Niacinamide: How Does It Benefit the Skin?

Niacinamide: How Does It Benefit The Skin?

Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient that suits most skin types while effectively addressing multiple concerns - from evening out skin tone and reducing pore appearance to supporting natural collagen levels. Want to know more? Read on. 

What is Niacinamide and how Does It Work?

The Science Behind Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a helper molecule naturally produced by the body. We like to think of it as a “multi-tasking” vitamin that plays an important role in keeping skin hydrated, calm and strong in the face of environmental stressors. By using products that contain niacinamide, you can help to improve skin hydration, reduce signs of ageing, and may address concerns such as inflammation and pigmentation. 

Niacinamide’s Role in Strengthening the Skin Barrier

Niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production, essential lipids found in the outer layer of the skin. These ceramides form a protective layer that locks in moisture; skin stays hydrated and the risk of dehydration is low. With a fortified skin barrier, you’re better protected against environmental aggressors. 

The Key Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin

Whether you're dealing with inflammation, seeking to balance out oily skin, or wanting a smoother complexion, niacinamide could be just what your skin needs. This hardworking ingredient ticks all the boxes for helping to achieve healthier, happier skin. 

Reducing Redness and Inflammation

Redness and skin inflammation can be a result of your body producing cytokines, a type of inflammatory molecule. Niacinamide may play a helping hand here, with the capacity to slow down the production of these cytokines. 

As previously mentioned, this superstar ingredient also fortifies the skin’s barrier. By blocking irritants from penetrating deeper layers of skin, it can minimise the risk of inflammation. 

Finally, for those of you with acne-prone or eczema-prone skin, niacinamide can soothe redness and irritation associated with these skin conditions. However, we advise you to always consult a dermatologist for a specific treatment plan that is tailored to your skin. 

Minimising Pores and Controlling Oil Production

Everyone has pores but their visibility can differ from person to person. For example, if you have oily or combination skin, you may want to get on top of pore appearance as they tend to stand out more.  

Fortunately, Niacinamide keeps your sebaceous glands in check by regulating oil production. This prevents pores from getting clogged, which is what makes them look larger. On top of that, Niacinamide contributes to better skin elasticity and texture, so in the long-term, pores look tighter and appear less visible.  

Brightening Skin and Evening Out Skin Tone

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and skin discoloration, products containing niacinamide should find their way to your bathroom shelf. This impressive ingredient contributes to a brighter, more even skin tone by preventing the transfer of melanin (the pigment that causes dark spots) from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to the skin’s surface. Niacinamide also increases the skin’s natural cell turnover, which leads to a brighter and smoother complexion over time.  

Anti-Ageing Benefits: Smoothing Fine Lines and Wrinkles 

Niacinamide is a must-have if you’re wanting to address signs of ageing. It reinforces collagen production, for better skin elasticity and firmness, while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances your skin’s natural barrier, keeping moisture locked in, and plays a role in protecting skin from everyday environmental stressors, known to accelerate signs of ageing. Think of it as a hydration armor that keeps skin youthful-looking and radiant

How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skincare Routine

This versatile ingredient will effortlessly fit into your daily skincare routine, either in your favourite serum or moisturizer, and can be used both morning and night—just don't forget this essential step: read more. 

Choosing the Right Niacinamide Product

When it comes to choosing products with niacinamide, it is important to take your skin type and concerns into consideration. This will yield the best results!  

Sensitive skin types should start with gentle formulas and lower concentrations. Dry skin types should go for hydrating formulas, preferably with a generous, creamy texture. And for combination skin, lightweight formulas will help to prevent clogged pores.  

How to Layer Niacinamide with Other Ingredients

Niacinamide is generally considered as a gentle ingredient and may be layered with other skincare ingredients. However, as each skin is unique, it is always sensible to introduce new skincare products into your routine gradually, and take note of how your skin responds. 

If you’re looking to brighten your skin tone, niacinamide and vitamin c are a good combination. Vitamin C targets dark spots and boosts radiance, while niacinamide evens out skin tone and strengthens the skin barrier. 

If you’re wanting to plump skin with moisture, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide work well together. Hyaluronic acid acts as a hydration magnet, drawing water deep into the skin, while niacinamide locks it in and strengthens the skin barrier. 

Retinol and niacinamide is a winning combination that results in smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin. Retinol’s job is to accelerate cell turnover, addressing fine lines and dark spots. However, this potent ingredient can sometimes irritate skin, especially sensitive types. That’s where niacinamide comes in—this calming vitamin B3 soothes and strengthens the skin barrier, helping to minimize retinol’s side effects while enhancing its benefits. Our advice would be to start out with a lower concentration of retinol and layer it with niacinamide then build things up slowly.  

Shiseido's Niacinamide Infused Products

Shiseido offers several products, infused with niacinamide, designed to improve skin texture, brighten the complexion, and address signs of ageing for a radiant, youthful look. 

Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream 

Designed for mature skin, this rich cream works to reverse visible signs of ageing, resulting in smoother, firmer and refreshed looking skin. Niacinamide targets fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving skin elasticity long-term and locking moisture into the skin. The generous texture sinks into skin for a relaxing moment of well-being.  

Revitalessence Skin glow primer & foundation

The RevitalEssence Skin Glow Primer and Foundation offer several benefits, combining the power of skincare and makeup to enhance the skin’s overall appearance. Niacinamide acts to support skin barrier function, reduce redness, and even out skin tone over time. This moisturising primer also delivers long-lasting hydration for a beautifully smooth base, ideal for makeup application.  

Unlock the Power of Niacinamide For Your Skin

In short, niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that helps you to achieve overall healthier skin. Due to its compatibility with all skin types, it is an absolute must-have for your skincare routine. By integrating it into your routine, you can look forward to a brighter complexion, tighter pores and a fortified skin barrier.