Skincare
Niacinamide The Ingredient You Need
In Your SKINCARE Routine
The multi-tasking ingredient that all skin types should embrace.
Niacinamide The Ingredient You Need In Your SKINCARE Routine
Niacinamide The Ingredient You Need
Niacinamide has been a buzzy skin care ingredient for a little while, popping up as the star ingredient in new moisturisers, serums and toners etc so it’s quite possible that you have already heard of it. But do you know what it actually does for your skin and how to implement it into your existing routine?
Also known as nicotinamide, when applied topically Niacinamide has been shown to help strengthen the skin’s barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides which are lipids that help moisturise the skin and reduce water loss which is why it is an especially important ingredient.
To further explain why niacinamide is worthy of your attention and a must for your skincare routine, we spoke with Medical Aesthetician, Skin Specialist, Founder of Bea Skin Care, Bianca Estelle for a complete rundown. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this hardworking skincare multitasker.
What is niacinamide?
“Niacinamide is also known as Vitamin B3 and is an active ingredient that is excellent for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is brilliant for oil-control so is regularly called upon by those suffering from breakouts/acne,” says Estelle.
What does niacinamide do and how can our skin benefit from it?
“Niacinamide/Vitamin B3 has a multitude of uses; it boosts skin hydration and protects against environmental pollutants. It helps to regulate production of sebum and locks in moisture making it suitable for all skin types,” says Estelle. “It also helps improves skin texture and refines pore size.”
Niacinamides anti-inflammatory properties make it a great treatment option for conditions like mild acne and rosacea. In a double-blind investigation published in the International Journal of Dermatology in [2013] the safety and efficacy of topically applied 4% nicotinamide gel was compared to 1% clindamycin gel (a topical antibiotic) for the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris was evaluated over 8 weeks. The results showed that nicotinamide gel was of comparable efficacy to 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Because there is also evidence that niacinamide can boost ceramide production it is also great for combating the signs of ageing, wrinkles, fine lines as well protecting our skin barriers. Cold weather, hot showers and central heating can strip away the protective lipid layer responsible for locking moisture in. Which is why introducing products with niacinamide into your routine can be beneficial.
How should you use niacinamide?
Niacinamide is relatively easy to add to any skincare routine because it can be formulated in many different types of products, from serums to moisturisers and can be used daily. “It depends on the strength, but we incorporate niacinamide into our daily-use products across Vitamin Injections London Skin Care and Bea Skin Care,” says Estelle. “Percentages are important and I’d suggest you look for products with at least 2%. Also, niacinamide works even better when paired / formulated with Hyaluronic acid.”
Which skin types will benefit from using niacinamide?
It’s great for all skin types but particularly for those with oily skin and also, those with rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.
I recommend the Vitamin B Miracle Serum for all skin types including those with oily skin that is prone to break outs. For people with dry skin types I would also recommend the Vitamin E Everything Moisturiser . The Vitamin B3 Barrier Boosting Tonic (which I LOVE) is great for sensitive skin and the Vitamin C Prepping Tonic works well for Combination Skin.
Niacinamide is relatively easy to introduce into you skincare routine, here is our edit of niacinamide-boosted products to get you started.
Vitamin B3 Barrier Boosting Tonic
The potent cocktail of vitamins B3 and E in this tonic work to protect skin against the harmful effects of environmental factors, from UV rays to air pollution. Whilst aloe vera and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate, soothe and rejuvenate skin.
Glossier Super Pure
5% niacinamide is formulated with and Zinc PCA for its oil-balancing properties helping reduce the look of congested pores without irritating sensitive skin.
Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask
Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask is one of those Instagram cult products that can be found on influencers pages. This popular vegan mask contains niacinamide, and a cocktail of vitamins, ceramides and antioxidants, which work together to leave skin hydrated, plumped and radiant.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask
Saturn Sulfur is a medicated on-the-spot treatment for blemishes. Containing 10% of pore-purifying sulphur targets the root-cause of blemishes, excess sebum while 4% niacinamide helps to promote radiant skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A high 10% concentration is supported in this formula from The Ordinary by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. Which makes it perfect for those suffering from oily or acne-prone skin.
CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser
CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser swiftly removes oil, dirt and makeup while replenishing and reinforcing skin’s natural barrier thanks to an exclusive combination of three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Wishful’s Honey Balm Jelly Moisturizer
Created by Huda Kattan ‘Wishful’s Honey Balm Jelly Moisturizer blends honey, niacinamide, turmeric root extract and colour-correcting lavender pearls to effortlessly hydrate and illuminate your skin. A thirst-quenching drink for dry, dehydrated or compromised skin.’
Verso’s Hydration Serum
Perfect for winter months, this lightweight formula by Verso is enriched with oat lipids and oils to soothe irritation caused by dryness and offers a boost of hydration whilst the infusion of niacinamide helps to strengthen skin’s barriers.