Even if Niacinamide is the popular name of this particular B3 vitamin, it is also known as Nicotinamide.
If you are someone struggling with the issue of dry skin, or extreme dry conditions such as eczema, niacinamide can be extremely helpful for you.
Apart from that, you can also make this part of your daily skincare routine, if you are also concerned about the frequent breakouts that turn up on your face.
Niacinamide primarily deals with the Vitamin B3 deficiency that you might be having and thereby treats the issue of dryness and acne bothering you.
This article will let you know everything you need to know about this particular form of Vitamin B3 called, Niacinamide and the right way to incorporate it into your skincare game.
Difference Between Niacin and Niacinamide
When it comes to Niacinamide, most of us are confused about the difference between niacin and the same mentioned before. Even if both are forms of the same type of vitamin, that is Vitamin B3, they are entirely different in function and form.
However, it is also important to note that, if you are someone who is taking niacin as a daily nutritional supplement, your body can synthesize the required amount of niacinamide by making use of the same.
Tryptophan is another element found in the human body that has this transformative power to become niacinamide.
Another important thing that you need to note in this regard is that niacin supplements can only have this transformation when your body has an excessive amount of niacin within.
Niacinamide and the skincare game
Niacinamide is a sensational activity that is revolutionizing the skincare industry with its various forms such as serums, face washes, toners, and moisturizers.
There are also sunscreen and body lotions that make use of this particular activity in their formulation.
The major function of niacinamide is to facilitate the synthesis of protein in the skin cells thereby preventing the damages caused by a range of different environmental causes including exposure to harmful UV rays.
While there are restrictions for other activities regarding the time of their application, Niacinamide can be incorporated into your skincare routine and can be applied to your skin regardless of whether it is your daytime or nighttime skincare routine.
Here are some of the major benefits that niacinamide can provide to your skin.
➡️ Increases skin immunity
Just like how immunity is quite crucial for your overall health wellness, immunity is also inevitable for the health of your skin.
And this is facilitated by a protein called keratin found in your skin and hair cells.
When niacinamide gets incorporated into your skincare routine, it becomes quite easier for this protein to get synthesized in your skin cells and thereby build immunity, which can effectively prevent any kind of attacks by foreign particles or pathogens causing skin issues like acne and inflammation.
➡️ Strengthens the skin barrier
Skin barrier is something made of lipids and this can significantly help in retaining the moisture of the skin and keeps it hydrated for a longer period.
People with skin conditions such as eczema or dryness may find it helpful. It is also beneficial to those with normal or oily skin types since it is not something that is going to make your face look oily or greasy further.
Niacinamide in your skincare outline can help strengthen this particular ceramide barrier and thus protect the skin moisture from draining away.
➡️ Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is one of the major issues faced by people with skin concerns such as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes.
These issues can also be effectively treated with the right application of niacinamide on your skin since it is a potent ingredient for fighting the inflammation caused in your body and skin.
➡️ Fades pores
Since niacinamide can help restore the natural lipid barrier of your skin and thereby bring moisture and hydration to it, the skin may start to appear flawless and smooth.
Over time, you may also begin to notice your pores issues getting sorted out. This benefit can be regarded as a derived advantage of the moisture restoration benefits of the active that we have already mentioned and discussed in this article.
➡️ Maintain the oil balance
While some serums and actives are just meant for specific skin types and skin conditions, niacinamide is one such serum that is quite versatile.
It can be used by people with dry skin as well as oily skin. When it helps in providing moisturization to those with dry skin and skin issues such as eczema, people with oily skin conditions can have the benefit of getting their oil levels maintained at healthy levels with the action of this particular vitamin B3 active.
When applied to your face, niacinamide can help prevent the sebaceous glands of your skin from getting triggered extensively.
➡️ Protects from UV rays
This is the reason why you can see Niacin’s presence in a lot of face and body sunscreens available in the market.
Niacinamide in its right formulation has properties that can protect your skin from the potential damages caused by UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
However, it is quite important to note that, skipping your sunscreen by just applying a niacinamide serum since it has some sun protection will never make sense.
To have the best benefits out of it, it is advised to apply sunscreen on top of the niacinamide layer. You may also choose products that have scientifically combined both in a single package.
Conclusion
Now you know the various benefits of this particular Vitamin B3 for your skin. However, make sure you are following a flu-fledged skincare routine along with incorporating this activity into your routine.
Following a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle habits can also help you significantly. Apart from that, it is also important that you follow a daily workout routine, and strict personal hygiene protocols to stay away from breakouts and other skin concerns, caused due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities.
References
- Gehring W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamideand the skin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17147561
