Let’s start by understanding what niacinamide exactly is.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, aka nicotinamide, belongs to the Vitamin B3 family and is essential for good skin health. This important water-soluble nutrient can be found in natural food sources like eggs, milk, green vegetables, cereals, fish, and meat. A standout feature of Niacinamide is that, unlike other forms of Vitamin B3, it does not cause flushing—those uncomfortable bouts of redness and itching. This makes it well-suited for topical application in the form of creams and serums.
Reasons To Use Niacinamide
This potent ingredient has secured its place in the skincare hall of fame–and it’s clear why. Among various niacinamide uses, its ability to relieve inflammation, boost hydration, and minimise the appearance of pores makes it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. Adding a niacinamide serum to your daily regimen is one of the most effective ways of reaping all these benefits and more!
Been on the fence about introducing this skincare treasure to your routine? Here are four niacinamide serum benefits that prove it’s worth every bit of the hype.
Reason 1: Improves Skin Barrier Function
When the skin barrier is damaged or weakened, it is unable to hold on to moisture, effectively leading to–lo and behold– dehydration. Cue niacinamide, the skincare saviour! It boosts ceramide production, strengthening the bonds between your skin cells and reinforcing your natural skin barrier.
Applied topically, niacinamide also enhances the hydrating power of your moisturiser to improve moisture retention and keep dryness where it belongs–in your humour.
Reason 2: Reduces Inflammation And Redness
Inflammation loves to stir up drama, bringing along discomfort, redness, and itching, and even triggering flare-ups of acne, eczema, and rosacea. Fortunately, niacinamide comes bearing good news. Its anti-inflammatory properties make niacinamide an excellent choice for combating inflammation and redness. Consistent application of a niacinamide serum can help relieve inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Reason 3: Minimises Pores And Controls Oil Production
Niacinamide, widely celebrated for its ability to regulate sebum production, is your go-to solution for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Niacinamide helps prevent the overstimulation of sebaceous glands by keeping sebum production in check. This not only helps shrink the pore size but also reduces acne breakouts caused by excess oil and debris clogging the pores. Another compelling reason to make niacinamide a staple on your skincare shelf!
Reason 4: Brightens Skin And Fades Hyperpigmentation
Struggling with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and an uneven skin tone? The culprit is often excess melanin in the skin. That’s where niacinamide comes in. It prevents the transfer of melanin to skin cells, significantly reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation while evening out your skin tone.
Looking for a good niacinamide serum to add to your skincare kit?
Meet our 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum. This potent formula combines the power of niacinamide with the hydrating touch of 1% Pro-Vitamin B5, revealing stronger, brighter, and visibly clearer skin.
How To Use a Niacinamide Serum
Step 1: Cleanse your face with a gentle soap-free cleanser, rinse, and pat dry.
Step 2: Drop a pea-sized amount of the serum into your palm.
Step 3: Spread it gently between your palms without excessive rubbing.
Step 4: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using gentle tapping motions.
Step 5: Follow with a lightweight moisturiser.
Step 6: Finish with a gel sunscreen.
Pro-tip: Avoid mixing niacinamide with chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).