Dermatologists and other skin experts agree: niacinamide is a great skincare ingredient. Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) works wonders on redness and conditions such as rosacea, it hydrates the skin and controls sebum production, making the chance of impurities a lot smaller. We're also fans of niacinamide in skincare, and here's why!
What exactly is niacinamide? After the better known ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and bakuchiol, niacinamide is the next big thing in skincare. Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide and is a powerful antioxidant that supports various skin needs and counter various skin problems. A real multi-tasker that will improve your skin. Make sure the dose of niacinamide in a moisturizer or serum is high enough. You'll get the most out of vitamin B3 when the percentage in your product is 4% or higher. Sometimes this is mentioned on the bottle, sometimes not. In that case, make sure niacinamide is listed at the top of the ingredients list. The higher the position on the ingredients list, the more of it is contained in your product.
Vitamin B3 for dry skin One of the main benefits that niacinamide is known for is its hydrating ability. Niacinamide strengthens the skin's barrier, making it less likely for moisture to escape your skin, thus keeping it better hydrated. Vitamin B3 can also stimulate the production of so-called skin lipids (ceramides), which are beneficial to a healthy skin barrier. Ceramides and lipids keep the skin supple and nourished and ensure that harmful substances cannot penetrate your skin. Because of these moisturizing properties, niacinamide is the ideal skin care ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin.
Niacinamide as an antioxidant Like vitamin C, niacinamide is an antioxidant. This means that the substance neutralizefree radicals in your skin, providing better protection against skin aging caused by UV radiation. The antioxidant effect of niacinamide protects your skin against sun damage and in a high concentration (> 5%) even against pigmentation. This antioxidant effect makes vitamin B3 an effective anti-aging ingredient.
Against impurities, acne and coarse pores Various scientific studies have shown that niacinamide has a sebum-regulating effect. Vitamin B3 is capable of inhibiting the production of sebum, which makes the skin more balanced and prevents excess sebum from accumulating. A healthy sebum production prevents impurities and acne, and also large pores are counteracted when the sebum production is balanced. But hydration also has a positive effect on acne and pimples: when the skin is dry or dehydrated, sebum production is put to work to compensate. The result? Overactive sebum production and more pimples.
Niacinamide for redness, rosacea and eczema Another big advantage of vitamin B3: the substance has an anti-inflammatory effect. This is great for anyone who suffers from redness, rosacea and eczema. The calming effect of niacinamide is recognized by many dermatologists; the ingredient is regularly used to support various skin conditions, such as rosacea. Niacinamide is also effective, at a dosage of 4%, against existing pimples.
Who is Niacinamide for? Because the benefits of vitamin B3 are so varied, niacinamide is a great ingredient for all skin types. It hydrates, soothes, protects and prevents wrinkles and lines through its antioxidant effect. All skin types can benefit from this, whether you're 25 or 65. Niacinamide is mild so you can easily combine it with your other skin care products. The antioxidant is an excellent match for other active ingredients, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid and exfoliating acids (BHA, AHA). Want to be on the safe side? Keep an eye on how your skin reacts to niacinamide and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Have you already discovered niacinamide as a new star ingredient in skincare?
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