You’ve probably heard the name floating around, the very science-y sounding beauty ingredient that is being heroed in a growing number of products.
Niacinamide is the versatile skincare powerhouse that has gained significant attention in recent years for its abundance of skin benefits. From addressing common issues like acne, fine lines, and uneven tone to promoting a radiant complexion, niacinamide is an all-round game-changer product that you should be looking out for when it comes to your skincare regime.
Let’s dive into the benefits of niacinamide, how to incorporate it into your regime, when to use it as well as all the best skincare products that employ the ingredient.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that is the ultimate multi-tasking skincare ingredient. Niacinamide can be found in cleansers, moisturisers, toners and other skincare products.
Dr Leona Yip, who is a fellow with the The Australasian College of Dermatologists, explains the super-power qualities of niacinamide saying, “Niacinamide is one of the most established anti-ageing ingredients backed by robust science and is one of my favourite actives. I like to think of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) as a multitasker ingredient – from an anti-ageing perspective, it stimulates collagen production and helps to improve skin pigmentation.”
What are the benefits of Niacinamide?
Niacinamide has a range of skincare benefits for just about every skin type and concern. Whilst the ingredient can particularly target certain skin issues, just about everyone will benefit from niacinamide.
“As our skin ages, our skin barrier integrity can weaken over time leading to symptoms of skin dryness and irritancy,” Dr Leona says.
“Niacinamide helps to maintain skin barrier integrity to keep our skin healthy by preventing water loss through the skin and keeping skin irritants out. It has anti-inflammatory effects to reduce skin redness and is excellent for those who have sensitive skin or rosacea.”
These are the five main benefits of niacinamide:
Boosts hydration
If you struggle with dry skin, niacinamide has been shown to boost the hydrating ability of the skin’s surface so it can better resist the moisture loss that leads to persistent dryness.
Calms redness and irritation
Topical application niacinamide may help to reduce redness and irritation associated with rosacea, acne and eczema thanks to its demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
Reduces the visibility of pores
There is no silver bullet to ‘get rid of’ pores, you can however reduce the visibility of pores. Niacinamide is an ingredient that has the ability to reduce the visibility of pores within just a matter of weeks.
Brightens the skin
Niacinamide in concentrations of 5 per cent and greater has the possibility to brighten the skin and help discolouration and uneven skin tone. You can combine niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten the skin and fade dark spots.
Combats oily skin
Excessive oily skin, which is a substance known as sebum, can be treated with niacinamide due to its anti-pore clogging properties. Not only is this relief for those with excess oil, but it also could potentially reduce acne too.
When to apply niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient which can be used in conjunction with stronger ones such as vitamin C and retinol. And because it is the ultimate multitasker, niacinamide can be used both in your morning regime and at night.
Niacinamide can be incorporated into essentially any step of your skincare regime – the ingredient can appear in your cleanser, toner or moisturiser. Alternatively, you can incorporate a specific niacinamide serum on its own rather than within another product.
“Niacinamide is a great multitasker ingredient that can be used amongst other skincare products that makes it well suited to inclusion in a variety of formats. However, most commonly you will see niacinamide presented in a serum format,” Dr Leona says.
Which niacinamide serums are the best?
- Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum, $34.99
- Skinstitut 10% Niacinamide Power Serum, $69
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $31.30
- Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment, $70
- La Roche Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum, $61.49
