The market is full of beauty products and ingredients that promise unsurpassed beauty and flawless skin. An ingredient that has been making headlines recently is niacinamide. But how effective is niacinamide in taking care of our skincare needs? Let’s find out.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, which is an essential vitamin – that is, it is not manufactured by our bodies and needs to be taken from external sources.
Vitamin B3 forms a crucial part of our diets as its deficiency can cause pellagra, affecting multiple organs including the skin, gastrointestinal system, and brain. But the benefits of niacinamide are not limited to our diets alone - when applied topically, niacinamide has been shown to provide a variety of benefits to the skin and hair.
SKINCARE BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is easily absorbed from your skin and has a wide range of benefits that are backed by plenty of scientific researches.
Increases production of natural lipids in the skin : Niacinamide promotes the production of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids produced in your skin that help maintain its protective barrier.
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Increases circulation to the skin
Improved circulation means a better supply of nutrients to your skin, ensuring healthy, youthful, and glowing skin.
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Protects against UV damage
Niacinamide is known to protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV rays present in sunlight.
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Decreases oil production
Niacinamide limits the production of sebum from sebaceous glands and is beneficial in preventing bouts of acne.
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Has a skin brightening effect
Niacinamide decreases hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and helps you achieve a smooth, spotless complexion.
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Repairs skin damage and prevents premature skin aging
Niacinamide is beneficial in repairing both external (from dirt, pollutants, etc.) and internal damage (from free radicals) to your skin, and has been seen to show significant improvement in wrinkles and fine lines.
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Has anti-inflammatory properties
Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in treating mild to moderate forms of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
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How does Niacinamide Affect your Hair?
Niacinamide boosts the circulation of blood to your scalp and improves its appearance and texture. It helps the hair grow longer, stronger, and gain more mass. Moreover, the hair grows more supple and shiny.
Niacinamide also promotes keratin buildup in the hair, and helps in healing any damage to your hair, whether physical or chemical.
How to Incorporate Niacinamide into your Skincare Regime?
Niacinamide can be used topically on your skin twice a day. It is available in a variety of formulations and is a common constituent of creams, serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. You can easily inculcate it into your daily skincare regimen according to your personal needs.
It is advantageous to couple the benefits of niacinamide with those of other antioxidants like green tea extract or vitamin C. Since niacinamide promotes hydration, it is also a good adjuvant to retinol and can help prevent dryness or irritation caused by retinol.
Does Niacinamide have any Side Effects?
Niacinamide is safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. However, you may experience mild burning, itching, or redness. Usually, any discomfort should subside with time.
Niacianamide is a safe and effective addition to your skincare regimen that provides multiple benefits, including protection from UV damage and prevention of premature aging. Unlike other ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, niacinamide is well tolerated by the body and actually prevents itching, irritation, and dryness.