Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that's become a hugely popular addition to skincare products, including serums, cleansers and moisturisers. It's actually a bit of a super ingredient, as it can offer a range of different skin-boosting benefits for many skin types with regular use. Here are six ways niacinamide can benefit your skin.
Supports The Skin Barrier
Niacinamide is exceptionally good at supporting the creation of ceramides, which play an important role in supporting the skin barrier, boosting moisture retention, and protecting against damage caused by external environmental aggressors including pollution and UV light.
If your skin barrier has become compromised, our guide on how to fix a damaged skin barrier explains the steps you can take to help restore it.
Reduces Redness
Niacinamide has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help to calm and soothe irritation, redness and sensitivity.
Meaningful Anti-Ageing Properties
The ability of niacinamide to support skin elasticity and collagen production means that it can help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which contributes to a firmer and fresher-looking complexion.
Supports Oil Control
When used regularly, niacinamide can help to regulate the skin's production of sebum, which can help to minimise oiliness, reduce the appearance of large pores, and refine skin texture for a smoother complexion.
Boosts Hydration
The moisture-boosting properties of niacinamide mean that it can help to support smoother, plumper and fresher-looking skin without causing clogged pores that can lead to blemishes and congestion.
Supports An Even Skin Tone
As niacinamide can have an impact on the distribution of melanin in the skin, over time, it can help to reduce discolouration and dark spots, supporting a more even and visibly brighter complexion.
If pigmentation is one of your main concerns, our guide on how to get rid of hyperpigmentation explores the treatments and ingredients that can help improve uneven skin tone.
How To Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skincare Routine
Niacinamide is a really gentle and highly versatile ingredient, so it's also compatible with a number of other skin-boosting ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Here are a few ways that you can incorporate niacinamide into a skincare routine that will offer visible results with consistent use.
For Clearer-Looking Skin
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides is a serum that's formulated to refine pores and clear skin congestion, whilst also soothing the skin barrier for clearer, more even-looking skin. It's gentle enough to be used in the morning and evening, on the face, neck and décolletage.
For Hydration
The moisture-preserving Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops feature a high concentration of niacinamide and help to support healthier, more radiant-looking skin. Use your fingertips to apply an even layer to your face, neck and décolletage on freshly cleansed skin in the morning and evening.
For Skin Barrier Support
If your skin barrier is struggling, the Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream features niacinamide, postbiotics, and soothing and hydrating ingredients that'll help to rebalance and restore the microbiome. Apply between two and four pumps to the skin in the morning before your sunscreen, and in the evening as the last step in your routine.
For Anti-Ageing
Formulated with a high concentration of niacinamide, the SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 serum is designed to promote skin cell renewal, reduce the appearance of dark spots and blotchiness, and support skin firmness. Apply one or two pumps of this lightweight serum across your face, neck and chest in the morning and evening for strengthened, more even skin.