What Is Niacinamide And Why Everyone Needs Cosmetics With It

2023 Author: Henry Pass | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 12:31

When a cream or serum promises to be full of vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide or nicotinamide, is probably one of them. Unlike its active ingredients retinol and vitamin C, the benefits of niacinamide are not easy to describe as a collagen enhancer or skin brightener - there is confusion over the skin benefits of niacinamide because there are so many of them. Therefore, we asked three experienced dermatologists to tell us everything you need to know about niacinamide.

What is Niacinamide?

"Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that is included in many topical skin care formulations," says Dr. Hope Mitchell, an Ohio dermatologist. - It works with natural substances in your skin to visibly shrink enlarged pores, regulate oil production, improve uneven skin tone, hide fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce dullness.

What does it do for the skin?

Depends on how you apply it. “When applied topically, niacinamide helps replenish moisture at the skin's barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss,” says Dr. Sherin Idriss, a New York City dermatologist. "Plus, it also helps to slowly increase collagen production, which helps to even out fine lines, pores and wrinkles." Dr. Idriss adds: “Its ability to control sebum production, as well as its inherent anti-inflammatory properties, help to minimize acne breakouts. Finally, it helps minimize any hyperpigmentation by blocking the transfer of pigment to the surface of your skin.”

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With oral niacinamide, B3 deficiency can be treated. “It is sometimes used for acne and may help prevent skin cancer or precancerous disease in people with a history of these conditions,” says Dr. Victoria Barbosa, board-certified general dermatologist and director of the hair loss program at the University of Chicago Hospital. But as long as you are on a balanced diet, you do not need to take niacinamide supplements. “Vitamin B3 is commonly found as niacinamide in animal products such as meat and poultry, and as niacin in plant foods such as nuts, seeds and green vegetables,” said Dr. Mitchell. - Many refined grain products, including cereals, are also fortified with niacinamide. Your body can also make vitamin B3 from tryptophan, an amino acid found in most protein foods.”

Dr. Idriss warns that skincare products containing niacinamide need to be careful not to overdo it. “Limit the concentration of niacinamide to about 4-5 percent, as anything higher can cause irritation,” she says. Barboza notes that the same can be said for supplements: "People should be on the lookout for side effects, including gastrointestinal distress or rashes."

How to add vitamin D3 to your daily routine?

According to Dr. Barbosa, niacinamide is “a great anti-aging ingredient” because it works well with both oily and dry skin and other active ingredients. “Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with any daily skin care product, including those containing retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHA, BHA, vitamin C, and all types of antioxidants,” adds Dr. Mitchell. “If you're struggling with dry skin, topical application of niacinamide has been shown to enhance the nourishing capacity of moisturizers so the skin's surface can better resist moisture loss.”

The vitamin is well tolerated by sensitive skin prone to rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory properties. But, as with any new product, test on your hand before applying it all over your face (just in case).

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