Niacinamide uses for skin are literally without limitations. Niacinamide is safe and suitable for all skin types and benefits all complexions in multi-functional ways. The Niacinamide used in skincare is a form of vitamin B3, and is lab-derived. It is produced synthetically through chemical or fermentation processes using nicotinic acid, and does not come from food sources.
What does Niacinamide do for Skin?
Niacinamide not only has multiple benefits for all skin types, it also serves more than one favourable purpose to any single type of skin. This is because niacinamide also works very well with other ingredients and perform simultaneous roles in the same environment.
Niacinamide Interacts, Complements & Synergises with other ingredients
Niacinamide’s ability to interact with the skin’s natural processes has led to its use in addressing a variety of concerns, making it a suitable addition to nearly any skincare routine. Niacinamide also works synergistically with other ingredients by enhancing one another’s properties, allowing a more holistic approach to skincare concerns in tackling multiple skin conditions.
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxy Acids
For example, niacinamide positively interacts with the hyaluronic acid naturally present in our skin to provide more hydration in the skin.
Although Niacinamide works independently on oil-control and acne-control, certain acids (BHA, AHAs. etc), if formulated in the same product, can favour the environment for niacinamide to work deeper into the skin.
Niacinamide stimulates ceramide production, a naturally-occurring lipid molecule in our skin. Together, Niacinamide and these essential lipids complement one another to help tighten and waterproof our skin barrier, and helps to lock in moisture.
Niacinamide and Vitamin C
Niacinamide also synergises with other active ingredients like Vitamin C, to fade skin pigmentation and dark spots by slowing down a melamine-producing enzyme called tyrosinase. It helps to stabilise Vitamin C for optimal potency, and Vitamin C enhances Niacinamide’s permeability into the skin. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties also interacts positively to help soothe any potential irritation caused by Vitamin C.
Niacinamide Benefits for Skin: It’s a Water Whisperer.
Niacinamide is inherently a highly water-soluble molecule. Not only it gets absorbed easily, it also gets facilitated deeper through the dermal pathways, and enhances the delivery of other beneficial skincare ingredients to the skin.
As Niacinamide has a chemical structure that allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, it binds moisture very well within our skin’s barrier. This improves the barrier function in retaining natural moisture content as well as reducing any irritations. When used together with humectants and emollients, this powerful combination gives a hydration supercharge to our skin.
As a result of these two key functions along with its multi-targeting, multi-tasking and well-tolerated nature, Niacinamide is widely applicable for all skin types in many serums, moisturisers and sunscreens. Niacinamide uses for skin typically come in gentle formulations of between 2% to 10% concentrations.
Niacinamide Serum Benefits
Niacinamide serums contain higher concentrations of Niacinamide and thus deliver more potent benefits and significant results. Niacinamide serum benefits stem from the greater impact on cellular processes because of the smaller molecules compared to those in toners and moisturisers.
Two of such niacinamide serums that have benefited my skin considerably are the SkinGO! Oil-Free Hydra Boost Serum, and the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum EX.
The SkinGO! Oil-free Hydra Boost serum is a high-strength hydration booster. Niacinamide is listed as the second ingredient just behind water. While niacinamide does not deliver hydration directly to the skin, it has the ability to retain moisture for the skin. How it does that is by stimulating ceramide production and working fatty acids together. This helps to build up the skin’s defences and immune response and improves skin resilience against invasive pathogens. This is particularly beneficial for those with inflammatory skin conditions, sensitive-prone or mature skin. Niacinamide’s multi-functionality is plain to see here as mentioned before.
Niacinamide Toner for Combination Oily Skin + Other Niacinamide Skincare that Work!
Niacinamide toner that is good for combination and oily skin like mine will have to be one that calms redness. Redness can be caused by skin sensitivity due to heightened reactions to the sun, allergens or irritants. Excessive sebum also clogs pores, which can result in acne and blemishes if the oil production is not controlled or if the skin is not soothed. The best Niacinamide toner that I’ve used is the Dr Jart Cicapair Toner Tonique. This toner is ideal for sensitive skin as it contains both Niacinamide and Cica that complement each other in effectively calming irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
You may want to watch the video below in which I shared the 5 Niacinamide skincare products (toner, serums, essence, makeup, etc) that have saved my skin.
Niacinamide benefits for skin – An Overview
Niacinamide uses for skin and benefits for skin are aplenty and work across all skin types. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin or combination skin, Niacinamide has the versatility to address a wide range of skin concerns, including but not limiting to what I’ve listed below:
Regulates Oil Production: Niacinamide can help regulate the amount of oil that the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
Improves Skin Barrier: It helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, which is the first line of defence against any adverse.
Reduces Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation in conditions like acne and rosacea.
Minimizes Pores: Regular use of niacinamide may help reduce the appearance of pores. Over time, it can contribute to the skin looking smoother and more even in texture.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide can be effective in fading hyperpigmentation and reducing the appearance of dark spots.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress: Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Treats Acne: Niacinamide can act as an anti-inflammatory for people with acne-prone skin and may help to reduce the overall severity.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: With its ability to stimulate collagen production, niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You May Also Like:
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum | Niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% Blackhead Remover Facial Treatment 30ml [In-store promotion available!]
Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical/ dermatological advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare/ skincare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare/ skincare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained herein is intended to be used for dermatological/ medical diagnosis or treatment.
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