What is Niacinamide: 10 Serious Benefits for Your Skin

The word is out! Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) might be the new secret for glowing skin this summer! It's a powerhouse ingredient which helps reduce dark spots and improve hydration.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3. It is called nicotinamide and it's also been known to help with frustrating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

What benefits does niacinamide offer?

Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.

Individual benefits include:

1. Firms the skin

Niacinamide helps build keratin which is a type of protein designed to keep your skin firm and healthy.

2. Moisturising

Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which helps retain moisture.

3. Reduces inflammation

Niacinamide soothes redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

4. Minimises Pores

When the skin is smooth and hydrated it may result in a natural reduction in pore size over time.

5. Regulates oil

Niacinamide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce which helps prevent your glands from going into overdrive.

6. Protects against sun damage

Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Source: Kopelson Clinic

7. Treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks. Source: PubMed

8. Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles

Research has also found that a 5 percent niacinamide concentration was helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging. Niacinamide significantly improves fine lines and wrinkles, according to this double-blind study in which females aged 40 to 60 used a 5% concentration for 12 weeks. Source: PubMed

9. Protects against oxidative stress

Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. Source: ResearchGate

10. Treats acne

Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture. Source: Getroman

What foods are high in niacinamide?

eggs
cereals
green veggies
beans
fish
milk

Does the type of skin care product matter or when it's used in your routine?

Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums. Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturizing. However, they can also be found in cleansers, peels, masks, and creams.

Can niacinamide be combined with other skin care ingredients for maximum effect?

Absolutely! Niacinamide may be used alongside other active ingredients for optimal results.

For example, P Pure Fiji's Glycolic Overnight Renewal Peel combines niacinamide with glycolic acid and mandelic acid. These active ingredients in the peel will work perfectly fine in synergy with glycolic and mandelic acid, providing a refreshed, young looking skin.

Furthermore Pure Fiji uses a new developed Niacinamide called Niacinamide PC developed in Switzerland. The upgraded Niacinamide PC provides all the benefits of topical vitamin B3 while minimizing potential unwanted effects such as unpleasant sensations of heat on the skin. These are caused by residual nicotinic acid. This branded vitamin B3 is guaranteed to contain less than 100 ppm residual nicotinic acid, making it exceptionally suitable for skin care applications. Niacinamide PC has also been shown to amplify blue light protection in combination with sunscreens and DSM's DL-Alpha-Tocopherol, and to offer protection from air-borne and water-borne pollution.

Is there any risk of side effects?

You can avoid widespread allergic reactions and product sensitivities by doing a patch test:

Apply a dime-sized amount of product on your forearm.
Wait 24 hours.
If you begin to experience redness, itching, or swelling, wash the area and discontinue use.
If you don't experience any side effects, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.

Summary

The beautiful thing about niacinamide is that it's a versatile skincare ingredient that's beneficial for a wide range of skin conditions. When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. It can take several weeks to see noticeable improvement, so it's important to be patient and stay consistent with your natural skin care routine.