What Is Niacinamide And What Are Its Skincare Benefits?

What Is Niacinamide And What Are Its Skincare Benefits?

In the overflowing world of skin and beauty products, there are always buzz words constantly used and a new “it” ingredient appearing in almost every product out there. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of them. Much like many on-trend ingredients there is a long-standing history within the professional beauty world having been used in dermatologists offices for many decades.

Certainly reassuring to know the professionals are a fan, but you won’t be blamed for not really understanding what niacinamide actually is? Or what are the skin benefits of using it, this is why we are here to clear a few things up a bit.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and has been scientifically proven to help with acne, rosacea and pigmentation concerns as well as signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. Your skin is in constant need for niacinamide to maintain a healthy state and can’t produce the ingredient naturally. Taking supplements or using niacinamide enriched skincare products that are topically applied to the skin will give long-standing result to a healthy and happier skin which can be found by all skin types and ages.

What skin benefits does niacinamide have?

It would be easier to list the skincare benefits that niacinamide does not deliver. It is no wonder how the popularity of this ingredient is unwavering within the industry by experts and beauty fans combined. Here are some benefits you can expect from using niacinamide.

Niacinamide benefits for skin:

Niacinamide protects the skin from environmental damage

Niacinamide helps with the production of collagen

Niacinamide helps with the production of hyaluronic acid found naturally in the skin

Niacinamide helps improve hydration of the skin

Niacinamide reduces the signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles

Niacinamide manages acne and breakouts

Niacinamide diminishes enlarges pores

Niacinamide can help lighten any areas of pigmentation to the skin

Pretty impressive don’t you think? Niacinamide is the master of skin multitasking and can be used as a stand-alone ingredient in your skincare routine, but it is also very compatible with other actives and can be introduced easily into your routine without any worry of irritation, reactions or other concerns.

You may also be interested to know that niacinamide works as a cell-communicating ingredient, which basically means it is able to speak to different cells in the body and tell them to make younger, healthier cells. That teamed with the powerful antioxidant properties of niacinamide with the ability to protect and generate other molecules for the skin you have yourself a very powerful skin-enhancing ingredient.

Can niacinamide be used by all skin types?

Yes, it can, taking into consideration which skin type you have may help you introducing niacinamide into your skincare routine. It has been added to many various products throughout the skincare collective.

For an oily, blemish-prone skin type, light gel cleanser and face wash would be the best option for you to use. This allows the niacinamide to work its magic without causing any imbalance to the skin’s protective barrier. For a dry skin opting for a moisturiser or serum as they remain of the skin for a longer amount of time and will result in hydration and moisture being locked into a parched face, restoring comfort and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Aside from the products to choose from that work best for your skin type you will find that niacinamide on its own can work at targeting any areas of concern you or your skin may have, with its pinpoint accuracy it can deliver fast and impressive results.

When should I use niacinamide?

Niacinamide is an all-rounder, and as previously mentioned is tolerated by almost everyone, no matter your age and skin type. The featherweight texture of niacinamide means it can absorb into the skin in rapid time and can be used every day, during a morning and evening routine without any signs of irritation. Unlike other skin ingredients such as retinol, you do not have to worry about the skin lacking in some tolerance to this powerful vitamin and it’s remarkable just how easy it is to slot into your already existing skincare routine.

How often should I use niacinamide?

As often as you wish, you are now aware that niacinamide is safe to use on a daily basis, but everyone’s routines are different and it is considered a good idea amongst skincare fans that creating your own cocktail of ingredients to target different areas of the skin and concerns on alternating days.

What are the side effects of niacinamide?

When using niacinamide topically on the skin you may find have these side effects:

Mild burning

Itching

Redness to the skin

There are a number of precautions to remember when using niacinamide. For pregnancy and breastfeeding it is considered safe to use, but as always, we recommend you seek the advice of a GP or medical professional.

How long does it take for niacinamide to work?

You can see some results almost instantly, the face will look plumped and younger with the help of the boost of hydration to the skin. When shopping for a niacinamide enriched product it is best to look for no less than 5% in the ingredients list as this is the percentage that can show results after 8-12 weeks without causing irritation. Higher levels of niacinamide are available but are usually formulated for specific areas and can be slightly too harsh and become irritating.

Another benefit of niacinamide is its capability to work in conjunction with other ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs, by teaming these potent skin-saving substances together you will find your skin is looking more radiant, noticeably younger-looking skin with a smoother and even looking overall complexion.

It is no wonder how and why niacinamide has remained so popular throughout the decades of its use with skin care professionals and clued up beauty fans. I wouldn’t blame you for feeling frustrated about not knowing more about the countless skin benefits of niacinamide sooner. Now, excuse us whilst we dash to stock up!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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