Niacinamide is a gentle and effective way to improve the appearance of all skin types.

To ensure that you can deliver skincare results that are guaranteed and measurable, you will be required to work with evidence-based solutions that can allow you to promise proven results.  While the gold standard in skincare ingredients is retinoids and vitamin C there is growing and mounting evidence for the benefits of niacinamide. Updating your knowledge on this amazing ingredient will allow you to confidently include it in your ingredient toolbox.

Niacinamide has been on the skincare radar for a little while now, and for good reason. The benefits of niacinamide are seemingly endless, and it is friendly for all skin types – even sensitive skin.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide belongs to the Vitamin family – specifically Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is known for its restorative qualities and is produced naturally within our own bodies. When we talk about niacinamide, we’re referring to the water-soluble and active version of Vitamin B3.

Because of the formula of niacinamide, it can be applied topically to our skin. Niacinamide has a neutral pH and is both gentle and stable, which means it has little to no side effects.

What does Niacinamide do?

So why is niacinamide so good for the skin? At its essence, niacinamide is a soothing and restorative powerhouse. When used topically it works to increase cell energy. Alongside this, it offers natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and it helps to strengthen the skin barrier to protect the deeper layers of the skin against irritants and allergens.

Here is a quick review of five benefits of Niacinamide for the skin:

1. Reduces oiliness in acne-prone skin

Niacinamide is highly suited to those with oily or acne-prone skin. As we know these skin types traditionally are plagued with overproduction of sebum contributing to excessive oiliness and potential inflammation and breakouts. Niacinamide goes to the source of the issue, by helping to regulate sebum production.

2. Hydrates skin

The inverse of niacinamide’s oil-regulating properties is its ability to keep good moisture locked into the skin. For those with dry skin, this is highly beneficial. What makes niacinamide so hydrating is its restorative qualities. When applied to the skin it strengthens and increases the moisture content of the epidermis. When used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid is can substantially boost hydration levels and improve skin texture, while protecting against environmental damage.

3. Fades pigmentation and discolouration

Pigmentation in the skin is a big concern for Australians. Exposure to the sun can lead to dark spots and discolouration. Even with SPF use, the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays can still change the appearance of our skin. Fortunately, niacinamide is proven to decrease hyperpigmentation in the skin. Using it alongside an effective sunscreen will help the skin to look its brightest and best. Because of this quality, some brands are also including it within their sunscreen formulation, offering extended skin support.

4. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Anti-ageing is one of the most common skincare goals. From as early as the age of 30 we can start to notice signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide is known to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by normalising collagen production. Look for it in your anti-ageing formulations and educate your clients of its benefit.

5. Soothes and reduces redness in the skin

Finding the right skincare ingredients for sensitive skin can be a struggle. Knowing which products won’t trigger a reaction comes down to understanding the specific skin type. As a form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that soothes skin. It can also reduce redness by improving the strength of the skin’s barrier function, leading to calmer more comforted skin. If your client is experiencing skin rashes due to the frequent use of masks, niacinamide would be an excellent ingredient to help calm existing inflammation, as well as supporting the skin against external aggravation as a result of frequently wearing masks.

How to use niacinamide?

As a gentle ingredient niacinamide can be used as part of both morning and evening routines. Niacinamide can be applied daily and in combination with most ingredients. For those with dry skin, incorporating it into a serum will help support the moisturise levels of the skin. Using it in a sheet mask once every two weeks has been shone to help rebalance oil production. You can also apply a serum containing niacinamide, allow it to absorb and apply the sheet mask on top.  This will provide the skin with additional benefits. And by combining it with salicylic acid, acne-prone skin can be cared for.

Knowing the action of niacinamide on skin improvement will allow you to recognise how to use it successfully, as well as educate your client on its amazing benefits.