We spoke to Lalita Iyer, expert cosmetic scientist and founder of Skinchemy about the best way to incorporate niacinamide into a skincare routine. But let’s dive into the basics of Niacinamide: What is it and how does it benefit the skin?
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin which works to improve skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, balance sebum production, diminish dullness and protect the skin barrier against environmental damage.
Benefits of Niacinamide
This Vitamin B derivative can be tolerated by all skin types including sensitive skin types and can be easily coupled with other powerful ingredients such as BHAs, Vitamin C, AHAs, Retinols, Peptides without an adverse effect or reaction to combat targeted skin concerns.
“Niacinamide is highly versatile, so it’s worth having this ingredient in your skincare routine,” Lalita Iyer, Cosmetic Scientist and founder of Skinchemy elaborated,
- Niacinamide helps reduce hyperpigmentation
According to Lalita Iyer, even 2% of Niacinamide can show an improvement in hyperpigmentation over time.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Niacinamide increases the production of collagen and proteins in turn reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Controls excess sebum production
Niacinamide balances the amount of oil our skin produces which ultimately also leads to fewer breakouts
- Fights free radicals
Niacinamide is an antioxidant that protects the skin by fighting off free radicals which break down collagen in the skin and cause premature aging, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and even dull skin that lacks luster.
- Niacinamide helps reduce acne
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, so it can help clear up mild to moderate acne. Niacinamide’s sebum controlling properties also play a vital role in controlling breakouts.
- Strengthens the skin barrier
If your skin feels hyper-sensitive, i.e. dry, inflamed or stings when you apply skincare products, your skin barrier may have been damaged. Using harsh ingredients and over-exfoliating can irritate the skin barrier. Niacinamide helps protect the skin barrier and restore it by increasing the levels of ceramides and fatty acids in the skin barrier.
How to use Niacinamide in your skincare routine
Niacinamide is water soluble, so it is typically found in the form of water-based serums. Water-based serums usually contain a high concentration of the active ingredient and tend to penetrate into the skin more deeply.
Since it is a water-based serum, a Niacinamide serum or ampoule would typically come before oil-based serums and moisturizers in your skincare routine and after cleansing and toning your skin. Niacinamide is ideal for most skin types and is an extremely stable ingredient with a neutral pH of 6.0.
PS: Niacinamide is also safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding
How to pick right Niacinamide serum for your skin
Niacinamide works well with all skin types, the decision here is based largely on the ideal concentration of Niacinamide in the serum. So, what percentage of Niacinamide should you be looking out for? Lalita recommends a minimum of 2% Niacinamide in any skincare product.
If you are looking for the perfect dose of Niacinamide for your skin, try our curated by Uncover Niacinamide Ampoule, which also contains an active percentage of Zinc PCA to support sebum regulation. Shop and experience our Niacinamide Ampoule here.
Have any other questions about Niacinamide? Drop them in the comments below.
