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Growing up I’ve been blessed with really unproblematic skin. I’m talking no spot, no blemish. And somehow as I got older and post childbirth, I have experienced quite the rollercoaster when it comes to my skin. Enter, hormonal acne and the subsequent dark spots. Smt. And how could I forget? The pandemic REALLY did a number on my skin (lack of sleep and sunlight really wasn't playing with me)
While I’ve always been really into skincare products (thanks to my mother for being an actual Avon lady), I quickly realized that a consistent skin care regimen is the main thing that would help me bring peace to my warzone of a face. Please note: a healthy diet, water intake and adequate rest all play a role in the condition of your skin.
I tweak my skin care regimen often and I will dedicate a post specifically to all the products I use that have been beneficial in my ongoing skincare journey. But today, the star of the show is niacinamide, an ingredient I recently learned about that has had a great impact on the appearance of my skin!
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient. A B-3 deficiency can lead to disorders of the skin, kidneys, and brain. Taking niacinamide can help prevent B-3 deficiency.
And there’s much more to this nutrient, especially when it comes to general skin health. Although more research is needed, topical niacinamide may help treat certain skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.
Individual benefits include:
· Immunity. Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
· Lipid (fatty) barrier. Niacinamide can help your skin grow a lipid barrier, which can, in turn, helps retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
· Minimizes redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
· Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
· Regulates oil. The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types. Niacinamide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
· Protects against sun damage. Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
· Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.
· Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Research has also found that the same concentration was helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging. This includes fine lines and wrinkles.
· Protects against oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
· Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
The brand I used consistently morning and night that gave me the results I enjoyed was from The Ordinary. It is empty now and I am testing a new brand so I will update on that when I am done with it.
Let me know, have you tried niacinamide and was it good to you?