What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. It’s found in many foods including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains as well as in many vitamin B complex supplements. Niacinamide can also be formed in the body from dietary niacin. A water-soluble anti-inflammatory, it works with the natural substances in your skin to visibly minimise and tighten enlarged pores, balance and brighten skin tones, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthen your skin barrier. Because it improves your skin’s first line of defence, it helps reduce the impact of environmental damage, while repairing existing harm. |
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
Niacinamide is an extremely versatile ingredient. It complements your existing skincare products, including those containing retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, vitamin C, as well as all types of antioxidants. Are you wondering how it differs from Salicylic Acid – read about it here.
Equally, it can be used alongside other niacinamide-containing products. No matter what your skin type – even sensitive or rosacea-prone – you can feel confident that your skin will tolerate niacinamide. It helps skin improve its natural production of ceramides, helping renew and restore its barrier against moisture loss and dehydration. Over time these ceramides deplete if left alone, leaving skin vulnerable to extreme sensitivity and dryness.
If your skin is already dry, tight and flaky, apply some niacinamide along with your moisturiser to boost its hydrating properties and strengthen your skin’s barrier. You’ll find it works extremely well alongside moisturising ingredients like glycerin, non-fragrant plant oils, cholesterol, sodium PCA, and sodium hyaluronate.
How does niacinamide work?
The truth is, no-one is 100% sure. What scientists do agree on is that niacinamide returns pores to their natural size. This makes it harder for dead skin cells to block them. Enlarged pores happen when there is a buildup of debris, as well as when skin is damaged by the sun. Concentrated niacinamide visibly tightens pores by shoring up skin’s supportive elements.
Does niacinamide help acne-prone skin?
Yes. Research has shown that strengths of 2% or more are highly effective in helping red, blemished skin fade.
Can I use niacinamide around my eyes?
Yes. Products containing niacinamide can be used, with your moisturiser or eye cream, to brighten dark circles, soften the appearance of crow’s feet and resist moisture loss and subsequent firmness, leaving your skin feeling brighter and younger looking. For maximum benefit, always use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30.
Discover the Lemons Hi-Function Foundation with Niacinamide
Sources:
- Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, Supplement 1, pages 15-22; and October 2018, ePublication
- Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162; and January 2013, Pages 192-201
- Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016 , pages 145-152
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
- International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
- Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
- Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 31, Part 2, 2005, Discussion 865
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2004, pages 88-93
