In recent years, niacinamide has become something akin to a watchword in the skincare world, but what actually is it and why is it so good for your skin?
In simple terms, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and has proven itself to play a pivotal role in improving and sustaining dermal health. It’s an ingredient that is able to communicate with your cells, boosting their youth from the inside out by promoting the process of cellular regeneration which also aids in initiating the production of keratin and ceramides which serve as the foundation of your dermal barrier. Although the science behind this process is reported to require more research, to take this one step further, some experts believe that our skin’s positive reaction to niacin (and by extension niacinamide and nicotinamide, which are two derivatives of niacin) comes down to two coenzymes known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (i.e. NAD+/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (i.e. NADP+). Niacinamide acts as a base, from which both coenzymes are able to be produced. This is highly beneficial to your skin because they are instrumental to the cellular chemical reaction that’s required for skin cell renewal, dermal repair and general functionality to take place. Without NAD+, such responses are unable to occur and, without niacinamide, NAD+ can’t be produced by your cells, making this form of vitamin B3 fundamentally important for dermal maintenance. As a side note, NAD+ is also a fantastic free radical neutralizer, which further adds to niacinamide’s dermal protective abilities.
A powerful anti-inflammatory, niacinamide’s benefits don’t end at defence and restoration. Because it’s so intrinsically linked to the conservation of our dermal barrier, niacinamide goes towards preventing moisture loss in our skin in addition to encouraging ceramide production, as stated above. Ceramides are lipids that reside in your skin and aid in safeguarding it against environmental stressors by boosting hydration and strengthening said barrier. Not only this, but niacinamide has demonstrated its ability at treating blackheads, targeting dermal discoloration, reducing pore size and softening the visible signs of aging. On this subject, a recent study also showcased this ingredient’s reaction to pollution, to which it helps defend against due to the antioxidant qualities it possesses, even going so far as to help mend DNA that has been damaged.
Because of its gentle nature, niacinamide is not restricted to one skin type and, unlike other anti-aging products like retinol, you’re never too young to start incorporating it into your routine. Niacinamide’s antibacterial properties make it a great choice for anyone suffering from excess oil production since it contributes to sebum control, soothes breakouts and congested skin. Although it’s not typically used as a standalone solution for breakouts, it does aid the skin in balancing itself out, which is a preventative measure and thus a favorable first step.
Since niacinamide is an indispensable element in collagen synthesis, it’s an excellent anti-aging aid. Due to its effectiveness in treating discoloration, it’s also hailed as a remedy for lightening age spots as well as dark under-eyes. This is brought about by its capacity to inhibit melanin production, which makes it an extremely useful product to have in your skincare arsenal.
Being the great all-rounder that it is, it’s also been deemed safe to use in conjunction with similar active ingredients you may already be using like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, zinc and peptides. Hydrators such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and various plant-derived oils also pair very well.
Naturally versatile, it’s relatively easy to find niacinamide-enriched formulas, from toners to moisturizers and serums which often contain additional beneficial ingredients to help target your specific dermal concerns, from age-related imperfections like crow’s feet to inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema and general redness.
If you’d like to learn more about similar skincare ingredients, read these related blog posts from our Skincare Simplified section for further information about what we covered in this article: