What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a water soluble vitamin B3 which works best at ph around 6. It is considered as one of the most versatile, stable and beneficial skincare ingredients. Unlike niacin, a different form of vitamin B3, niacinamide does not cause skin flushing and irritation.
Niacinamide in Skincare
Niacinamide was first recognised in the early 20th century as vitamin PP due to its ability to prevent pellagra, an epidemic disease with severe cutaneous lesions.
The use of niacinamide in skincare was pioneered by two scientists, Feldmann RJ and Maibach HI who highlighted the good skin penetration of niacinamide. Niacinamide is easily absorbed by the skin and very effective in treating various skin conditions. Studies showed that niacinamide is stable at ph 5 to 7 and delivering best results when the ph of the formula is around 6.
The Benefits of Niacinamide For Your Skin
1. Niacinamide strengthens the skin's barrier function, prevents dehydration and irritation.
Niacinamide enhances the skin's ability to retain water. It hydrates the skin without making it oily. Niacinamide strengthens skin barrier, calms skin and prevents redness and irritation. A 4 weeks study involving 50 rosacea sufferers showed that niacinamide improves the overall skin condition and eases the symptoms of rosacea.
2. Niacinamide boosts the production of skin's collagen, elastin and other proteins by up to 54%, 20% and 100% respectively.
Collagen is the main structural protein in the body which gives your skin its structure. Collagen levels in your skin decline with age which cause signs of ageing to appear. Clinical studies showed that niacinamide visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, red blotchiness and skin sallowness (yellowing) while also visibly improves skin's elasticity, volume and firmness.
3. Niacinamide reduces acne-inflammation by 52% without causing dryness.
Studies showed that niacinamide is effective against acne vulgaris. It helps reduce acne lesions while also improves the condition of blemished skin. Niacinamide restores skin balance, reduces the sebum secretion while at the same time increases skin hydation levels. It improves the overall skin health and appearance.
4. Niacinamide prevents UV-induced skin damage.
A study by University of Sydney in Australia showed that niacinamide blocks different types of ultraviolet light. It reduces UV-induced skin damage and decreases the risk of skin cancer. Niacinamide also protects skin cells from blue light emitted by computers, smartphones and tablets.
5. Niacinamide brightens complexion and lightens dark spots.
Niacinamide doesn't reduce the production of melanin, however, it remarkably prevents melanin pigment to reach the top layer of the skin. In a-8-week clinical-trial, niacinamide has been shown to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots by more than 25%. The efficacy of niacinamide is dramatically increased when it is mixed with n-acetyl glucosamine.
Can all skin types benefit from niacinamide?
Yes, all skin types can benefit from using skincare products containing niacinamide. Choose niacinamide skincare products which suit your skin type. Niacinamide skincare products like Rose Royale Supreme Anti-Ageing Serum and White Orchid Ultra Brightening Serum have been formulated to suit all skin types.
Can you use niacinamide skincare products on sensitive skin daily?
Yes, studies showed that niacinamide helps soothe and calm sensitive skin. It is highly recommended to perform a patch test before using a new product on sensitive skin.
Is niacinamide safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check and make sure that the other ingredients in the products are also safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with niacinamide?
Yes, studies showed that niacinamide works synergistically with some ingredients particularly n-acetyl glucosamine. Due to its neutral ph, niacinamide also works well with 24 karat gold, marine collagen peptides, resveratrol and sodium hyaluronate.
When is the best time to use skincare products containing niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a very versatile and stable ingredient. It is not phototoxic. Niacinamide doesn't cause photosensitivity. In fact, niacinamide helps protect your skin from UV-induced damage and other ageing factors. You can use niacinamide skincare products at anytime during the day and night as long as the other ingredients in the products are also not phototoxic.
The Best Skincare Products With Niacinamide
Both White Orchid Ultra Brightening Serum and Rose Royale Supreme Anti-Ageing Serum contain the most potent concentration of niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine to reduce visible signs of ageing and slow down skin ageing.
Rose Royale Supreme Anti-Ageing Serum is a super potent, ultra-concentrated serum with 24 karat gold, niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine to restore, renew and protect the skin from all ageing factors learn more >>>
White Orchid Ultra Brightening Serum with niacinamide, n-acetyl glucosamine and orchid extract to boost skin cell renewal, help erase dark spots and signs of ageing including wrinkles and fine lines learn more >>>
A super anti-ageing eye cream with niacinamide, resveratrol and marine collagen peptides to help prevent and reduce all signs of ageing, dark circles, puffiness learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 25 years experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after use of moisturizers with a combination of topical niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial, The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010 Feb 1, 162(2), Pages 435-441. (2) Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance, Dermatologic Surgery, 2005 Jul, 31 (7 Pt 2), Pages 860-865. (3) Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004 Oct, 26(5), Pages 231-238. (4) The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer, The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002 Jul, 147(1), Pages 20-31. (5) Niacinamide: A Multi-functional Cosmeceutical Ingredient, Skincare Science, May 2022.
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