Niacinamide - Uses and Benefits

Niacinamide is a common name in the skincare industry. That is widely used by influencers all across Instagram.

Table of Contents

What is Niacinamide?

Do you have the urge to include a niacinamide serum just after watching your favorite influencer using it?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. An essential nutrient whose deficiency can cause severe skin, kidney, and brain disorders. Yes, you heard it right, niacinamide benefits are not limited to skin care only.

This article will look into the skincare benefits of Niacinamide and other benefits. What to look into the products, and how to include Niacinamide in our daily lives. Let’s dig in!

Niacinamide vs Niacin

The names sound similar, but are they?

Well, both are forms of vitamin B3. However, they are not the same. But niacin supplements can help your body make Niacinamide, that’s true. Tryptophan and excess amounts of niacin can help your body make Niacinamide.

Many people prefer taking supplements. However it would be best to consult a doctor before taking niacinamide supplements.

Benefits of Niacinamide

There are health as well as skincare benefits of Niacinamide. Researchers also state that topical Niacinamide can treat several skin problems such as acne and eczema.

Healthcare benefits of Niacinamide

One of the best-known cosmetics with anti-aging properties.
Helps to minimize your pores, and also keeps your skin smooth and moisturized.
Also known to reduce your pore size in the long run, keeps your sebum production balanced.
If you believe that moisture retention is only for dry skin types, then caution you are about to be proved wrong.
It helps regulate your sebaceous glands and prevents the overproduction of oil.
Protects your skin against sun damage.
It can help you rebuild healthy skin cells. And at the same time protect your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Research states that Niacinamide can treat hyperpigmentation.
Research states that 5 percent of niacinamide concentrations can help lighten dark spots. It is also known for its collagen-boosting properties.
Besides, it also protects your body against oxidative stress.
It protects your skin cells, from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Can treat severe acne, especially inflammatory ones.
It reduces inflammation and prevents the growth of acne-causing bacteria. You will soon notice a positive change in your skin texture.

What should you prefer topical products or supplements?

There is an ongoing debate on whether you should use topical products or supplements. I would say, opt for what works best for you. If you want Niacinamide in natural forms. You can consume foods rich in Vitamin B3, such as eggs, green veggies, fish, etc.

However. There is no such evidence that guarantees that the nutrients in your diet affect your skin health. Taking supplements can cause slight side effects such as

Diarrhea
Dizziness
Itchiness
Flatulence
Heartburn
Severe to mild headaches

Niacinamide is widely used as a serum. However, they come in all forms like cleansers and sheet masks. While cleansers and sheet masks are washed off immediately, serums work best for your skin.

Wonder when to use serums? You must apply serums after toning and before using moisturizer. Also, if you are an oily skin warrior, I have good news-Niacinamide may help regulate and stabilize oil production in the skin.

The sebum production balance goes back to restoring the strength of the skin barrier. And, more specifically, the sebaceous glands in the skin that produce oil. It helps to even out the amount of oil the skin produces. It can help tame and even prevent acne.

Here are some of the benefits of applying topical products

When applied topically, the Niacinamide is converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
It is known for its potent free radical-fighting antioxidant properties.
When you increase its quantity, it reduces oxidative cellular damage within the skin cells.
The process is crucial to skin health, as DNA damage can invisibly respond to several daily stressors.
Including environmental pollution and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
Topical use of Niacinamide has also been shown to decrease skin redness and blotchiness.
Using Niacinamide has been shown to improve. And prevent sallowness in the complexion without irritation.
Making it an ideal topical for restoring skin tone.
A 2015 scientific study shows that individuals with a high risk for nonmelanoma skin cancers could prevent the disease with oral intake of Niacinamide.
However, more research is needed on the same.
Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is safe for all skin types and age groups.
Even those who suffer from inflammatory conditions such as rosacea because of its calming properties.

Suffice it to say, you can witness some purging. If you try using a new product, so make sure to read the labels and choose a serum according to your skin type. Try it for a week and see if the symptoms persist.

Reminder: Niacinamide can also be listed as Nicotinamide in certain products. Don’t get confused.

What gives you the best results? the product or how do you include Niacinamide in your routine?

The secret key to healthy skin is consistency. No skincare product will work for you if you are not consistent with it. So use it at least for eight weeks to get better results.

If you don’t see any results, reach out to a dermatologist and get yourself tested.

What results can you expect?

Who does not love results? However research shows that you usually notice changes after four weeks of usage. It varies from person to person. So, to be on the safe side, try using it for eight weeks minimum. After using it for a while, you might start feeling that your skin has turned soft, radiant, and hydrated.

You might see that your skin is rosy, and your sebum secretion is balanced giving you clear and acne-free skin.

When used for longer durations, Niacinamide can help you to reduce aging and remove fine lines and wrinkles.

It can also reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Niacinamide is rightly known as a magic potion, that contains zillions of skincare benefits.

The bottom line

Niacinamide is an excellent option if you are suffering from a b3 deficiency. Also, your skin needs Niacinamide. So, it’s never too late to start your skincare regime. Start with 3-4 drops of it after your toner, and eventually, you can consume it twice a day for better results.

Beauty

Niacinamide – Uses and Benefits