Niacinamide: Benefits, Uses, and How a "Fad" Became a Skincare Must
If you follow the skincare industry closely, we're sure you're sick of hearing about the newest "revolutionary miracle products" by now.
It seems like the industry has cooked up a new one every single week, with the majority disappearing soon after, as soon as research comes out and proves that they're no better than the last one.
It also seems (conveniently) like this only ever happens immediately after you've just spent an exorbitant amount on trying it out for yourself!
Once in a blue moon, however, one such miracle product comes along and provides such huge benefits that nobody can argue with the results.
Instead of being forgotten, these genuine discoveries stay in the limelight and move from 'fad' territory to being accepted as must-haves.
You may remember some of these proven modern staples that it's already occurred with in recent years:
- Snail Mucin
- Salicylic Acid
- Retinol
- Dragon's Blood Serum
Hell, it looks like it might even be happening to apple stem cell serums, but a little more research is still needed on that.
But what about niacinamide?
This ingredient has certainly earned its right to a place in bathroom cabinets and makeup counters all around the world, but what makes it tick, and what benefits does it hold for you?
Let's dive in:
What is Niacinamide?
You may remember it being all over the place in recent years and assume it disappeared soon after, but this little powerhouse never went anywhere.
In fact, part of the reason you might have missed it is that it also often goes by the names of nicotinamide and vitamin B3.
That's right!
This little miracle substance that's proven itself to scientists and dermatologists the world over doesn't just have a name that sounds like niacin (the unassuming nutrient you're used to looking out for in your cereals), it's actually closely related.
“[Niacinamide] is one of the essential vitamins our body and skin need and aren’t able to produce themselves," explains one of the lead scientists at Olay.
Niacinamide is often taken orally to treat a wide variety of illnesses and issues including vitamin B deficiencies caused by alcohol dependency, malnutrition and similar.
It does also have some skincare uses when taken orally, commonly being used as an acne or rosacea treatment, and is regularly used in skin ointments to treat eczema and similar skin problems.
Image Source: Tomohiro Hakozaki et al.
So, clearly, this is something our body wants and it comes with some real scientific benefits, but what about beauty and skincare?
What benefits will you see if you apply it to your skin when you don't suffer from eczema?
Let me explain:
What does Niacinamide Do?
Research has suggested that niacinamide has the following beneficial effects for the skin:
It clearly has huge undeniable benefits when it comes to treating skin conditions, but how does this apply to skincare, and will it do anything to your skin if you don't suffer from any of those issues?
Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin
Unsurprisingly, niacinamide's hydrating, nourishing and protective qualities make it hugely beneficial for skincare even if your skin is healthy already.
Using a topical skin cream, serum or lotion that contains niacinamide, you can expect to:
- Be protected against UV radiation
- Improve your skin and pores' natural immunity against microbes and environmental damage
- Have more moisturised and plump, healthy-looking skin than ever due to natural increased hydration caused by an enhanced epidermal barrier
- Feel less oily with softer skin, also due to the effects on your epidermal barrier
- Boost your collagen production, leading to the removal of lines, wrinkles and crows feet, making you look younger and more vibrant than ever.
What Kinds of Niacinamide Skin Products will Work?
Due to its status as an important nutrient, adding niacinamide to your skincare routine will always be a benefit.
As long as you have no allergies, it will have beneficial results regardless of your skin type or age.
It is worth mentioning at this point that excess niacinamide can increase the number of histamines released by your body, which in turn can exacerbate any allergic reactions you may experience.
Allergic reactions to niacinamide itself are incredibly rare, but if you're using a niacinamide serum that contains other ingredients you are allergic to, this combined effect will be a problem.
That's why it's important to check the ingredients of any niacinamide skin care creams and only buy the most natural products you can find, with the least amount of ingredients (and definitely not ones you're allergic to).
Can Niacinamide Skin Products be Combined with Other Ingredients?
Absolutely, and you definitely want this to be the case if possible.
Doing a little research into the ingredients listed on your skincare products can be a revelation.
For example, if a "vitamin b serum" contains a tiny amount of niacinamide and is full of nasty man-made chemicals, additives and filler, the seller is likely just trying to make a quick buck off the ingredient's popularity and isn't interested in your skin's health or results.
In this case, you can assume little to no effort has gone into formulating a B3 serum that actually works as well as possible.
A well-formulated serum that will be gentle to your skin and highly effective should be made up of 30 or fewer ingredients, most of which are natural and beneficial to skin in their own rights, such as hydrolyzed collagen, aloe, hyaluronic acid etc.
Keep this in mind, do your research and you can't go far wrong!
What are the Niacinamide Cream Side Effects?
Being a nutrient that the human body requires, normal amounts of niacinamide aren't going to cause any side effects.
However, larger amounts can definitely result in some, so it's important you follow the instructions on any niacinamide skin products you use and don't overdo it.
Niacinamide can also increase your blood sugar, meaning you should avoid using it before surgery and consult your GP before using if you are diabetic.
Niacinamide Before & After
Here is a before and after picture showing the effects on hyperpigmentation after eight weeks of niacinamide use. As we're sure you will agree, the skin lightening effects of niacinamide are clear to see.
Image Source: Torres-Alvarez et al.
Here at Luminositie, we know it can be difficult to find a niacinamide serum you can trust.
This is why we have worked with some of the best anti-aging and skin care specialised in the world to formulate a niacinamide serum based on all-natural ingredients that just works.
Just like all of our unique products, it's made entirely of natural ingredients from cruelty-free sources, all of which have benefits for your skin in their own right, for example:
- Coconut oil
- Aloe Vera
- Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Witch Hazel
This means you can rest assured your skin is getting everything it needs, and nothing else.
Click on the image below to learn more about the most natural, no-nonsense niacinamide serum on the market, and keep your eyes on the Luminositie blog for more illuminating content posted regularly!
