WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, is a skin care ingredient worthy of your attention as your skin will thank you for using it. It acts as an antioxidant which help protect the skin from UV damage and free radicals. It also improves hydration, shrinks enlarged pores, reduces blackheads, improves skin discoloration and even slows down signs of ageing. Not forgetting to mention here that a thumbs up to its ability to repair damaged skin DNA with its powerful antioxidant properties.
Niacinamide helps to enhance complexion by working with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, lighten marks, soften lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, strengthen weakened skin surface and brighten skin appearance. Impact of environmental damage to your skin can be reversed with Niacinamide because of its ability to improve skin’s barrier with its vital role in helping skin to repair signs of damage. Such damages if left unchecked, will indefinitely make skin appear dull, older and less radiant.
Among other amazing skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C, Niacinamide is a standout because of its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type. As a water-soluble vitamin, Niacinamide does not dissolve in oil, and hence it is popularly used in many water-based serums. The versatile ingredient has become one of the biggest selling points of countless skin-care products.
WHAT ARE THE NIACINAMIDE BENEFITS FOR SKIN
You should be impressed how Niacinamide can do for your skin when applied topically. Nowadays we can find this B3 vitamin in most skin care products like toners, serums, creams and other concentrated skin treatments. The beautiful part of this is that Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with any of your skin care routine, including those that contain retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, vitamin C, and all types of antioxidants. Even multiple Niacinamide-containing products in your skincare will still be non-sensitizing as this ingenious B vitamin is well tolerated by all skin types and is even suitable for use by those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Another helpful benefit of Niacinamide worth mentioning is that it helps renew and restore the skin surface against dehydration and moisture loss by assisting skin to improve its general production of skin-strengthening ceramides. Ceramides must be guarded so as not to become depleted because if it does, skin is left vulnerable to skin issues such as patches of dry and flaky skin. And dry skins will benefit from its help with ceramide production and if your skin is dehydrated, Niacinamide will strengthen your skin barrier which will then minimise that all important water loss. Meaning, Niacinamide can help lock in moisture which results in smoother and more supple skin.
Niacinamide has pore-reducing magic. It has the ability on prevention of clogs and bumpy skin which leads to sebum secretion therefore leading to enlarged pores. By controlling and lowering sebum, Niacinamide prevents pores from getting caught with excess oil and dirt and helps pores return to their normal sizes. Higher concentrations of Niacinamide can help tighten pores by increasing the skin’s supportive elements.
Niacinamide has proven to be an excellent remedy for pigmentation, age spots, discolorations, uneven skin tone, sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. All these concerns stem from premature damage and excess melanin showing on skin’s surface. Niacinamide in concentrations of 5% works greater by keeping new discolorations from appearing. At the same time, it also helps break up existing discoloration so your skin tone looks more even. The beauty of this Vitamin B3 is that it can slot extremely easily into your existing routines as it can be found in mostly cleansers, serums, toner, moisturizers and even sunscreens.
HOW DOES NIACINAMIDE HELP YOUR SKIN?
Niacinamide may have a variety of benefits, but your skin may respond to it differently. For a start, it is better to begin with a lower proportion of this power ingredient. Believe it or not, even concentrations of Niacinamide at as low as 2% can regulate oil production and help with pigmentation! As you increase the concentration, however, the more benefits you should see and feel on your skin. Some research has found 5 percent Niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. You will see results after four weeks or so. Niacinamide can lighten hyper-pigmentation by interfering with the process through which freshly made pigment travels to the surface of the skin; basically, it stops the pigment from getting there. However, it is often combined with other brightening ingredients to treat melasma and other conditions of hyper-pigmentation. Vitamin B3 is known to decrease the presence of skin imperfection and clog while adjusting regular oil levels for a shine free composition. Niacinamide is an entirely steady type of Vitamin B3 that helps to hide the appearance of dull spots.
If you have oily skin which is prone to clogged pore, Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive. Using water-light serum with Niacinamide will help for this purpose. But if you have dry skin, an emollient moisturiser or hydrating toner, containing a lower concentration of Niacinamide will make a great difference. Application of Niacinamide around the eye area is particularly beneficial, thanks to its ability to fade fine lines and wrinkles without irritating. Some users even report that Niacinamide reduces under-eye circles! That is the reason why Niacinamide is a star ingredient in some luxurious eye treatment.
For those with acne and eczema issue, Niacinamide is an effective solution because it reduces infection, inflammation, redness, and the production of oil from the sebaceous glands. The result is fewer breakouts and less oily skin. Much evidence are needed to support its efficacy in treating inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea, however, it can certainly help to even out skin tone, decrease redness, reduce oil production, balance oil and sebum production to lessen breakouts. Niacinamide is known to minimize redness and blotchiness, reduces inflammation, which may help ease rashes from eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. A 4% Niacinamide gel is shown to be effective to treat acne.
Thanks to its ability to repair damaged DNA and its powerful antioxidant properties, Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from oxidative and environmental stresses. Its potentiality in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles is well commended. When used in a night time skincare routine, Niacinamide also protects the skin from premature damage by neutralizing the effects of oxidative and environmental toxins. It can also lighten dark spots caused by UV ray exposure.
Niacinamide is water-soluble, making it ideal for inclusion in topical products like serums and creams. This skin vitamin is truly vital for healthy skin cell functions and it will not cause the skin to flush when applied topically. The fact that Niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage and keep your skin firm and healthy makes it an important ingredient to be incorporated into your daily skincare products.
CAN WE USE NIACINAMIDE EVERY DAY?
Yes, you can use it morning and evening, every day of the week. Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient, so it works well in a variety of skin care products. Its light consistency makes it a popular ingredient to be added to water-based serums and it absorbs into the skin quickly with its humectant properties. Skin stays at a hydrated state whilst it remains on the skin and this ingredient can build a strong protective barrier that is found on the outer surface of the face. However, whether you choose to apply it as a cream or a serum, it is important to take note of the amount of Niacinamide present in the formula and skincare experts have recommended that 2%-5% is already sufficient for any usage.
Niacinamide is a brilliant all-rounder that the vast majority of people of all ages and skin types have no problem tolerating. Many people find that applying Niacinamide in the morning keeps the skin feeling comfortable whilst allowing other ingredients to be absorbed quickly into the skin. When applying it during your evening routine will counteract any damage that occurred throughout the day, thus helping you to restore your skin by the morning. Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types and is safe to use when pregnant and breastfeeding, too.
DOES NIACINAMIDE LIGHTEN SKIN ?
Some of the most common beauty concerns are the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dark spots. Incorporating products formulated with Niacinamide into your regimen can help address these concerns. Over the counter products that include Vitamin B3 have been proven to be effective when it comes to skin brightening and reducing the appearance of hyper-pigmentation on the face. This is because Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease the transfer of melanosomes (a type of pigment cell which is responsible for skin pigmentation) to the skin cell. In specific concentrations, Niacinamide improves skin tone by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing pigmentation. Niacinamide will not bleach skin and it is able to fade dark spots caused by age or other environmental factors, therefore resulting in a more luminous, even skin tone.
Incorporating this super ingredient into your daily serum or moisturizer will work wonders for your skin if you have pigmentation. The potent amount of Niacinamide helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spots if used regularly. Its antioxidant properties can protect skin from those damaged skin cells which causes premature signs of aging like discoloration, spots and wrinkle. This is one of the simple way to experience the multiple benefits of Niacinamide.
Recipe : How To Make Niacinamide Serum For Whitening, Anti-Aging and Glowing Skin
First of all, let us tell you how Niacinamide serum benefit our skin.
Immunity 💥 Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
Lipid barrier 💥 Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier which can, in turn, helps retain moisture.
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. 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 💥 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits can be seen after 4 weeks, but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles 💥 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, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
What do you need to make this Niacinamide Serum ❓
️Glass Beaker
️Glass Rod
️Rubbing Alcohol
️Frankincense Essential Oil
️Calendula Hydrosol
Hyaluronic Acid Solution
️Niacinamide Powder (Vitamin B3)
How to make this Niacinamide Serum ❓
👉 Spray glass beaker with alcohol to sanitize
👉 Add in 50ml Calendula hydrosol into glass beaker
️👉 Add 50g Hyaluronic acid and about 3g Niacinamide powder to the same glass beaker
️👉 Add in 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
️👉 Stir continuously, until this mixture become thicker and mixed well
️👉 Stir again, until mixture is fully combined
️👉 Spray the empty jar with alcohol, and pour all mixture into the jar
️ 👉 Your face serum is ready to use!
Note 1 : You can add in preservative (Liquid Germall Plus) to prolong the shelf life
Note 2 : You can add HEC thickener agent to make the serum thicker
How to use this Niacinamide serum ❓
️Apply on your face every day at night as face moisturizer
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR UNDER EYES ?
Both men and women have the same issue of dark circles under the eyes which could be very frustrating especially when those circles are accompanied by puffy bags. Dark circles and puffy under eye bags could make you look older and generally unhealthy and you may try all means to get rid of these.
It is good to know that you can use Niacinamide-containing products around your eyes as there is low risk of irritation or inflammation from using it. For both safety and efficacy you can apply it to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes without worry. You may find applying a moisturizer or eye cream with the added Niacinamide which will help improve the look of under eye circles and soften the appearance of crow’s feet, not to mention enables this delicate area to retain skin-smoothing moisture and resist loss of firmness.
This vitamin B3 boosts the production of fatty acids, which prevents the skin from losing water and retains elasticity and helps protect skin that gets easily irritated by sun and pollutants. It also lightens age spots and pigmentation and can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes. It also brightens, hydrates and smooths the eye area while helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles over time. Niacinamide eye creams should be applied topically morning and evening to reap the full benefits.
CAN YOU MIX NIACINAMIDE AND HYALURONIC ACID ?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are a super skincare combination as they complement each other’s hydrating effects. Niacinamide strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier by increasing the levels of ceramides that form a protective layer to lock in moisture and lock out environmental aggravators. Hyaluronic acid regulates the water coming in and out of individual skin cells. Pairing these two ingredients together, you are actually tackling skin’s hydration from both angles. Both of these skin ingredients are water loving humectants, meaning they are able to draw in moisture from the area surrounding the skin and water from any product formulations such as face wash, serum, moisturizer, etc and locking them into the surface layer ensuring the protective barrier is fully functioning at its healthiest state.
The benefits of Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together can be reaped in a single product combining both, or by layering individual products. If you decide to layer, it is recommended to start with hyaluronic acid such as a serum to hydrate skin cells, and then top it up with a Niacinamide moisturizer to protect the skin’s surface and prevent moisture loss. Both Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are water-based ingredients which means that you can apply them at the same time of day. In addition, Niacinamide helps to boost collagen production while hyaluronic acid improves elasticity so combining the two together can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The combination of Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid is also suitable for acne-prone skin because acne-prone skin often contains too much oil and not enough water/hydration. Pairing these both will limit the overproduction of sebum in oily skin and at the same time keeping skin hydrated and balanced.
CAN NIACINAMIDE BE COMBINED WITH OTHER SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT ?
Aside from hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide can also be combined with other ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, antioxidants like Vitamin C, retinols, etc. Yes, It is perfectly fine to use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together. There are significant skin-brightening benefits to using both ingredients together, even in the same product. These two ingredients are both beneficial for the skin especially when used together. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect us from UV damage as well as reduce hyper-pigmentation and also increase collagen production. Whereas Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to improve your skin’s barrier function, regulate sebum production and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. These two superstar ingredients are good combinations that work well together especially to maximize their brightening capabilities.
Niacinamide and retinol are also popular combo skin care ingredients that can treat acne, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It is relatively easy to include both niacinamide and retinol in a skin care routine. As retinol can increase photosensitivity, people should typically apply these products before bed. If you are using it during the day, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterward. Both combinations can be found in serums and are available in stores or you can also DIY your own. It will be good to apply the serum before putting on night cream or just simply use it on its own. Otherwise, you may may choose to apply these 2 ingredients separately. If taking this approach, it may be best to use Niacinamide first to provide skin protection before applying retinol. It will be better to use Niacinamide during their day routine and retinol to be kept for night use. However research indicates that using both together may provide greater benefits and reduce the side effects of using retinol alone.
The art and science of good skincare products is finding the balance and co-action in which all active ingredients can exist and transform your skin in a safe and healthy manner.
ARE THERE ANY RISK OR SIDE EFFECTS ?
Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient for both skin moisturization and skin brightening but sometimes, too much of a good thing becomes bad. So when used in high concentrations in a skincare formulation, it may cause skin irritation. To minimize side effects, you may use products that contain Niacinamide every other day. If you experience burning or other side effects from daily use of a Niacinamide skincare product, try to reduce your usage to once every other day, or even once every third day but this cases is quite rare.
Generally, Niacinamide is really gentle and a safe ingredient for topical use. Even people with sensitive skin can use Niacinamide. In fact, this ingredient is often added to rosacea skincare products because of its anti-inflammatory properties. But if you are those with known allergies, Niacinamide should be avoided or monitored. Having said this, a 2% concentration as a start is still quite safe. Like other skincare medications, taking a few simple steps can help you to reduce your risk of developing side effects from Niacinamide. Try to include only low-strength of Niacinamide in your DIY products. Over time, you might be able to gradually work your way up to a more concentrated form of Niacinamide. It is still best to take it slow and adjust as you learn more about your skin’s Niacinamide tolerance.
Overall, Niacinamide is indeed a brilliant ingredient to use in conjunction with other products, thus helping to improve their efficacy. The beauty of Niacinamide is that it is incredibly easy to add it to any skincare routine. There is really no downside to seeing if this kind of product gets you the improved results you are looking for.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE THE RESULTS OF NIACINAMIDE ?
As with any other skincare products, results do not happen overnight. When used topically every day, Niacinamide do have a positive impact on your overall skin health and you must be patient when using products that contain Niaconamide to see visible improvement. Usually, it will take four weeks or more to see the full benefits of Niacinamide for skin. However, timelines can vary since skin composition is different for everyone.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW NIACINAMIDE IS NOT ONLY A SIMPLE VITAMIN B3, BUT ALSO A REAL SKINCARE SUPERSTAR THAT HELPS WITH ANTI-AGING, WRINKLE-SMOOTHING, HYPER-PIGMENTATION AND ALSO IMPROVES SKIN’S STRUCTURE AND HYDRATION BY STRENGTHENING ITS BARRIER FUNCTION.
