Remember last month I said some of the planned articles for July would spill over into August? This is one of those articles and a part of our Beauty 101 series, where we share skincare basics. I have always been a skincare enthusiast. But, in my twenties, I was a bit lax in this area; however, now, taking care of my skin is one of my top priorities. I do not wear makeup often and when I do, it is not much, but my skin was still far from flawless. I suffered from cystic acne for most of my adult life, which made me such an advocate for taking the best care of your skin. You must have heard about Niacinamide. It is all that people talk about these days, when it comes to skincare. But did you know that it offers the skin powerful benefits?
This powerhouse ingredient has become the “IT” skincare ingredient and is worthy of your attention. Dermatologists everywhere have given it their seal of approval and for all the right reasons. It is “THE” holy-grail solution perfect for many of the most common skin issues worsened by all the stress we have experienced within the last two years. This powerhouse ingredient is fabulous and unique, especially for us oily skin breakout-prone gals. I am so obsessed.
When my Dermatologist suggested I add it to my skincare regimen, I was excited because of the many ways it would benefit my skin. I was blown away when I began to see results in two weeks, and now it holds a permanent place in my AM and PM skincare routine.
Here is a complete guide on Niacinamide and its Powerful benefits.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is an essential nutrient that is needed to process fats and sugars. It also helps to ensure healthy cell growth, primarily skin cells. Also known as Vitamin B3, it is a superior vitamin that the skin requires.
When it comes to utilizing this remarkable nutrient for the skin, it is a little tricky when it comes to general skin health, you may obtain some of the benefits of nutrient from the foods that you eat. But there is no way to guarantee that the nutrients in your diet are impacting your overall skin health. Therefore, to get the optimal benefits for the skin, one of the best ways is to apply it directly to the skin. That way you will not only get the benefits of this nutrient but you will achieve healthy, and glowing skin.
There are many products available on the market today with this powerhouse ingredient, including serums and moisturizers. With a bit of research and a few trials, it is easy to find the right product.
Top 5 Benefits of Niacinamide
The fact that anyone can benefit from adding this powerhouse ingredient to their skincare regime is what makes it so fabulous. So if you would like to brighten and smooth your skin, prevent signs of skin aging, reduce hyperpigmentation, hydrate and support the skin’s barrier, then Niacinamide is for you.
Niacinamide stands out because of its versatility. It is effective for any skin concern and skin type. And can be used in the AM and PM.
Helps strengthen the skin
Niacinamide boosts the production of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of your skin. It keeps the skin strong and ensures minor damage is caused by free radicals like dust and pollution. Niacinamide helps to boost the production of this protein.
Protects the skin from the sunlight
Niacinamide helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and blue light. Applying a little Niacinamide enriched product, like, sunscreen, can help to protect your skin from the sunlight throughout the day effectively.
Reduces hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, a product enriched with this powerful ingredient can work wonders for your skin. It reduces the brown spots and lightens the existing dark spots on your skin. In addition, it reduces the transfer of melanin from the pigmented cells to the surrounding epidermal cells called keratinocytes.
Helps reduce acne and related troubles
Almost every other girl faces acne and related problems. Acne can become a painful and tiring experience for anyone dealing with it for a long time. Niacinamide can help to reduce acne and acne marks on the skin. It also reduces the inflammation of the skin and promotes better, healthier-looking skin.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Niacinamide is also an excellent solution for aging. If you are concerned about wrinkles and fine lines, then Niacinamide is just what you need. It helps to reduce the appearance of different signs of aging and promotes younger-looking, healthy skin at all times.
And it couples well
Coupling skincare ingredients is a beautiful way to get the most out of your products. Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with any products in your skincare routine, including:
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic Acid
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Retinol
- Vitamin C [some people say yes to this couple while others say no]
- Salicylic Acid
- Beta-hydroxy Acid
- Alpha-hydroxy Acid
Favorite Products
The things I love most about Niacinamide are its versatility, it can be easily added to any skincare regimen, you get quick results, and there are a variety of products within many price points.
While I am still trying and testing new products containing Niacinamide, I have found many effective, budget-friendly products that are just wonderful. Below is a list of products I have tried over the last two years that I have repurchased repeatedly.
Here are 19 Products I have tried and fallen in love with:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
- SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
- Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 46
- 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum
- Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
- Paula’s Choice 10 Niacinamide Booster
- Paula’s Choice CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment
- The Inkey List Niacinamide
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
- SELFLESS BY HYRAM Niacinamide & Maracuja Daily Support Moisturizer
- Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
- First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance
- WISHFUL Honey Balm Niacinamide Moisturizer
- Ceylon Facial Moisturizer
- The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
- Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
Foods rich in vitamin B-3
We should all amin to eat a balanced diet because that is the best way to get micronutrients like vitamin B-3. If you would like to take supplements, that is also an option, but you should only do so under medical supervision especially to treat deficiencies.
- Eggs [make sure it is pasture raised]
- Fish [wild caught particularly salmon, tuna, and anchovies]
- Green veggies [organic if you can find it]
- Beans
- Liver [specifically Beef and chicken] make sure it is pasture raised
- Chicken [particularly the breast]
- Turkey
- and ground Beef
What are your thoughts on this powerful ingredient? Have you made it a part of your skincare routine already? Comment in the section below and share your story with us. I write about the things I try and those that have helped me. As always, I urge you to do your research and consult a Dermatologist.