Niacinamide is a skincare powerhouse, right up there with retinol and exfoliating acids. This form of vitamin B3 can treat an onslaught of skincare conditions, which is why you can find it in face cleansers, serums, and everything in between.
It may pack a mighty punch, but is suitable for all skin types, including people with sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend that people who struggle with sensitive skin incorporate niacinamide into their skin routine. Unlike other potent ingredients (we’re looking at you, retinoids), niacinamide can gently treat countless skin conditions. So, if you haven’t started using this powerful ingredient in your routine, here are seven reasons to add it today.
Say Good-Bye to Acne
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, people with oily skin and acne will find relief from skincare products containing this ingredient. One of the most common causes of acne is the overproduction of sebum, which is why controlling it is an important job for people who struggle with this tricky skin type. Niacinamide is an effective treatment for acne because it reduces sebum production.
Enjoy a Brighter Complexion
If you’re looking to improve your complexion and brighten dull skin, this is an ingredient to have in your arsenal. It prevents cells that produce melanin from reaching our skin, making it an ideal preventative measure for uneven skin tone. Better yet, it can also correct skin discoloration.
Reduce Signs of Aging
Once you hit a certain age, fighting the signs of aging becomes a constant battle. While retinol is still the reigning champion as far as skincare ingredients go, niacinamide makes for a worthy contender. Because it produces more collagen fibers, it helps diminish fine lines, creases, wrinkles, loose skin, and other signs of aging.
Minimize Unsightly Pores
Whether you can actually get rid of pores remains up for debate, as some dermatologists think you can merely shrink them. What is a fact is that this incredible ingredient can significantly reduce the size of your pores. Let’s not forget that it also slows down sebum production, which is a contributing factor to enlarged pores. So, if smooth, flawless skin is what you’re going for, this ingredient is one to include in your skincare routine.
Combat Dry Skin
Proof that this really is an ingredient for all skin types, people who have dry skin can also benefit from it. If you struggle with dry skin, you probably own skincare products that contain ceramides. Ceramides aren’t only found in skincare products but are fats and lipids naturally produced in the skin. And if you have dry skin, ceramides do an incredible job at moisturizing, retaining water, and overall strengthening the outer layer of the skin.
Defend Yourself Against UV Rays
No matter what the season, you should defend your skin against harmful UV rays produced by the sun. Studies reveal that this powerful ingredient may protect the skin from UV damage. While we aren’t telling you to trade in your sunscreen for a niacinamide moisturizer, you can further protect your skin with said moisturizer in addition to wearing SPF.
Toughen Up Your Skin
Finally, this is the perfect ingredient to strengthen your skin barrier. People who struggle with skin issues, such as sensitivity, dryness, or skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can benefit most from a fortified skin barrier.
Applying a niacinamide moisturizer twice daily is all you need to improve the barrier function and increase hydration. Naturally, you will need to be consistent with your use. Again, because this ingredient is less potent than many other popular skincare ingredients, even people with sensitive skin can apply niacinamide topically multiple times a day without experiencing irritation. Still, we recommend performing a patch test before trying a new skincare product.
