Niacinamide — known as vitamin B3 — is a powerful ingredient found in various skincare products. It is a water-soluble compound that helps in various cellular functions of the skin. Niacinamide serums and niacinamide creams have been proven to improve the skin in many ways and niacinamide has made its way to the list of prominent skincare ingredients. Let’s learn more about niacinamide benefits and more importantly niacinamide skin benefits. 

  

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: The Basics

Niacinamide – also known as nicotinamide and a vitamin B3 derivative – has become a popular name in the skincare world. Niacinamide plays a crucial role in multiple processes in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular communication. It is an adaptable ingredient that has various skincare benefits. Niacinamide is one of the very few ingredients that work well with a lot of other potent ingredients and can be used in the day and night, both. It has a lot of qualities that make it a must-have in every person’s skincare routine. It soothes, calms and keeps skin looking healthy from within – we can confidently say that this is an ingredient for every skin type! Let’s discuss our top 5 niacinamide skin benefits in detail.  

 

1. Excellent Skin Barrier Function 

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

One of the main niacinamide benefits is its ability to strengthen the skin barrier. Niacinamide stimulates the production of keratin in the body. In case you didn't know, keratin is a protein that makes up your skin and hair. Lack of keratin can lead to malnutrition but in your skin. This leads to immediate effects like acne and slow but sure effects such as irritable and ultra-sensitive skin. Niacinamide gives your skin the nutrients it needs to produce more keratin, which keeps your skin healthy and supple. Hence, it effectively repairs, and strengthens the skin barrier to help the skin retain moisture and benefits reaped from other skincare products. This results in better elasticity, more locked-in hydration and overall plump and supple skin. A strong skin barrier also acts as a shield to protect the skin from UV rays. Need we say more about this hero? 

If you’re on the hunt for a niacinamide serum, we highly recommend the Simple 10% Niacinamide + Pro-Vit B5 Booster Serum. Everything from Simple is perfect for beginners, especially this niacinamide serum. The milky formula instantly sinks into the skin and adds a glow. Once you start using it regularly, you will notice your dark spots, diminishing and your skin getting brighter. This serum is the ideal skincare kickstarter for newbies, teens or anyone who just wants something for sensitive skin. 

But if you’re still unsure and don’t feel like committing to a bottle yet, you can also try out the Simple Rich Moisture Sheet Mask with Niacinamide + Pro-vit B5 + Vit E. This soothing sheet mask is soaked in a whopping 25 ml of serum that’s packed with the goodness of niacinamide. This is also a fabulous product for events or special occasions when you want your skin to look lively and dewy. Just spread it across your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes and watch your skin glow! Don’t forget to rub the access serum all over your arms for some extra shine. 

 

 2. Balances Oil and Controls Acne

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

Niacinamide is a great component to help skin look less greasy. A common misconception is that niacinamide soaks up excess oil like it’s some kind of sponge that absorbs sebum. But that is not how it works at all. It helps in repairing the skin’s barrier and regulating sebum production from within. If the skin barrier is healthy, it does not let excess oil ooze out to the surface. This balances out the greasiness. Using niacinamide for oily skin will also help control acne. Due to less sebum production, clogging of pores is reduced, hence acne is reduced.  

However, niacinamide also benefits dry skin with this quality as it can help your skin produce more oil if required. It is a smart ingredient that ensures your skin receives what is needed, with all the resources present in your skin cells itself. If you’re looking for a potent niacinamide serum, Pond's Bright Beauty Anti-Pigmentation Serum for Flawless Radiance with 12% Gluta-Niacinamide Complex is your pick. The serum unites two powerful ingredients - glutathione (gluta) and niacinamide. If you didn’t know, glutathione is an antioxidant known for its skin brightening properties, while Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Together this duo will help you achieve the skin of your dreams! 

 

3. Assists in Creating Even Skin Tone

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

Niacinamide controls the accumulation and transfer of melanin. This breaks down the melanin collecting in certain spots and helps even out skin tone. Niacinamide also prevents newer dark spots or hyperpigmentation from occurring on the skin. It has been proven that regular use of niacinamide leads to a brighter, even and radiant complexion. The results may vary from person to person according to their skin but sooner or later you are bound to see its skin brightening effects. It’s always a good practice to top it off with sunscreen throughout the day.  

Another BB-approved niacinamide serum is the Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Serum. With 98% pure niacinamide and a tri-vitamin complex with vitamins A, C and E, 95% of women have confirmed that this serum improved their skin tone and delivered a radiant complexion. With all the praises it receives, we can confidently vouch for its crystal radiance promise!

 

4. Minimizes Pores and Refines Texture 

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

Niacinamide is an all-rounder. It promotes collagen production, and cell growth, improves entire skin texture and controls excess sebum production. It fights skin sagging and makes skin look tighter. All this results in your pores looking smaller. With the skin stretched out and looking plumper, the appearance of pores reduces, and your skin texture starts to get better. Studies have also proven that regular use of niacinamide can eventually reduce pore size as well. 

Big pores are also a cause of excessive oily skin and when the sebum production is taken care of, the pores also look smaller and less prominent.  

  

5. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

Niacinamide works as an antioxidant to battle the damaging effects of free radicals and lessen the burden of oxidative stress on the skin. These are free and unstable molecules in the skin that are generated through UV rays, pollution or stress. They can lead to immediate effects such as acne and dullness – or – long-term effects which can be premature ageing, wrinkles and eventually loss of elasticity of the skin. With the help of niacinamide, their effects are nullified, and your skin will stay looking youthful and radiant for longer.  

 

FAQs about The Skin Benefits of Niacinamide: What you Need to Know

 

Q1: Can niacinamide be used with other skincare ingredients? 

Yes, niacinamide is generally quite versatile and can be used with various other skincare ingredients. It is compatible with most products, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. However, you should always patch-test new products. 

 

Q2: Can niacinamide be taken orally as a supplement? 

Yes, niacinamide is available as an oral supplement and is commonly used to address deficiencies. However, if you are considering taking niacinamide orally, consult a doctor for recommendations and the appropriate dosage. 

  

Q3: Can teenagers use niacinamide serums? 

Yes, niacinamide can be started young as it is one of the mildest skincare ingredients out there.