There niacinamide it's a friend to your skin, pass the pun on it: this substance – also called nicotinamide and better known as vitamin B3 – brings many benefits for the epidermis. Since it is not synthesized by the body, it is necessary to take it through food, with specific supplements or by applying it topically to the skin.
«Niacinamide has been used in skincare for years, but only recently has it become a hero ingredient. This is mainly because it offers multiple benefits to most skin types because it has anti-inflammatory properties, so it soothes the skin, can balance oil production, and even help restore the skin barrier. It also has the ability to brighten and even out skin tone,” he explains Susan Yara, the founder of the popular YouTube beauty channel Mixed Makeup and co-founder of a skincare line called NATURIUM. here are the bestselling products of the lei ha brand Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%.
It is a concentrated serum based on 12% pure niacinamide and 2% Zinc PCA, it reduces the appearance of dark spots, pores, and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide in particular reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, improves the complexion making it more uniform, has powerful anti-aging benefits to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc PCA helps control and balance sebum production, contains NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) with a humectant power for the skin, leaving a pleasant sensation of freshness and hydration
«The effectiveness of Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% is visible and clinically proven – states Susan Yara – the substantial effects are evident, they are not limited to a marginal improvement: it is the result of a formula that acts directly on the health of the skin bringing it back to its optimal state and making it naturally more beautiful.”
Creams and serums based on niacinamide are very popular in recent times, furthermore this active ingredient does not seem to have any contraindications, other than a slight irritation in the case of high concentrations. But just choose products that contain it in low percentages (1 or 2%) and even this possible disadvantage will be minimized.
Niacinamide can be used all year round, without time or seasonal limitations. «In summer, niacinamide should be used for its protective effect against the damage of ultraviolet radiation, in winter for its toning and energizing effect. It is used as a restorative complement in the case of anti-acne and seborrheic dermatitis therapies as well as to correct photoaging. It can be used safely for prolonged periods as long as no forms of intolerance to the active ingredient have been confirmed”, explains Dr. Ginevra Baggini, dermatologist at the Tortona hospital, in the province of Alessandria.
«By mouth it can be taken both in the form of supplements and with food. It is found in white meats, spinach, peanuts, beef liver, whole grains, brewer's yeast, milk, cheese, fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, tuna and swordfish.” And the daily requirement of nicotinamide increases with age: from 6-14 mg per day in children to 15-18 mg in adolescents and adults. As for topical use on the skin, choosing a serum or cream that contains vitamin B3 at a maximum of 2% has several benefits. Here are the ten most striking pros that we have highlighted with the help of Dr. Ginevra Baggini. Those for which you will hardly be able to do without niacinamide, once you have tried it.
1 It is antioxidant: anti-aging effect
«Niacinamide on the skin is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from skin oxidation processes. It regulates the skin's metabolism and therefore prevents and corrects premature skin aging. It has a photoprotective and anti-inflammatory power, it also regulates the skin's nerve endings and helps give tone to the skin”, says Dr. Ginevra Baggini. The antioxidant power comes from the fact that it is an important component of coenzymes that contribute to the transport of oxygen. Able as it is to oxygenate cells, it makes the skin fresher, younger and healthier-looking. Furthermore, by inhibiting the reactions of oxidative processes, it also reduces the unsightly yellowing of the skin and the formation of fine lines, two of the main consequences of skin aging.
2 Strengthens the skin barrier
In addition to oxygenating cells and preventing their oxidation, vitamin B3 helps form the skin's lipid film, the protective shield with which the epidermis defends itself from infections, aggression and dehydration. «Vitamin B3 works by restoring the skin barrier with a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect», adds Dr. Baggini. By stimulating the formation of lipids and ceramides, essential for the protective function of the skin, the lipid film will be more intact and efficient, causing it to lose little liquid and making it less susceptible to external influences (for example bacteria but also atmospheric agents such as wind, excessive heat/cold etc.).
3 Makes the skin firmer
«The texture of the skin will also benefit, making it more compact, regular, refined and luminous». In one word: perfect! The glow effect that continuous use of niamicide-based products entails is the most immediately visible one. Even after a few applications, your face will be radiant. Literally. The complexion will be more homogeneous and less dull, proof of winter greyness.
4. Eliminates acne marks
«Vitamin B3 has a high lightening and illuminating power which is capable of attenuating scars and acne marks. The imperfections, blemishes and skin irregularities that characterize acne-prone skin will find a true elixir in nicotinamide. A few weeks of treatment are enough to see the first notable results”, clarifies the doctor.
5 Reduces dark spots
The lightening power that fades scars also works wonders against hyperpigmentation. Vitamin B3 reduces dark spots caused by the sun as well as red spots and those linked to skin aging. And the doctor adds: «Dyschromias are corrected because niacinamide acts on melanin, rebalancing its dysfunctions».
6 Promotes hydration
«By restoring the lipid film, nicotinamide re-stabilises the fat content necessary to retain water. The invisible fat-based film that forms on the skin is the real secret of hydration”, adds Dr. Baggini. Thanks to it, in fact, the water contained in creams and serums will effectively penetrate the deep layers of the skin, giving the face softness, elasticity and tone (three key elements for a young and radiant appearance).
7. Reduces pore size
«Regular use minimizes pore dilation. Niacinamide, in fact, makes them contract and shrink immediately”, says Dr. Baggini. This minimization of pores makes the skin appear finer and more uniform, with a visibly improved texture. Furthermore, having less dilated pores means having fewer impurities trapped in them. From the series: goodbye to comedones, blackheads and pimples!
8 Regulates sebum production
«Vitamin B3 regulates the production of sebum, preventing its appearance in excess. It is therefore ideal for mattifying the T-zone and for treating seborrheic skin. Since there is less sebum, it also reduces and improves oily skin, acne, impurities and all skin inflammation related to them.”
9. Disinflames the skin
«It even has an anti-inflammatory power which makes it an excellent weapon to use against acne, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Erythema, couperose, sunburn and various redness also find a good solution in vitamin B3, proving to be the number one antidote for the inflammation that lies at the basis of the most hated skin problems. Everything that is inflamed and imperfect in the facial area (and, in general, in the skin area) will find a quick and effective remedy in vitamin B3″, concludes the doctor.
10 Reduces damage from UV rays
«Nicotinamide is a very valid photoprotector and therefore performs an essential function during sun exposure. The reason? The reasons if anything. They are multiple: it is an antioxidant, an immunomodulator, an anti-photocarcinogenic and a protector of the skin barrier. It also enhances the repair processes of damaged DNA, reduces the phlogistic reaction and prevents the decrease in cellular energy and immunosuppression resulting from direct exposure to sunlight. In summer, it is advisable to use combined niacinamide, at multiple levels, choosing both sunscreen and after-sun creams based on this substance and simultaneously administering it via tablet supplements.” According to Dr. Baggini it is the panacea to add to our cosmetic routine at all ages.
Nicotinamide was introduced in 2017 in the American Oncology Guidelines (and more recently in the Italian ones) as an active agent in the prevention of non-melanocytic skin tumors. Starting from September 2018 it became part of the list of drugs that can be paid for entirely by the National Health Service.
Source: Vanity Fair
I’m Susan Karen, a professional writer and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in Entertainment news, writing stories that keep readers informed on all the latest developments in the industry. With over five years of experience in creating engaging content and copywriting for various media outlets, I have grown to become an invaluable asset to any team.
