How Niacinamide Helps Your Skin?

The Korean skincare industry is well-known for making the most out of ingredients which serve us in the long run, as opposed to providing temporary solutions for common skin concerns. Niacinamide is one of these ingredients. Niacinamide imposes more than just one benefit and is therefore regarded as an all-round beneficial ingredient, so it’s no surprise why it’s so widely used in skincare.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is Vitamin B3 in its water-soluble form. Vitamin B3 naturally forms within our bodies when we digest certain foods, such as green leafy vegetables and proteins. Vitamin B3 is a precursor of two particular enzymes which play a role in cell energy production, as well as lipid synthesis in our skin. We can apply topical skin treatments containing Niacinamide to either increase or regulate these enzymes which are necessary for healthy skin cell activity. Experts encourage that we use Niacinamide for at least 12 weeks or longer to see the effects it has on the appearance and overall health of skin.

The benefits of Niacinamide

As briefly mentioned above, Niacinamide meets the needs of several skin types and concerns:

• It has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce redness and minor swelling issues associated with sensitive and acneic skin types, particularly pustule and papule type acne
• It is a low-irritant ingredient meaning it is reliable and safe for most people, even for those with mild eczema
• It promotes the production of Ceramide lipids and fatty acids to form a strengthened skin barrier with improved moisture retention - this is essential for the a dry, weakened or compromised skin barrier 
• Increases collagen levels, resulting in firmer skin with less prominent fine lines and wrinkles 
• In the long-term it can fade melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation 
• Lowers the chance of trans-epidermal water loss 
• Protects skin against ultraviolet light and oxidative stress
• Regulates sebum production which leads to a reduction in pore size
• May help skin to tolerate retinoids.

Niacinamide is suitable for mature, acne-prone, sensitive and dehydrated skin types, or skin with hyperpigmentation and skin textural issues. It is suggested that concentrations of only 2% Niacinamide is enough to improve the stability of the skin barrier, and therefore it doesn’t necessarily have to be the main ingredient in a product to be effective. 

The increase in popularity and demand for Niacinamide skincare products is partly due to the “glass skin” trend which emerged a few years back, for it’s connection with being able to achieve radiant skin which is uniform in both texture and tone. Niacinamide is an easy to incorporate ingredient which optimises the overall health of skin. It’s highly capable of correcting so called ‘imperfections’ rather than camouflaging them.

Highly recommended products containing Niacinamide

Laneige Radian-C Vitamin Spot Ampoule – a treatment ampoule powdered by the famous Laneige Radian-C 3x blend™ comprised of 17.6% pure Vitamin C, derivatives of Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide). Essentially, it is a spot/blemish correcting ampoule with a powerful antioxidant effect which can also diminish visible dark spots and areas affected by hyperpigmentation. It’s watery formula is less sticky than some other leading vitamin rich serums to improve absorptivity. This is an ideal product for bringing clarity to skin types that are dull or uneven in tone, smoothing out rough skin, and delivering vitamins to support the natural functions of the skin barrier.

Related article: Vitamin C : What Does it Do For Your Skin?

Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream – just like the other products within the Some By Mi Yuja Niacin product range, this ‘watery’ gel-type moisturiser contributes to the fighting hyperpigmentation and bringing radiance back to fatigued skin. It’s infused with a staggering 90% worth of Yuja extract! It can be used all year round, although the cooling glacier water within this gel-cream will be most appreciated in warm and humid weather conditions. It greatly helps to alleviate skin irritation caused by raised external temperatures; preventing skin from becoming inflamed and clammy. Vitamin C and Niacinamide work in harmony to deter freckles and melasma from surfacing, and fades those that are already there.

Dr. JART+ Dermask Mirco Jet Brightening Solution (mask) – is a microfiber sheet mask created to revive dull and mature skin types affected by discolouration. As a duo, Niacinamide and a-bisabolol come together to not only brighten skin types which lack a youthful glow, but also helps to heal the surface of skin. Glutathione on the other hand adds in a generous helping of antioxidants to counteract oxidative damage. The soft microfiber sheet allows thorough absorption of the active ingredients within the essence by adhering closely to skin, without shifting out of place throughout wear.  

Related article: The Ultimate Guide To Sheet Masks

Klavuu Blue Pearl Station One Day 8cups Marine Collagen Aqua Cream – the ultimate lightweight cream for wrinkle improvement and radiant skin. Its unique compilation of marine extracts of Carrageenan, hydrolyzed pearl and a patented marine complex pave the way to achieving skin that feels well hydrated from within, refreshed, energised and plumper. Niacinamide boosts the performance of this cream in all aspects: water retention, skin tone and texture improvement, healthy production of collagen and fibroblasts, and so on.

Klavuu BLUE PERALSATION Oneday 8cups Marine Collagen Aqua Cream  

Tell us, which Niacinamide product will you be adding to your Wishlist next?