If there’s one thing we beauty mavens know, then it has to be the basics of it all - lack of nutrients! It can be really hazardous for the body, not just internally, but externally as well. In context, a lack of vits such as niacinamide can make your locks look dry and drab, your fingernails brittle and even your skin, dull. And the girls that are all for luminous skin know that along with a healthy diet, the right products are the MVPs too. And one ingredient (AKA the star sauce) that comes to mind when speaking of healthy skin is vitamin B3 aka niacinamide – the deficiency of which can affect the brain, kidneys and even the skin. A niacinamide serum benefits the skin, making sure your skin never has to suffer from a shortage of this vitamin!
Now you may be wondering what is this fancy sciency word. Well, nicotinamide or niacinamide has a lot to offer when it comes to maintaining the health of the skin, generally. It is a strong and effective ingredient which is beneficial in treating various sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and even severe acne. But that’s not all! From blemishes to wrinkles, let us tell you all about this super skincare active that has taken over the beauty world and how to use niacinamide serum!
Niacinamide for Skin Benefits
In short: niacinamide has a lot of antioxidants which are literally a boon for the skin and ensures that the effect is long-lasting. It brightens up the skin over time and makes the radiance stay. Let’s take a better look at all the niacinamide benefits for the skin as we’ve listed ‘em all here.
- 1. Anti-pigmentation
- 2. Reduces acne
- 3. Soothes irritation
- 4. Fights Off Harmful Stressors
- 5. Hydrates the skin
1. Anti-pigmentation
Balanced secretion of sebum is one of the niacinamide serum uses which leads to lesser breakouts and acne. This eventually leads to a clearer complexion and even-toned skin. Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory in nature and works wonders on not only reducing acne, but also acne scars and blemishes that follow. It also puts a stop to any black spots that may occur for any other reason say age spots, irritation, allergy or sun spots and tanning.
Sounds too good to be true right? Well, see for yourself by adding the fast-absorbing and non-sticky Pond’s Bright Beauty Anti-Pigmentation Serum for Flawless Radiance with 12% Gluta-Niacinamide Complex to your skincare routine. It not only uses niacinamide but also glutaboost to create a high-powered formula that repairs your skin on a cellular level. It targets dark spots and pigmentation by evenly spreading melanin production to give you radiant and smooth skin. See visible results as soon as seven days with this clinically-approved serum which works wonders on all skin types. And if you’re not sure when to apply niacinamide serum, it goes on after your cleanser and toner, and before the moisturiser.
2. Reduces acne
When thinking about niacinamide serum benefits - one that we love is that it’s anti-inflammatory in nature. One of the major triggers that cause acne is inflammation, along with various internal and external factors such as stress, anxiety, pollution, dirt, etc. And there to the rescue comes niacinamide! With its soothing properties, the N-factor ensures that the acne is reduced over time, not leaving any form of scarring or marks behind. Further, specialists say that this ingredient also reduces and balances sebum secretion. Thus, if you have oily skin, niacinamide serum uses include giving the skin a more matte look, but also ensures the pores look smaller, and the skin less oilier. This makes the skin look better and healthier over time.
If you’re looking for a niacinamide-loaded product that is magical, fall back on the Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Face Serum With Niacinamide. It’s really the best in the biz, giving you that #wokeuplikethis look! It combines niacinamide with multivitamins which all work together to fade blemishes while giving life to dull skin. And while it is lightweight, it is also moisturising, making it a good choice whether you have dry or oily skin to leave you with a radiant glow.
3. Soothes irritation
Along with niacinamide serum, its gel also used as an effective remedy to soothe inflamed acne-prone skin. You can also invest in an A1 sheet mask soaked in the gel. Well, we’re gaga over the Simple Rich Moisture Sheet Mask with Niacinamide + Pro-vit B5 + Vit E. Giving you long-lasting deep hydration, this self-care bestie is exactly what you need to get your hands on! PS: Overall this reduces any marks or discolourations and also the formation of any pores, leading to a better and even complexion while also soothing any redness or irritation.
4. Fights Off Harmful Stressors
What are the free radicals that affect the skin? While there are many internal factors that affect the way our skin behaves, there are external factors as well. And these external factors are the free radicals that wreck our skin. These harmful stressors often come in the form of dirt, pollutants, UV rays, anxiety, insomnia, etc. All of these combined make the skin look weak, stressed and dull. This also leads to signs of premature aging such as fine lines and crow’s feet. Niacinamide serum benefits include the power of reversing this damage and even prevent it. It is rich in antioxidants that fight these harmful stressors and ensure that you are healed and healthy internally so that your skin glows from within.
5. Hydrates the skin
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This is one of the hero benefits that niacinamide has to offer for the skin. But it does not do that alone. It does that with other amazing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine and is absolutely marvelous at doing so. Combined with these ingredients, niacinamide boosts the skin’s inherent ability to hydrate. If you’re looking for a fab product to add to your routine and make the best out of niacinamide, don’t think much - get your hands on the Simple 10% Niacinamide + Pro-Vit B5 Booster Serum. This magic bottle puts all your skin woes to rest by supporting the production of natural fats present in the skin, known as ceramides.
The niacinamide present in this serum is also effective in preventing water loss from the skin. It thus has the dual benefit of accelerating hydration production in the skin and preventing it from drying out. The result? Healthy, supple and dewy skin which shines inside out. Plus, your skin becomes less reactive or sensitive in nature as the prevention of loss of moisture improves the skin’s natural barrier, which now is able to protect it in a better manner against external aggressors.
FAQs about Niacinamide for Skin
Q1. How to use niacinamide serum for the skin?
A. When you go shopping looking for a product with niacinamide, ensure that the percentage lies between 2-10% and not more or less than that. The best way to use it is as a serum in your skincare regimen, i.e. after you have cleansed your face and before moisturisers. This is because niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory or soothing agent. Just take a few drops and pat it all over your face.
Q2. Can niacinamide be used with vitamin C?
A. Now this is one question that has been asked multiple times and is being researched thoroughly as well, given both these ingredients are essential and sought after. Many have claimed that these two cancel each other out and it is not advised to use these together. However, these are all myths. Even though it is recommended that niacinamide be used with hydrating ingredients, it can also be used with vitamin C. However, if you have sensitive skin or you have any doubts, consult with your dermatologist first before going for any new combination on your skin.
Q3. Are there any foods that are rich in niacinamide? If yes, which ones?
A. If you’re looking to boost your complexion’s appearance, you can enjoy these foods loaded with niacinamide - red meat, fish, seeds, legumes, brown rice and bananas! Make space in your place for these foods and see visible results in no time.
Written by Lopa K on Jul 19, 2023