Do you have sensitive skin and prone to frequent breakouts? Well, if yes, it is important for you to choose your skincare products wisely. When it comes to beautiful and flawless glowing skin, everyone, both men and women, like an ingredient that works effectively on their problem area, gently and safely. Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) is one such ingredient that acts like a magical multi-tasker for your skin with numerous benefits. Stay tuned to know why!
An overview of Niacinamide or Niacin
Also known as Niacin or Nicotinamide, if you find this ingredient on any skincare product, be assured you are investing in miraculous ingredient that promises to work on your skin gently. Dermatologists across the globe consider Niacinamide to be a good friend for your skin. It is an essential nutrient your body needs for the function and development of cells.
You can even consume Niacin internally as it is found on salmon, brown rice, chicken breast and marinara sauce. This vitamin aids your body to transform the food you consume into energy.
External application
Its optimal benefits work better when you apply it on your skin. The cells in your body utilize B3 for enhancing their functions. The skin uses it for multiple processes like to repair the damaged DNA, reduce the adverse effects of the UV rays from sun exposure and to regenerate cell energy. When it comes to beautiful complexion, niacinamide is your trusted companion.
Discover amazing benefits of Niacinamide
Let’s take a look at some of its skin-friendly advantages for your skin below-
1. Bid adieu to dark spots and boost skin tone
If you have freckles, dark patches and sun spots, niacinamide will help you tremendously. It blocks the enzyme that causes melanin or pigmentation to improve your skin tone. A study conducted by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2016 examined a product that has a mix of skin brighteners, included niacinamide, the anti-oxidant resveratrol and retinol. Researchers discovered regular application for four weeks reduced hyperpigmentation, boosted skin clarity and evened out skin tone in users.
2. Wards off toxic stressors
Free radicals in your skin are caused by sleep deprivation, UV rays, stress and other factors. Free radicals are the unstable molecules that damage your healthy skin cells. This leads to premature signs of aging like wrinkles and skin discoloration. Leading dermatologists across the globe recommend the use of Niacinamide for its antioxidant properties that protect your skin again damage. This amazing ingredient can even reverse some extent of the harm already done to your skin due to free radicals.
3. Hydration
When Niacinamide is teamed up with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acids and glycerin, it improves hydration in the skin. It aids in the production of ceramides (the natural fat in your skin). The regular use of Niacinamide boosts the barrier of the skin preventing the loss of moisture and potential irritants from entering in its layers. The overall benefit is your skin is less reactive and does not breakout.
4. Reduces skin irritation
One of the biggest benefits of niacinamide is it helps in soothing the skin when you use anti-aging ingredients like retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid that has the potential to irritate the skin. Niacinamide helps to soothe your skin and reduces this irritation that is trigger by the above stronger exfoliants. The ingredient can stop inflammation and redness. Therefore, if you have really sensitive skin, niacinamide is definitely the safest ingredient for you to use in skincare products.
5. What about side effects- should anyone avoid the use of Niacinamide?
There is good news for all here. One of the biggest advantages of Niacinamide is it really gentle on your skin. It is one of the safest skincare ingredients that will not irritate your skin. Even if you struggle with a skin condition like rosacea, use Niacinamide without tensions. Dermatologists state that this ingredient is added to rosacea products because of its positive anti-inflammatory properties.
Proper usage of Niacinamide
When shopping for Niacinamide products, search for a product that has 2% to 10% of this ingredient. If you are using it for the first time, wash your skin, use a alcohol-free toner and apply your “active” anti-aging ingredient like retinol, Vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acid, finish your regime with an application of Niacinamide. (Always do a patch test before application to be safe).
You can also use a serum with Niacinamide or mix it with your favorite moisturizer and apply them together on your skin. Smooth it gently over your face, neck, around your eye area for glowing and radiant skin. Last but not the least, buy products from trusted brands to get the best results!
