Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which is one of the best vitamins for healthy skin, and has become the “It skin-care ingredient” in the last year.  You may be asking what makes this ingredient so special?

Well... This powerful hero ingredient supports virtually every skin concern.

Though it may be best known for fighting back blemishes and controlling oil. This skin care star does it all. It also helps to reduce the appearance of pores, improves the skins overall texture, and prevents fine lines and wrinkle.  

As if all the benefits weren't enough, this multi-functional ingredient is safe for all skin types and all ages. So, its no wonder that it is taking the beauty market by storm! 

Read on to learn more about its benefits, what to look for in products, and why it is one of the best ingredients for healthy skin.

What is niacinamide and how does it work?

This workhorse ingredient treats so many different skin concerns and problems. From tackling oil regulation, barrier function, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and eczema. It not only neutralizes free radicals, but also repairs DNA damage, improves texture and tone, and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Making this ingredient a true multitasker!

Niacinamide works by increasing cellular energy, which is what stimulates collagen production. It increases ceramides and fatty acids, which are what fortifies the skins barrier, all while helping to retain moisture!

What are the overall benefits of using this popular ingredient? 

Boosts skin’s immunity

Niacinamide helps build keratin (a type of protein) that keeps your skin firm and healthy. It boosts the ceramides and fatty acids that help retain and lock in moisture, which is beneficial for all skin types- especially if you have eczema, mature, or dry skin.

Because this ingredient is an antioxidant, it minimizes redness, blotchiness, and other inflammatory skin conditions. If that weren’t enough it also minimizes the skins pore appearance by keeping the skin smooth and hydrated.

 Regulates oil production

The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types.

If you have oily skin and your only solution is to wash it rigorously away, you are exacerbating the problem. It is probably time to consider using topical niacinamide because it can help regulate the amount of oil that the sebaceous glands produce by preventing your glands from going into an oil production overdrive. 

Strengthens the skin’s barrier

The outer layer of the skin locks in moisture so that it doesn’t dry up and create future skin problems. Niacinamide secures the barrier function of the skin and helps to renew and restore the surface of the skin which protects against moisture loss and dehydration.

Because it contains the best vitamins for skincare healthy skin, this ingredient is perfect for people who suffer from dry skin, or eczema. With winter quickly approaching get your skincare sorted and find moisturizers or serums with niacinamide in them.

Protects against sun damage

Niacinamide proves to be the best ingredient protecting your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. It also protects the skin from heat response.

Research has also shown niacinamide to be able to help protect skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. However, you still have to pair it with sunscreen for maximum benefit.

Treats acne

Since this ingredient contains some of the best vitamins for healthy skin, niacinamide can be helpful for severe acne problems. Especially by fighting any inflammatory skin conditions like papules or pustules.

It also kills the bacteria that cause acne in the future.  Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture if you use this ingredient consistently.

Lightens hyperpigmentation

This magic ingredient works like a charm in treating those stubborn post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide can lighten the appearance of dark spots because it blocks the enzymes that cause hyperpigmentation, age spots, and melasma.

Not only does it diminish dark spots, but niacinamide also enhances skin tone to reveal clearer and brighter-looking skin as it encourages collagen production and cell turnover.

Protects against oxidative stress

Oxidative stress increases your skins aging process by contributing to the loss of collagen and elastic fibers which result in fine lines or wrinkles. It is also involved in reducing the skins barrier function, decreasing moisture, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin, while also protecting them from environmental factors, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins that can induce any oxidative stressors.

What is the best way to deliver niacinamide to the skin?

To reap the most skincare benefits, apply niacinamide topically in the form of a cream, lotion, or serum—anything that will stay in contact with your skin for plenty of time, unlike a facial cleanser that goes on and off quickly.

Keep in mind that your niacinamide serum should be applied on clean skin and before applying your moisturizer.

What should I look for when selecting a product?

Niacinamide may be listed as “niacin” and “nicotinamide” on your skincare products. Though most formulations are 5 percent or less, its concentration levels can vary from product to product.

Research has shown that 5% formulas are most effective in treating hyperpigmentation and damage related to sun exposure. While formulas with 2% niacinamide ease symptoms of eczema and similar conditions. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration.

What other ingredients should niacinamide be combined with for maximum results?

Niacinamide may be used alongside other active ingredients for optimal results. For example, when targeting acne studies suggest that supplemental niacinamide may work well alongside copper, folic acid, and zinc.

In general, if you want to support your skin's overall health you should pair niacinamide with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These other ingredients all work to build the barrier of the skin, by combining with these other ingredients will only enhance its effects.

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids that build proteins that make up the skin. When applied topically to the skin, peptides send cellular signals instruction cell function—one of which is to create more collagen.
  
  
• Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that are found in between skin cells. Environmental factors can disrupt the lipid layer of the skin, which locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against pollution, bacteria, and assailants.
  
  
• Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it does wonders in hydrating the skin. When applied, it creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture. Skin loses water and moisture as we age, this ingredient will help store hydration and can be used daily.

If your focus is to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation, combine niacinamide with other skin brightening ingredients!  Raybae’s Age- Defying Wrinkle Serum contains niacinamide as well as some of the best vitamins for healthy skin such as licorice root for added brightening benefits. It also contains Job's Tear, a vitamin high in B3 and is rich in peptides which helps firm the skin and prevent signs of aging.

The takeaway…

When used topically every day, niacinamide is made up of the best vitamins for healthy skin. By helping reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smoothing the skins overall texture, brightening the skin, and helping to fight acne and signs of aging.

This ingredient makes a huge positive impact on your skin’s overall health. But remember all good things take time, it can take several weeks to see noticeable improvement, so it’s important to be patient and to stick with your routine.