Today, niacinamide has become one of the most popular skin care ingredients for many reasons. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various skin benefits of niacinamide, what’s in your serum, and how to use it, according to
reputable, board-certified dermatologists.
What is niacinamide? Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for overall body and skin health. As nationally certified dermatologist Dr. Davin Lim explains, niacinamide is considered a very
flexible active ingredient explaining that it is actually one of the easiest skin care vitamins to use because it is paired with vitamin C A (also known as It has high tolerability and an extremely low frequency of side effects
compared to even vitamin C (retinol).
Niacinamide serums are a great way to incorporate the many skin benefits of niacinamide into your daily skin care routine because serums – due to their lightweight formula – can deliver high concentrations of active ingredients
into the skin to specifically target or treat specific skin problems.
What are the benefits of niacinamide for skin? According to nationally certified dermatologist Dr. Shereen Idriss, topical niacinamide can perform many different functions in the skin, such as:
Therefore, it is important to keep the skin intact and firmly connected through keratin in order to maintain the immune function of the skin and better protect us from external factors. Improves lipid barrier function:
Nicotinamide can also increase ceramide production.
Ceramides are lipids that act as intercellular “glue” to hold skin cells together, keeping skin soft and hydrated. Increased ceramide production allows the skin to retain its natural moisture, which can be helpful in treating
certain conditions such as eczema.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Nicotinamide has been shown to reduce the production of several mediators and molecules involved in the inflammatory process [1]. Therefore, it is beneficial for acne patients who have inflammatory
bumps and pimples.
In addition, niacinamide may help reduce redness, which may be beneficial for people with rosacea, as Dr. Lindane suggests. Regulates oil production: Niacinamide 2% has been shown to control the production and excretion of
sebum, which is responsible for facial shine and acne formation.
Helps even skin tone: There is evidence that nicotinamide may be an effective compound that inhibits the transfer of melanin granules (also called melanosomes) from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Although niacinamide alone may not be as effective against hyperpigmentation, explains Dr. Shereene Idriss says it boosts the effects of other ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid and arbutin to help achieve a more even skin
tone.
Anti-aging effects: Niacinamide has the potential to promote skin collagen synthesis and inhibit its breakdown, thereby providing firmness, improving surface texture, and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. So what can
niacinamide be used for?
Due to its numerous proven biological functions in the skin, niacinamide may be suitable for all skin types to treat different skin concerns. Certified dermatologists use it for: Acne prone skin and oily skin.
What is the optimal application concentration? Now that you know its many benefits and uses, you might be thinking that the higher the concentration of nicotinamide in your serum, the better, right? We’re here to tell you that’s
not true.
Niacinamide serums are available in concentrations of 2% to 20%, with 10% being the most common. However, nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu points out that most of the benefits of niacinamide have been
demonstrated at lower concentrations of 2 to 5 percent, while at higher concentrations, no studies have shown actual benefits.
In fact, Dr. Shereene Idris points out that “more is not enough,” and serums above 5% (like those in a 10% formula) can cause irritation, inflammation, and breakouts—all skin problems you really want to treat.
In that order, most board-certified dermatologists recommend using a niacinamide serum with a concentration between 2% and 5%. Additionally, you can look for serums that already combine niacinamide with other ingredients to
minimize the number of products used to treat a specific skin concern, such as Dr. Shailene Idris recommends.
For these 10% serums, Dr. Shereene Idriss believes that when formulated with 1% zinc (such as regular niacinamide serum), the zinc acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, greatly reducing the inflammatory potential of niacinamide.
How to use niacinamide serum correctly? The great thing about niacinamide, says Dr. Davin Lim says it combines well with most skincare ingredients, like retinol and vitamin C. In this regard, niacinamide serum can be used with
other skin care products without any incompatibility.
– Should you use it in the morning or evening? It can be used in the morning and/or evening, but most people prefer to use the Niacinamide Serum at night, which is what Dr. Davin Lim recommends.
– How to use it? If you’re new to niacinamide serums, Dr. Shereene Idriss starts with using it once a day to see how your skin responds to this new product.
When it comes to your skin care routine, products should be used in a specific order. In a basic skin care routine, serum should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing (either morning or evening). Why in this order?
Nationally certified dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah divides skin care into three stages:
1. Cleanse: It’s important to remove dirt, sweat, oil, and impurities so that your skin remains clean and ready to reap the benefits of skin care products and active ingredients.
2. Treatment: This step is dedicated to using a serum rich in active ingredients that targets your skin’s specific concerns.
3. Protect: This step involves applying moisturizer to prevent moisture loss from the skin, followed by sunscreen (AM procedure) to protect the skin from UV rays. He explains that niacinamide works on the skin during the
treatment phase, before it is sealed with a layer of moisture. take away Niacinamide has been shown to be an excellent multifunctional active ingredient suitable for all skin types and, if well tolerated, can relieve a variety
of skin problems. While it’s worth the hype, it’s important to realize that concentration plays a key role, and dermatologists recommend choosing a serum with a concentration between 2% and 5% to get the most benefit from
niacinamide without the risk of an inflammatory reaction. Scientific evidence supports its effectiveness and safety.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
