discover everything you need to know about this 'top tier' skincare ingredient... 

How does Niacinamide work on your skin?

This super star skincare ingredient is ideal for all skin types due to its neutral pH. It is also an antioxidant and therefore works to protect your skin cells from free radical damage caused by stress, UV exposure and daily pollution. As Dr Anne explains, "It also plays a role in the synthesis of skin lipids, especially ceramides, which are crucial for an intact skin barrier. Through that pathway it helps reduce transepidermal waterloss (TEWL), which in turn helps combat dry spots and flaky skin."

Why is Niacinamide good for your skin?

Vitamin B3 boasts a multitude of benefits for your skin. It's a relatively low irritating active, too. This super multi-tasker helps to:

  • Keep skin moisturised
  • Fade hyperpigmentation
  • Minimise pores
  • Reduce oil and sebum production
  • Reduce acne and inflammation
  • Calm redness
  • Prevent fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Repair skin's barrier 
  • Reduce trans epidermal water loss 
  • Block free radicals
  • Reduce UV damage 

Where is Niacinamide derived from?

In scientific terms, Niacinamide is the pyridine 3 carboxylic acid amide form of niacin. It is more commonly known as Vitamin B3 by the skincare industry. Due to its gentle nature and ability to support several skin issues, it has become a cult favourite ingredient. As it is water-soluble, the ingredient is not stored in the body however Niacinamide is found in food types such as yeast, eggs, legumes and grains. 

niacinamide structure

Credit: wikipedia 

Where to put Niacinamide in your routine?

Niacinamide is most commonly formulated into a serum that can be used in the morning and evening however you can also find cleansers and moisturisers charged with the popular acid too if you are looking for a way to integrate it into your routine in a less concentrated manner. Niacinamide is regularly paired with Salicylic Acid to create the ideal acne-busting pair for fighting blemishes whilst keeping the skin calm. According to Healthline, Niacinamide and Retinol also work in perfect harmony together. As an active, retinol can cause irritation and dryness; Niacinamide works to counteract this with its calming properties and ability to reduce inflammation and redness. Although in the past it's been stated that Vitamin C is a no-go when combined with Niacinamide, it's thought that this is now a rather outdated concept as more modern formulations now use more stable types of Vitamin C such as ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate instead of the more common and longstanding ascorbic acid. 

Are Niacinamide and Nicotinamide the same?

In short, niacinamide and nicotinamide are the same thing. Niacinamide is just more regularly used as a term in the skincare industry. It is the amide of Nicotinic acid which is also known as Niacin. 

Can Niacinamide dry out your skin?

Niacinamide actually helps dry and dehydrated skin types as it increases natural lipids on your skin's surface to boost hydration and repairs your skin's barrier so that your skin can retain and hold more water, therefore it remains moisturised for longer. Vitamin B3 is therefore ideal for acne-sufferers as it will help treat blemishes without drying out your skin. 

Which Niacinamide serum is best?

At Face The Future, we recommend the LABthetics Restorative Serum if you're in the market for a powerful Niacinamide-based serum. It is charged with 10% Niacinamide as well as 1% Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and 1% Zinc PCA. A life saver for oily skin types that are blemish-prone, this multi-functional serum will calm redness, repair your skin's barrier, hydrate, improve skin tone, reduce inflammation and prevent excess oil production. It is also super effective at evening out pigmentation caused by acne so that your complexion looks clear and balanced. Simply apply a few drops to the tips of your fingers and pat the serum into your face and neck after cleansing. 

labethetics restorative serum

The Niacinamide Edit 

Incorporating Niacinamide into your skincare routine is highly recommended if you have oily skin, suffer from redness or rosacea, or you're looking to even out your skin tone, however, it's an effective ingredient for all skin types due to its multi-tasking nature. Here are our top niacinamide skincare suggestions to add to your regime for a healthier complexion.  

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturiser

la roche posay effaclar h moisturiser

2. VENN Skincare Moisture-Balance All-In-One Face Cleanser

VENN Skincare Moisture-Balance All-In-One Face Cleanser

3. HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance Control Pads

HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance Control Pads

 


Recommended Articles