Niacinamide Serum: Everything you should know
Niacinamide serum: Everything you should know
Niacinamide may sound like something from a science fiction book, but there's nothing complicated about what it is: a skincare superstar. With the endless selection of face serums to choose from, it makes choosing one particularly difficult. Sometimes, too much choice can cloud the mind and make it harder for us to shop. But if there's one ingredient you should look for in your skincare products, it's niacinamide.
A niacinamide serum is capable of all sorts of wonderful things. From blitzing pigmentation to minimizing acne, this is a beauty product you want in your corner. For obvious reasons. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s or beyond, this is one of those skincare ingredients that can benefit all skin types and all skin ages.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin b3, the vitamin that comes from food such as meat, eggs, milk, and vegetables. Applied topically, it is easily absorbed by the skin and offers profound soothing and healing properties.
There are numerous skincare ingredients that work for different things. For example, hyaluronic acid alleviates dry skin, vitamin c brightens skin and glycerin fights acne. The incredible thing about niacinamide is, it can help with a whole range of skin issues from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and more. It's one of those go-to products you can count on to ease practically any skin complaint.
What are the benefits of using a niacinamide serum?
Plumps up skin
Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin's essential barrier function, preventing water from escaping and keeping the skin as hydrated as possible. In turn, the skin will look plumper and fine lines will fade. Niacinamide also promotes keratin production, the protein that keeps your skin firm, supple and healthy. Using a niacinamide serum regularly will additionally supply your skin with a ceramide barrier which will help retain moisture and prevent your skin from drying out - a major contributor to aging skin. Niacinamide is a great anti-aging ingredient. It will also help protect your skin from free radicals and boost collagen production to keep your skin looking youthful.
Lessens skin discoloration
According to research, using 5% niacinamide concentrations can help treat hyperpigmentation and lighten dark spots. These results were noted after four weeks of use. The reason for its ability to treat skin discoloration could be down to its collagen boosting properties. This can help to even out skin tone and even lighten acne scars.
Balances oil production
Got really oily skin? Niacinamide can help you get oil-free, fast. This stuff can regulation oil production and reduce excess sebum to help your skin feel more balanced and less oily. And because people with oily skin tend to have acne-prone skin, using a niacinamide cleanser and serum on a daily basis can unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Reduces blemishes
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to cease the overproduction of sebum in the skin, niacinamide is extremely effective in treating breakouts and blemishes. Unlike retinol, an effective acne warrior, niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that is suitable for sensitive skin and won't cause any irritation. It will soothe inflammation and reduce oil production, while strengthening your skin's barrier and warding off moisture loss.
Protects against environmental damage
Niacinamide can build and rebuild healthy skin cells while simultaneously protecting them from environmental aggressors like sunlight, toxins and pollution. Ultraviolet rays can be extremely damaging to the skin. Fortunately, a niacinamide serum combined with sunscreen or simply niacinamide-containing sunscreen alone can offer protective and hydrating properties to keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of skin damage later on down the line.
Diminishes large pores
As it's an anti-inflammatory, using a niacinamide serum will help reduce large pores and even out your skin tone. This magical serum has also been shown to ease skin conditions such as rosacea. If you have any concerns, speak to your dermatologist beforehand.
Brightens skin
Niacinamide's brightening effects are indeed impressive. Especially in the winter when your skin is starved of vitamin d, it's not unusual for your complexion to start looking a little dull. To keep your skin looking bright and perky, use a niacinamide moisturizer every day and within a couple of weeks, you will really notice a difference.
Suitable for all skin types
Aside from all its amazing beauty benefits, a massive advantage of niacinamide is its compatibility with all skin types. From dry skin to oily skin to sensitive skin, it can ease your skin complaints and improve your complexion regardless of your skin type. There are many aspects of its skill set you can benefit from. If you have oily skin, it would be better to opt for a water-light face serum. For dry skin, try hydrating serum with a lower concentration of niacinamide.
How to apply niacinamide
Luckily, your existing routine won't require any upheaval with the introduction of this rockstar ingredient. It will slot in easily, while promising powerful results. The best way to use it is daily, in small doses. In the morning, apply a sunscreen containing the vitamin b3 form and in the evening, apply a niacinamide serum. Seven drops should be more than enough to nourish and moisturize your skin.
For most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day. It's especially useful in the winter when your skin starts to get drier, as it's extremely effective in hydrating the skin.
You should see results quickly. However, studies say it can take between 8-12 weeks to see results. Regardless of how long you'll need to wait, you can be sure it will be worth it.
Should you make niacinamide part of your skincare routine?
Niacinamide is an all round remarkable skincare product that can treat all kinds of skin issues, from hyperpigmentation to acne to wrinkles. It's also suitable for all skin types - even sensitive skin. So, the next time you go shopping for skincare products, make sure niacinamide is one of the active ingredients you look for. You will find it in serums, eye creams and lotions.
Once you find a good niacinamide serum, make sure you use it on a daily basis so your skin can benefit from its magical properties. And the best part is, this ingredient is compatible with most other ingredients. So if you want to combine it with your daily vitamin c serum or salicylic acid aqua wash, you can.
