Niacinamide Skincare: The Multi-Tasking Acid That Works For All Skin Types
Niacinamide skincare, also known as Vitamin B3 for skin, 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 and find the best niacinamide products for you.
How does Niacinamide work on your skin?
This superstar 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 water loss (TEWL), which in turn helps combat dry spots and flaky skin."
Why is Niacinamide good for your skin?
Niacinamide for skin 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.
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? 5 Of Our Top Rated
Discover your favourite niacinamide formula with five of some of our most popular products that features this all start ingredient. From serums to cleansers, we've got your routine covered.
Medik8 Clarifying Foam
A gentle yet effective cleanser, Medik8 Clarifying Foam is designed to target problem skin. This lightweight formula deeply purifies and unclogs pores without overdrying, leaving skin refreshed and balanced. With a potent blend of salicylic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil, it helps to reduce blemishes, regulate oil production, and soothe inflammation. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum is a powerful treatment that targets stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone. Featuring niacinamide and HEPES, this serum helps to brighten the complexion and prevent future discoloration. Ideal for those seeking a more even, radiant skin tone.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Moisturiser
A hydrating anti-blemish treatment for oily, acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Moisturiser is a long-term Face the Future customer fave! With salicylic acid, it helps to unclog pores, reduce blemishes, and improve skin texture. This non-comedogenic formula provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster is a targeted treatment designed to rapidly clear breakouts. Featuring salicylic acid, it helps to combat blemish-causing bacteria while preventing over-drying, and it's deal for occasional or persistent breakouts.
Dr LEVY Switzerland Eye Booster Concentrate
A luxurious eye cream, Dr LEVY Switzerland Eye Booster Concentrate visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This nourishing formula stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and firmness. Ideal for addressing signs of aging around the delicate eye area.
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Thoroughly removes dirt, oil, impurities and make-up as well as unclogging pores but without ever drying the skin.
Target skin discolouration, stubborn brown patches and post-acne marks with this high-potency serum formulated with clinically proven active ingredients to help you achieve a brighter and more even-looking complexion.
This nourishing eye cream provides both short and long term results that see dramatically visible reductions in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
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