Niacinamide is an often underappreciated skincare ingredient - “an all-in-oner” that can tackle a range of complexion concerns, regularly overshadowed by the skin heavyweights of retinol and vitamin C. In our first of a new journal series highlighting our favourite soothing skincare ingredients, we’ll explore the benefits of niacinamide for all skin types and concerns.
A form of the water-soluble vitamin B3, niacinamide works symbiotically with your skin to address an expansive range of issues and concerns. From oily, breakout-prone skins to faces susceptible to moisture loss - put simply, niacinamide can do it all and deserves a worthy spot on all of our skincare shelves. It’s also easily introduced into your current regimen as niacinamide can be combined with essentially any other ingredient. No need to worry about the risk of adverse reactions or sensitivity here.
Yes, vitamin B3 benefits for the skin seem numerous - so let’s delve a little deeper.
1. Improves skin barrier function
Our skin’s protective barrier needs daily support with nourishing, targeted skincare to perform optimally. A compromised barrier might be more susceptible to moisture loss, sensitivity and even infection in severe cases. Niacinamide helps to support a strong skin barrier by stimulating the creation of natural ceramides, which help skin cells maintain robust bonds.
2. Fades hyperpigmention
Hyperpigmentation comes in many forms - acne scars, sun damage and age spots to name a few. These darker marks and uneven texture become harder to erase in older age as our natural skin cell turnover starts to slow down. We rely more on topical ingredients to work a little magic, and niacinamide should certainly be one of them. Clinical studies have shown that the addition of niacinamide drastically decreased the effects of hyperpigmentation after just 4 weeks of use, working to stop the movement of pigmented skin cells from one layer to another.
3. Reduces the appearance of large pores and breakouts
A common pairing, enlarged pores and persistent breakouts can affect skin at any age, even throughout perimenopause. If you have an unbalanced oil production and a tendency for pimples, niacinamide might just be your saviour skincare ingredient. Working to naturally tighten the pores by increasing skin elasticity, this also makes them look smaller and reduces sebum secretion, aka spot-forming natural oils.
4. Soothes inflammation and reactivity
Redness, itchiness and soreness - all common sensations for those with particularly sensitive skin. Those who struggle with reactivity can not only find it hard to introduce new ingredients into their regimen but also when exposed to environmental stressors. Luckily, niacinamide is not only well-tolerated by sensitive skin but can also help ease periods of reactivity. With natural anti-inflammatory properties, this ingredient can work to soothe inflammation, redness and irritation of chronic skin conditions like rosacea, or if you’re a little too liberal applying strong chemical exfoliants.
5. Minimises fine lines and wrinkles
Signs of ageing begin to appear when going through perimenopause and collagen production naturally starts to drop. While there’s nothing wrong with embracing these markings of age, for those who wish to minimise them, niacinamide products are a good route to go. Strengthening the skin barrier, and boosting elasticity and moisture retention, this ingredient's properties present the perfect recipe to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Studies have shown that it only takes a matter of weeks to start feeling the benefits of niacinamide, so how should you incorporate it into your daily skin regimen? Meet our spotlight product that will meet all of your niacinamide needs.
Your daily skin saviour, this lightweight yet hydrating day cream has been expertly formulated with niacinamide and a soothing combination of nature’s finest skincare ingredients. When creating the Nourishing Day Cream, we knew that niacinamide needed to feature prominently to help enhance vitality and calm the skin, smoothing texture and promoting radiance.
A healthy dose of vitamin B3 is supported with a blend of:
