Dark spots and acnecan feel like the end of the world.
You have tried every cream, gel, and wash known to man, yet nothing seems to work.
Skincare is the largest sector in the cosmetic industry, according toStatista.
Each product has a different star ingredient and claims to fix certain conditions.
However, flawless skin might be easier to attain than you think.
And if you’re looking for something new to try on your skin, how about niacinamide?
What is niacinamide?
Before your pores absorb this skincare ingredient, it’ll be comforting to know what it is exactly.
Niacinamide is a form of the B3 vitamin,WebMDexplains.
You might see it referred to as nicotinamide.
It is a vitamin found in natural meats, dairy, and produce.
Our bodies need niacinamide for healthy cell production.
It is not to be confused with niacin or nicotinamide riboside.
Although they are also vitamin B3 family members, those compounds aren’t the beloved skincare powerhouse.
Medically, niacinamide is often used to tackle vitamin B3 deficiency, perMedline Plus.
In the cosmetic industry, niacinamide is a topical product.
If you’re not already using it, this vitamin might be the ingredient yourskincare routineis missing.
Applying niacinamide to your skin can favor your epidermis in multiple ways.
How can niacinamide benefit the skin?
Niacinamide is a skincare powerhouse.
Primarily it keeps your skin hydrated and builds protein, according toHealthline.
Those two attributes result in several skin benefits.
The keratin proteins that it builds help to keep skin firm and healthy.
While niacinamide is building protein, it also grows a ceramide barrier to lock in moisture.
This hydration fights against the conditions that cause acne.
Redness and the appearance of large pores will be a thing of the past, as niacinamide reduces inflammation.
All skin types can cash in on niacinamide’s advantages.
Astudy published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatologyreported niacinamide significantly penetrated pores when used topically.
Individuals who used 5% niacinamide saw a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
There aren’t any skin-flushing side effects, either.
That means no extra blood flow to tint your skin red when using this anti-aging ingredient.
So how can you use this cosmeceutical?
Board-certified dermatologists Lucy Chen and Rachel Nazarian suggest using niacinamide with a 5% concentration, viaEveryday Health.
Vitamin B3 needs to penetrate the pores to start working.
Think of products that stay on the skin, not cleansers.
Dr. Chen recommends using niacinamide with alpha hydroxy acids.
She explains, “AHAs exfoliate dead skin cells that make it easier for niacinamide to effectively penetrate.”
It is safe to apply day and night.
More so,niacinamide can pair well with other productsalready in your skincare routine.
This vitamin works well with other cosmetic products.
Garshick recommends using niacinamide with glycolic or kojic acid to help with hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide pairs well with retinol.
The sideeffects of retinolcan be tamed by niacinamide, perMedical News Today.
Combining the vitamin with retinol eases skin irritation and dryness.
Niacinamide typically comes in serum form for topical utility.
Apply it before other serums and layer it before your night cream or sunscreen if used in the daytime.
Precautions before using niacinamide
You should be cautious with any products applied to your face.
The last thing we want is to break out or cause permanent damage.
Topical niacinamide is safe to use, andHealthlinesuggests there are no side effects.
If you are using niacinamide for the first time, start slow before building up usage.
But be sure to consult your dermatologist first before trying it out!
