Introduction to Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It’s a powerhouse ingredient that’s been a part of skincare for years but is now getting the attention it deserves. It’s commonly found in serums and moisturizers, and it’s known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, maintain moisture levels, and soothe skin concerns like acne or rosacea.
Why is Niacinamide Important?
Niacinamide is important because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin. It helps to reduce spots and redness, control sebum levels, calm inflamed skin, and refine pores. It’s a versatile ingredient that can benefit all skin types.
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The Science Behind Niacinamide
Niacinamide works by boosting ceramide production, which strengthens the skin barrier and helps maintain moisture levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin concerns such as acne or rosacea.
The Benefits of Niacinamide
Everyone can benefit from strengthening their skin’s barrier function, which is exactly what niacinamide does. It reduces water loss from the epidermis by increasing ceramides and proteins found in the skin barrier layer. A robust barrier will also protect against environmental aggressors, slowing down visible signs of ageing in the long term.
Mastering the Use of Niacinamide: When and How to Use It
When to Use Niacinamide: Morning or Night?
Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that can be used both in the morning and at night. However, using it in the morning can be particularly beneficial due to its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can protect your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV damage throughout the day.
On the other hand, using niacinamide at night aligns with the time when your skin undergoes its natural repair process. Therefore, applying it before bed can boost this rejuvenation process, helping to heal any damage and prep the skin for the next day.
It plays well with other skincare ingredients, even potentially tricky actives such as exfoliating acids and vitamin C, so it will sit happily alongside anything else you’re using.
How to Apply Niacinamide: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying niacinamide is a straightforward process. Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt or makeup. This ensures that the niacinamide can penetrate your skin effectively. After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Then, take a few drops of niacinamide serum and apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area. Allow the serum to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before moving on to the next step of your skincare routine. This could be applying a moisturizer or sunscreen in the morning, or a night cream in the evening.
Top Niacinamide serum recommendation
Vichy Mineral 89 Niacinamide Serum, Skin Strengthening Prebiotic Concentrate and...
Vichy Mineral 89 Niacinamide Serum is a hydrating formula that combines the benefits of Vichy’s 89% Mineralizing Thermal Water and pure Niacinamide. This serum strengthens the skin’s barrier function, making it more resistant to visible aging caused by environmental factors. It also plumps and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Key active ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid.
Niacinamide and Other Ingredients: A Perfect Pairing
Can I Use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?
Yes, niacinamide can be used with vitamin C. In fact, they can work together to deliver even better results. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage and brightens the complexion, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
NuFACE Super Vita-C Booster - Vitamin C Face Serum + Brightening Niacinamide for...NuFACE Super Vita-C Booster Serum is a potent serum that combines the power of Vitamin C and Niacinamide. This serum helps to brighten the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve overall skin tone. It also helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
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Key active ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide.
DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Real Vita C Serum 1.12 oz (32g) - Brightening, Hydrating...DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Real Vita C Serum is a powerful serum that combines the brightening power of 22% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a stable source of Vitamin C) with Niacinamide and Citrus Fruit Extracts. This serum helps to brighten and firm the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Key active ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide.
When to Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used together in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, while niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Using them together can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
StriVectin Advanced Acids Hyaluronic Dual-Response Face Serum with HA and...StriVectin Advanced Acids Hyaluronic Dual-Response Face Serum is a dual-chamber, anti-aging serum that combines the power of Hyaluronic Acid and NIA-114™ technology. This serum helps to hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. It also strengthens the skin’s barrier, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Key active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, NIA-114™ technology.
Product Recommendations
Best Niacinamide Products for Different Skin Types
Choosing the right niacinamide product for your skin type can significantly enhance your skincare results.
Product Recommendations for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, a niacinamide serum that also contains salicylic acid can be a game-changer. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells, helping to prevent breakouts. When combined with niacinamide, it can help control oil production while also soothing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment to Minimize Pores, Clear...La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment is a targeted acne treatment that combines the power of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide. This treatment helps to reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes, unclog pores, and soothe inflammation. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and is free from potential irritants like fragrance and alcohol. Key active ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide.
Product Recommendations for Dry Skin
For those with dry skin, a product that combines niacinamide with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid would be a great choice. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to hydrate the skin and keep it plump and youthful-looking. Niacinamide can complement this by strengthening the skin barrier and helping to lock in that moisture.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid &...Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum is a hydrating serum that combines the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. This serum helps to lock in moisture, plump the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, leaving it looking healthy and radiant.
Key active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide.
Product Recommendations for Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, it’s best to opt for niacinamide products that are free from potential irritants like fragrance and alcohol. Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that can soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Face Serum, Brightening and Anti-Aging Facial...La Roche Posay Niacinamide 10 Face Serum is a high-concentration, oil-free serum that combines Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid. This serum helps to reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes, while also soothing inflammation and strengthening the skin’s barrier. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and is free from potential irritants like fragrance and alcohol.
Key active ingredients: Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid.
FAQs
When Should You Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamide can be used at any time of the day, but it’s often recommended to use it in your morning routine to take advantage of its antioxidant properties, which can protect your skin from environmental damage throughout the day.
When to Use Niacinamide Serum?
Niacinamide serum can be used after cleansing and toning your skin, but before applying moisturizer. It can be used both in the morning and at night.
What Happens When You Use Retinol and Niacinamide Together?
When used together, retinol and niacinamide can complement each other to deliver even better skincare results. Retinol is known for its anti-aging benefits, while niacinamide can soothe the skin and strengthen the skin barrier, which can help to mitigate some of the potential irritation caused by retinol.
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