Niacinamide – a form of vitamin B3 – is not new, but with recent research and development experts have been able to show just what this ingredient is capable of when it comes to our skin.
As such, it’s turning up in everything from skin treatment serums to SPFs and makeup.
So diverse are its talents however, it can be slightly confusing to understand just what it is good for, and who should be using it.
The short answer is, everything, and everyone. Niacinamide is known for its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the natural mechanisms in our skin and various studies have shown the following benefits:
- Minimises redness and blotchiness with anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat inflammatory concerns such as rosacea, dermatitis, acne and breakouts
- Nourishes and strengthen skin’s lipid barrier to effectively help repair previous skin damage, soothe sensitivity and help keep skin hydrated
- Help regulate skin’s oil production, contributing to minimising pore size and smoothing skin texture.
- Minimises hyperpigmentation
- Minimises fine lines and wrinkles
What’s more, while it may depend on what else it is formulated with, the ingredient is said to be more easily tolerated by some skin types than other beneficial skincare stars like retinol and vitamin C. The flipside it that it may not have as dramatic effects as the latter, but it is an area where further research is taking place.
Try these: Skinsmiths PRO Strength Niacinamide; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%; Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops; La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide Serum; Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
There are plenty of dedicated niacinamide-based treatment serums, most regularly labeled to target pore size, breakouts and balance oil production.
However, because of its range of benefits, it is increasingly being included in combination with other beneficial ingredients in a variety of skincare, makeup and SPF items. This means its easier than ever to work into your routine.
Skinsmiths Senior Product Manager Sheree Butchers confirms niacinamide is a useful all-rounder ingredient.
“Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, has largely been an underappreciated skincare ingredient in the past, although people are becoming more aware of its skin benefits,” she says.
“It plays a role in healthy skin barrier function, which can help reduce the appearance of facial dryness and redness, as well as support a smoother and more refined skin texture. Niacinamide is also known to inhibit melanosome transfer resulting in a lightening effect that helps even skin tone.”
“One of the great things about niacinamide is that it is suitable for everyone and is the perfect complement to other well-known active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C for those harder-to-target skin concerns like lines and wrinkles and pigmentation.”
