Niacinamide nowadays is taking the stage and standing front & center, as the skincare industry integrates this active ingredient more than ever into ever-evolving product formulations.

So what is this ingredient? And what is it useful for? 

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3, a vitamin which our body does not produce itself, however we can get it from our diet. It is very beneficial to our skin, because it has the ability to minimize and tighten large pores, even out the skin tone, and increase the skin’s natural immunity! It softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, at the same time strengthening the skin. It reduces redness and inflammation and regulates oil production (great for our peeps with oily skin). However, the biggest advantage of niacinamide when compared with many other active ingredients, is its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type, as it suits all skin types and can easily be combined with other active ingredients.

RAAW Alchemy – Niacinamide Treatment Essence

There are many studies which have been done and show the benefits of this vitamin, and yet – like with everything that you do – please moderate! Too much of it is not inherently better and a higher percentage is not necessarily more beneficial for your skin. If you overdo it, you risk damaging your skin, causing breakouts and/or inflammation, and making your skin generally more sensitive / sensitized.

M Picaut – Ruby Passion Probiotic Lifting Serum

By integrating niacinamide into your skincare routine, not only will you profit from the reduction of environmental damage to your skin, but you will also help to repair signs of past damage that might have left your skin appearing older.

Acne fighters and oily-skin-havers will enjoy niacinamide, since it is known for its ability to help tighten enlarged pores that have been stretched out as an effect of the age and sun damage. Adding it to your routine can work to shrink pores back to their natural size (and don’t forget that we all have pores, so don’t think they’re going anywhere).

Salt & Stone – Pacific Kelp & Niacinamide Facial Lotion

Among the benefits of niacinamide are the anti-aging properties, as it promotes the skin’s renewal process and moisture loss prevention. That will save you from dry and flaky skin, which makes your skin sensitive. In addition, it helps to prevent discoloration and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, making your complexion more even. 

What to do?

Niacinamide suits almost all skin types, which means that most can tolerate it without a problem. That makes it quite useful in the sensitive areas around the eye. When a moisturizer or serum contains this active ingredient, it helps with dark circles and wrinkles, smoothing the skin around eyes.

FYI Cosmetics – Multi-Effect Eye Serum

Furthermore, this ingredient can and should be combined with other powerful active ingredients like peptides, AHAs, BHA, various forms of vitamin A and basically all types of antioxidants, including vitamin C.

Research demonstrates that the combination of niacinamide with other active ingredients provides great results. What you should combine it with depends on what your skin can tolerate and the goal you are looking to achieve. For instance, you could use both niacinamide and retinol. Not only it will target anti-aging issues like wrinkles, it will also help to balance sebum (oil) production and with that, tighten the pores – on top of brightening your skin. Another amazing(y) combination is niacinamide with vitamin C, which can help fight environmental damage from UV rays and discoloration, all while boosting the natural radiance of your skin.

Unrefined Riches – HYPER G[L]O Renewing Night Serum

How to do it?

The best way to integrate niacinamide into your routine is to include products that stay for a longer time on the skin. So when choosing a product, it would be beneficial for you to grab one such as a moisturizer or a serum, or any other that actually stays on the skin.

HoliFrog – Grand Amino Cushion Cream

A few last words…

Since we never want to promote unrealistic standards or mislead you: you definitely need to understand that for the best results, you should stay consistent, use sun protection and above all – listen to your skin and do not be mistaken to think that higher percentages are going to work like magic, as it actually only increases the possibility of skin inflammation!

If you do stay consistent and don’t go over the top by combining too many active ingredients in high dosages, over time you will see results. With that being said, it should go hand in hand with a good and healthy lifestyle and enough sleeping hours! Stay amazing(y) <3

Mádara Cosmetics – Botanic Niacinamide Alternative 5-in-1 Serum