By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
Navigating the beauty marketplace is tough, it seems like every other day there’s a new “it” ingredient that promises clear, glowing, and young-looking skin. Without consulting an expert, you might be hesitant to add a new product to your routine–fearing it won’t work for you, or even worse, irritate the skin. But let me tell you, it’s worth taking the time to learn more about niacinamide.
Niacinamide might not get as much buzz as retinol and vitamin C, but this skin superstar is an unsung hero deserving equal praise. According to an expert, “Niacinamide is called a “jack of all trades” ingredient because it has a wide range of effects on the skin. It is known for its ability to regulate sebum [an oily secretion] production, improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone. It can also help to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve the overall texture of the skin.”
Niacinamide is the very definition of a multi-tasker, as it offers many benefits that make it a great pick for various skin concerns and types. Its versatility is the reason more and more people are seeking it out in skincare formulas.
Below, we break down the reasons why it’s a must-have in your routine, its benefits, how to use it and our favorite products.
How it works
Using niacinamide is easier than you might think, it is well-tolerated, meaning that it’s a good ingredient for just about every skin type and concern.
Unlike other antioxidants, niacinamide is fairly stable in the presence of heat and light, so it’s more easily able to be formulated in a variety of product types and textures. In fact, there’s a good chance that niacinamide might be in something that you’re using already.
What does niacinamide do for your skin?
Niacinamide seems to be a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the world of skincare. It’s great for all skin types, especially for dry and sensitive skin. If you’ve got dry skin like me, it’s going to help prevent your skin from being dry and from trans-epidermal water loss. It helps your moisturizer sink deeper.
If you’ve got redness or irritation, it’s also good to use because niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory. So you’re going to start seeing some of that redness and irritation calm down. It’s speeding up healing and taking away redness quickly.
In addition, niacinamide promotes bright, luminous skin. Studies suggest the ingredient inhibits melanin production to be an effective skin brightener.
Recommended Products
Human Nature Skin Barrier Boosting Niacinamide Lotion
For those looking for a moisturizing lotion that helps strengthen your skin barrier, Human Nature’s Niacinamide Lotion is one of the best. It’s especially good for those with dry and sensitive skin, as there are no harmful ingredients such as mineral oil and paraben, and silicones that block your skin’s nutrient absorption.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Battling breakouts? Reach for this powerful treatment. This high-strength formula helps target sebum production to control oiliness and minimize pores. It also has the added benefit of helping fade discoloration, a good option if you’re dealing with dark marks from old pimples.
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