How Niacinamide Benefits Skin

The words “dry” and “skin” should not go together!  Having dry skin causes a range of other skin issues such as redness, scarring, enlarged pores, and pre-mature skin aging.  We are here to tell you of niacinamide, the unsung hero of cosmetic ingredients which can give you a younger-looking, plump, and hydrated skin.

How does niacinamide work?

Niacinamide helps to increase the production of ceramides in the skin.  As we age, the levels of ceramide gradually fall, and we are left with dehydrated skin that becomes prone to moisture loss.  Niacinamide, not only increases the level of ceramide, but it also helps to bind lipids together, thus creating a lipid barrier that prevents skin from drying out.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide

Fights Inflammation and Redness:
Niacinamide promotes the growth of new skin cells and removes dead ones causing environmental toxins, damaged cells, and bacteria to be sloughed away.  This action allows the skin to heal which results in visible signs of decreased redness and inflammation.

Tightens Pores:
Vitamin B3 is known to decrease the size of pores, possibly due to its ability to decrease the production of sebum by skin pores.

Improves Skin Tone:
Regular applications of niacinamide containing creams have shown to clinically diminish dullness of skin, thereby producing a light and smooth complexion.  It has also been shown to decrease sallowness (yellowing) of skin.  

Anti-Aging Effect:
UV-induced skin damage is a crucial part of aging process because of damage to DNA and production of free radicals that further cause wrinkles.  Niacinamide blocks harmful UV-light from penetrating skin cells while it also helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles through its skin hydration abilities.    

How to Use Niacinamide?

Niacinamide works best together with its friends so no wonder it is a widely used cosmetic ingredient.  Humectants which prevent loss of moisture such as inositol and glycerol work well with niacinamide, so look for products that contain these ingredients.  

Twice a day skin regimen which includes niacinamide, hexyldecanol, inositol, and glycerol can help to improve overall skin tone and signs of photo-aging.  Products that are currently on the market as niacinamide “boosters” claim 10-20% concentrations, but cosmetic ingredient review (a cosmetic industry safety panel) has studied niacinamide and concluded that 3% concentration to be safe in body and hand creams.