While this ingredient doesn’t get as much attention as fellow skin-ageing fighters like retinoids or glycolic acid, you may have spotted it while scrolling through your Instagram feed or Beauty Blogs.
Curious if this ingredient has a place in your skin-care regimen? Read on to find out what you need to know about this beauty booster.
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is the name for the topical version of Vitamin B3. Because our bodies don’t produce or store this vitamin naturally, we need to apply it topically to our skin to see the benefits. Niacinamide is incredibly restorative, nourishing the skin while calming redness (including rosacea), acne and inflammation, without sensitivity or irritation. By strengthening the skin barrier and boosting hydration, it can help improve the actions of your other skincare products too.
Where do we start! One of the most-loved benefits of adding niacinamide to your skincare routine is its brightening actions for sun-damaged skin, as it really helps to lessen the appearance of brown spots, hyperpigmentation and redness. It’s also ideal for calming irritated and acne-prone skins, as niacinamide is a natural anti-inflammatory (a game-changer for mask-ne, acne from wearing masks!).
It also combats environmental damage to the skin from pollution and free radical attacks by fortifying the skin’s natural barrier, making it great protection boost under your sunscreen. And one of our favourite benefits – it works as an intense skin hydrator and can boost collagen production, preventing and treating signs of ageing in the skin. All of these actions make it an incredible all-rounder when it comes to results-driven ingredients for skin improvement.
If you’re yet to add niacinamide to your routine (but now realise it’s a must-have for glowing skin!), there are a number of active serums you can add to your morning and evening ritual. The benefits from Vitamin B3 can start showing within as little as two weeks, but usually around four. Below are some of our favourite serums containing potent, high-quality niacinamide:
O Cosmedics O Biotics B3 Plus
Looking for a Vitamin B3 serum that packs a punch for maximum results? This serum boasts a huge 12% niacinamide, working to boost the skin’s immunity and target pigmentation, rosacea, signs of ageing and a host of other skin concerns.
Dp Dermaceuticals CLR Serum
If acne is your main concern, this is your go-to. This serum contains a blend of niacinamide, manuka honey, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and more, aimed at clearing problematic skin and balancing oil control while hydrating the skin and preventing future breakouts.
OneTruth 818
If it’s signs of ageing you’re wanting to treat the most, this serum is your holy grail. Containing niacinamide along with telomerase-activator TAM-818, it works to decrease wrinkles and improve skin firmness within a month.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a well-tolerated ingredient that can be found in a range of skin-care products for moisturising, brightening, and anti-acne purposes, among other benefits. If you’re looking to add it to your skin-care routine, send us a message or pop into the spa to talk us about what product is right for your skin.
