Benefits Of Using A Niacinamide Serum In Your Skincare Routine

Although retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid are always at the top of people's wish lists for ingredients that make a noticeable difference in their skin, there's always room at the top. Plenty of antioxidants and exfoliants have received a lot of attention in the beauty world, but none has received as much attention in recent years as niacinamide. The adaptable ingredient has surpassed some of its more well-known competitors as one of the most important selling points in a plethora of skin-care products. But why is that?

As we understand the importance of being gentle to our skin and supporting our skin barrier, niacinamide has become more popular as it provides a great option on its own to help target skin-care concerns like discoloration and redness while being gentle on the skin. Niacinamide is also effective when combined with other ingredients because it can help to strengthen the skin barrier, making other ingredients more tolerable.

Interestingly, the noticeably increased interest in and demand for niacinamide in skin care does not appear to be the result of any particularly new scientific research.

What is niacinamide, exactly?

Our bodies require eight different B vitamins for proper cellular function and good health. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is converted in the body to niacinamide, which is necessary for healthy skin growth and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is water-soluble, making it ideal for inclusion in topical products such as serums. It's naturally occurring and necessary for healthy skin cell functions. Furthermore, unlike other forms of vitamin B, such as nicotinic acid, when applied topically, it will not cause the skin to flush.

What is the function of niacinamide in the skin?

One of the most appealing aspects of niacinamide is its long list of benefits, not to mention how well it works with your own skin and other ingredients. As an antioxidant, niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimising the appearance of open pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation.

It not only benefits the skin in numerous ways, but it also works for a wide range of skin types. It can help to reduce redness and fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen, and it's a good choice for those with sensitive skin, rosacea, and acne. In fact, it has been used to treat acne in its oral form, and it has been shown to reduce sebum production in topical forms.

There is some evidence that it reduces acne by inhibiting the growth of Cutibacterium acnes. But, niacinamide does not significantly reduce pigment production and is not the best treatment for uneven pigmentation.

What are the most effective products?

Serums are the most effective vehicle for niacinamide products. Because serums can deliver a high concentration of specific active ingredients directly to the skin, they are more effective at targeting different skin-care concerns — anything from [addressing signs of ageing] to hydration. Furthermore, because niacinamide is water-soluble, it is more easily absorbed into the skin when applied as a serum.

Moisturisers are also a good way to get your niacinamide. Overall, creams may slightly increase absorption due to their increased inclusiveness, which increases a product's absorption into the skin more than a serum.

Is niacinamide associated with any side effects?

You are unlikely to experience sensitivity or irritation from niacinamide if you follow the advice of your dermatologist and stay within a well-tolerated percentage range. But that doesn't mean you should throw yourself into it blindly. I rarely see reactions to niacinamide, but as with any new product or ingredient, test your body's reaction first with a small section on your neck or inner wrist before applying it to your entire face.

Although niacinamide is known to help reduce acne and redness in rosacea skin, there are prescription oral forms of niacinamide available through dermatologists if you're concerned about using it topically.

Even if you enjoy incorporating other active ingredients into your skin-care routine, there are no contraindications because niacinamide works well with the majority of other ingredients. Niacinamide is a unique skin-care ingredient that works well with the majority of other commonly used ingredients, such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and other antioxidants.

The one notable exception is vitamin C. But not for any reason that is harmful to your skin. Because niacinamide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C, it's best to apply them at different times of day — one in the morning and one at night.

Fortunately, using niacinamide in the morning does not increase your UV risk. Unlike some other popular active ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids and retinol, niacinamide is photoprotectant, so it is not considered a product that may cause photosensitivity. Having said that, you should always wear sunscreen.