You’ve likely heard about popular skin care ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. But there’s another hard-working nutrient that deserves a spot in your routine: niacinamide.
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide offers a variety of skin benefits and works for all skin types. Keep reading to learn why this multitasking ingredient needs to be your new BFF for clear, healthy skin.
1. Fights Acne and Congested Skin
If breakouts are your main skin concern, niacinamide should be at the top of your shopping list. This vitamin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and blotchiness. It also helps regulate oil production to prevent clogged pores and surface shine.
Multiple studies confirm niacinamide successfully treats inflammatory acne when applied topically. An analysis in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found 4% niacinamide gel reduced lesions and severe acne after eight weeks of daily use.
2. Minimizes Pores and Refines Texture
Clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture can make skin appear dull and older than it should. Thankfully, topical niacinamide improves the look and feel of skin in multiple ways.
For starters, it controls sebum production. Less oil equals less congestion to even out pores and texture. Its anti-inflammatory abilities also prevent dead skin cell buildup. Lastly, niacinamide stimulates ceramide production for smoother, plumper skin. With consistent use, say goodbye to noticeable pores and bumps.
3. Brightens Skin Tone and Fades Dark Spots
Environmental pollution, UV exposure, and aging can cause stubborn hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide is a natural skin brightener that interrupts melanin production to help fade dark spots and even out complexion.
According to dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, niacinamide is exceptional at blocking the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to skin cells. Dark spots form when those skin cells get overloaded with pigment. Halting that transfer prevents and treats discoloration.
4. Strengthens Moisture Barrier
Your skin’s outermost layer acts as its natural moisture barrier against irritants and water loss. When that barrier becomes compromised, moisture escapes while toxins penetrate in. The result? Dehydrated skin prone to sensitivity, inflammation, early aging, and acne.
Multiple research studies confirm niacinamide enhances ceramide levels in skin cells. As your body’s natural humectants, ceramides reinforce the skin barrier to boost moisture retention from within. Think plumper skin with fewer wrinkles and less irritation.
The Perfect Pairing for Other Ingredients
From retinol to vitamin C, niacinamide complements many popular skin care ingredients. As an anti-inflammatory, it soothes the irritation frequently caused by retinoids. Niacinamide also prolongs the integrity of unstable vitamin C serums.
According to dermatologists, layering vitamin C in the morning followed by niacinamide at night offers the best anti-aging results. Just be sure to allow the first product to fully absorb before applying the next.
How to Incorporate Niacinamide into Your Routine
Ready to unlock the benefits of niacinamide for yourself? Thankfully, you’ll find this multitasking ingredient in all categories of skin care products today. Look for formulas containing at least 2-5% niacinamide to enjoy smoother, brighter skin.
1. Cleansers
Start by washing your face with a nutrient-rich niacinamide cleanser as the first step of your routine. This ensures your skin soaks up all the benefits before adding any additional products.
2. Serums
For the highest concentration, use a dedicated niacinamide serum packed with this hero ingredient plus supporting extracts. Apply to clean skin before heavier creams.
3. Moisturizers
Look for daily lotions and creams with niacinamide in the ingredient list. Since moisturizing hydrates skin and seals in benefits from other products, this is an effortless way to work in its advantages.
4. Spot Treatments
Roll on, gel, liquid, or cream – whatever texture you prefer, choose an acne spot treatment formulated with niacinamide. It’ll kick breakouts to the curb in record time.
5. Masks
Give lackluster skin an instant boost with niacinamide masks designed to deeply replenish moisture, even tone, smooth texture, and control oils with just one use.