Why Niacinamide Is a Must-Have in Your Skin Regimen
Have you tried using Niacinamide yet? It is a super ingredient that should be part of your skincare routine! The powers Niacinamide has for skin health are endless.
Read below to discover the many wonders of Niacinamide and we guarantee that you will want to include it in your skin regimen asap!
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, an essential nutrient needed by the body. Vitamin B3 has only two forms. The other form is Niacin. Thus, Niacinamide and Niacin are not the same.In the medical field, Niacinamide is used as a treatment to prevent Vitamin B3 deficiency and other related conditions such as Pellagra, a Niacin deficiency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Niacinamide in the treatment of Pellagra. In these cases, Niacinamide is taken by mouth in prescribed doses.
Sources of Niacinamide
- Animal-based foods - yeast, poultry, beef, fish, milk, eggs
- Plant-based foods - green vegetables, beans, nuts, and cereal grains
- Also added to Fortified Foods - like bread, cereals, infant formulas
- Vitamin B Complex Supplements
- Formed inside the body from excess Niacin
Niacinamide and the skin
Researchers have found very promising and phenomenal uses of Niacinamide in Dermatology and skincare. It was discovered that depending on its concentration, Niacinamide has the following properties:
- Antipruritic - controls itching
- Antimicrobial - kills/inhibits growth of microorganisms which includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa
- Photo-protective - protects against the harmful effects of light, especially ultraviolet light
- Sebostatic effect - inhibit excessive production of sebum or oil in the skin
- Lightening effect - reduces hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration, dark spots
It was also concluded in another clinical study that because of Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective properties, it now also plays a very significant role in the treatment and control of the following:
- Acne
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Anti-Aging
- Autoimmune Skin Disorders
- Psoriasis
Niacinamide is the new super ingredient in skincare
Niacinamide is now widely used as a major ingredient in a variety of products, but most especially in skin care products all over the world.
From shampoos to skin moisturizers, body and face creams, lotions, sprays and serums! Niacinamide can be found in all of these because of its effectiveness in protecting the skin, combatting the signs of skin aging and its ability to diminish the harmful effects of some environmental and external factors to the skin like hyperpigmentation.
In serums, Niacinamide is found in water-based products. It is also low maintenance when it comes to storage, unlike Retinol-based products which are sensitive to light, oxidation, and its environmental surroundings.
Niacinamide is non-acidic, does not irritate the skin and is perfect for all skin types even those with sensitive skin!
It is safe to use with the following other superstar skincare ingredients:
Niacinamide + Vitamin C
However, Niacinamide + Vitamin C is a different story.
Initial studies have shown that the interaction between these two substances resulted in both ingredients becoming inactive. In later studies, it was discovered that their combination formed the substance Niacinamide Ascorbate, a substance which is actually helpful in fighting sun damage and conditioning the skin!
In general, Niacinamide and Vitamin C are actually compatible to use together. There are rare circumstances when the Niacinamide in the solution turns into Niacin. For example, when it is exposed to extreme heat or when Niacinamide loses its Ph level after a very long period of time. If properly stored at home, those things shouldn’t happen.
Niacin is known to cause flushing that results in skin reddening, itching, and/or burning. Unlike Niacinamide which produces no side effects.
Extremely rare as the case may be, if one has very sensitive skin, it may be best to apply Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide in the evening or vice versa and use them separately to avoid or minimize the side effects of the converted Niacin.
If you don’t have very sensitive skin, you can use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together even if a very tiny portion of the Niacinamide turns into Niacin later on.
It is better to do a patch test to prevent allergic reactions if you are new to Niacinamide, or to other skincare ingredients. To do a patch test, slather a dime size amount on your forearm and observe if you experience any itchiness, redness, or swelling over a 24-hour span. Discontinue use if you experience any signs of a reaction.
10 reasons to include Niacinamide in your skincare routine
1. LIGHTENS HYPERPIGMENTATION
Niacinamide results in a lightened appearance of dark spots because it blocks the enzymes that cause hyperpigmentation. This enhances skin tone to reveal clearer and brighter-looking skin.
Several studies have also found that Niacinamide can be an effective treatment for pigmentation, age spots, and melasma.
In a four-week Niacinamide treatment, study showed a significant decline in hyperpigmentation with as little as 2% of Niacinamide use.
Another study found that 4% of Niacinamide has similar results to 4% of Hydroquinone as treatment to Melasma. In comparison with other treatments, Niacinamide is much safer and has fewer side effects.
2. TREATS ACNE
Niacinamide is an excellent treatment for acne because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It was observed in a study that 4% Nicotinamide Gel is effective at treating moderate acne. Niacinamide is also gentler on the skin and helps to lighten dark spots and scars caused by acne, compared to other acne treatments such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
3. SEBUM REGULATION
Oil production from the sebaceous glands is controlled when the skin is adequately moisturized. With continued use of Niacinamide, there could be fewer breakouts, and skin texture is improved because oil production in the skin is regulated.
A study found that 2% Niacinamide is effective at lowering sebum levels and the rate of sebum excretion, as compared to most topical treatments for oily skin which try to absorb excess sebum. Niacinamide slows down how much oil is released, with changes to the skin becoming evident after two to four weeks of use.
4. MINIMIZES THE APPEARANCE OF PORES
Niacinamide is an effective solution to minimize the appearance of pores. Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid significantly helped smooth skin texture and reduced pore size in a 12-week study. Niacinamide prevents the deterioration of enzymes known as NADH and NADPH which are responsible for keeping our skin supple as we age.
When pores are clogged, they appear larger because of the overproduction of sebum. Niacinamide significantly helps reduce the size of skin pores. It normalizes the pore lining, keeps the skin moisturized and it enhances skin elasticity. Niacinamide prevents dirt, oil, and bacteria from clogging the pores.
5. REDUCES REDNESS AND INFLAMMATION
Niacinamide helps treat acne-prone skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it stops the production of specific inflammatory cytokines to prevent redness and swelling caused by acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions, which often bring discomfort.
6. SUPPORTS KERATIN PRODUCTION
Niacinamide reinforces the production of keratin which is an essential protein found in the epidermis. Keratin creates a protective layer on the surface of the skin and helps keep the cells together. It protects other cells from damage and helps promote smoother and more supple skin.
7. PROTECTS FROM UV DAMAGE
According to The Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, the skin’s antioxidant ability is amplified after a topical application of Niacinamide. It protects the skin from damage due to free radicals and stress.
Niacinamide acts as antioxidants to help restore skin cells and protect them from the sun’s harmful rays and other free radicals. It minimizes the harmful effects of sun damage and aids in strengthening the skin barrier. This makes the skin plumper and younger-looking.
8. WRINKLE REDUCTION
As shown in a clinical study, Niacinamide can dramatically diminish the look of wrinkles and fine lines with continuous use.
Other studies also suggest that Niacinamide increases collagen production in the skin. An increase in collagen production aids in strengthening skin elasticity which will help to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Read more about collagen in our blog.
9. HELPS WITH THE PRODUCTION OF CERAMIDES
The lipid barrier aids in maintaining the skin’s natural moisture for the skin to remain healthy and to be able to function properly. When Ceramides in the Barrier becomes inadequate, several skin concerns such as dryness and sensitivity occur.
Numerous studies have shown that Niacinamide can improve the Epidermal Barrier function. It helps rejuvenate and reconstruct the surface of the skin against dehydration and loss of moisture. A healthy and robust lipid barrier results in glowing and younger-looking skin.
10. BOOSTS SKIN HYDRATION
According to a study, topical application of Niacinamide increases NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), a vital coenzyme in our cells. NADP stimulates Keratinocyte to move to the outer layers of the Dermis resulting in the skin barrier to become stronger.
Introducing our newest formulation, the Yeouth Niacinamide Serum!
Become the first ones to experience the wonders of this unique formulation.
How to Use YEOUTH Niacinamide Serum
- Wash face with a Gentle Cleanser like our Yeouth Vitamin C Facial Cleanser, and pat dry.
- Follow with a hydrating, Balancing Facial Toner
- While the face is still damp, dab a pea-sized amount of Niacinamide Serum onto the skin. Allow to absorb.
- You may layer with other preferred serums like our Hyaluronic Acid Plus Serum or the Anti - Aging Super Serum.
- Follow with an intense hydrating moisturizer like our Yeouth Retinol Moisturizer for night use.
Summary
Niacinamide is an effective ingredient against all skin problems sans the side effects. It is very safe to use and can be part of daily skincare regimens without any risk. Niacinamide can be used together safely and effectively with the serums and other skincare products we are already using so there is no reason not to start using it today! It’s a very affordable addition to our daily skincare to help us achieve happy, healthy and glowing skin!