Whether you’re a skincare fanatic or just love staying hydrated, there are a few ingredients you probably can’t live without in your morning and night routine: Vitamin C to protect against environmental aggressors
(like pollution), glycolic acid to exfoliate and reduce skin blemishes or dark spots, and retinol Known for its ability to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne and a host of other skin concerns. But there’s another
ingredient that skin experts are praising, and while it’s not as well-known as the above essentials, it’s an impressive all-rounder.
Enter: niacinamide.
What is niacinamide? What effect does it have on the skin?
“Nicotinamide is essentially vitamin B3,” says Dr. Ewoma Ukeleghe, a medical and aesthetic doctor and founder of SKNDOCTOR, tells R29 that there are many benefits when you incorporate it into your daily routine. “Clinical
studies show that niacinamide can reduce hypersebum production (excessive oiliness of the skin), refine pores and fine lines, and keep the skin barrier intact.” This in turn prevents moisture loss from the skin, limiting dryness
and irritation such as itching.
According to consultant dermatologist Dr. Niacinamide’s sebum-reducing properties can also indirectly help treat mild acne, says Dr. Anjali Mahto, but that’s not all. “Topical niacinamide has been shown to reduce sun-induced
redness and is said to have anti-inflammatory effects,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post, adding environmental protection to her long list of benefits. However, niacinamide does not replace sunscreen, so sunscreen must be
applied during the day.
How to use niacinamide?
Professional esthetician Kate Kerr notes that niacinamide is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin types and can be used at any time of day, including morning and evening. However, it is most beneficial in formulas that are
left on the skin, such as: B. Use a serum or toner after cleansing. Kate recommends a dermatologist-favorite product: SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3, £105. If that’s outside your budget, try Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%,
£5. PhD. Ewoma also reviews Paula’s Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster (£40) and Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum (£24), which contains 5% niacinamide. It’s up to you whether to add a moisturizer to your serum.
If you have acne-prone skin, experts recommend using less skin care products, so you may want to skip the serum and use a moisturizer instead. If you’re looking for a nighttime moisturizer, try Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Day
Cream SPF 15 with Niacinamide (£18) or Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Night Cream (£13.49).
Interestingly, Dr. Ewoma highlights research showing that using niacinamide before using retinol (often associated with skin sensitivity, including peeling and redness) can improve skin tolerance. So if your skin reacts to
retinol, it might be worth asking about niacinamide first. PhD. Ewoma also notes that niacinamide is a great skin care ingredient to use before your period. “I personally like to use niacinamide one to two weeks beforehand.
It helps prevent breakouts and control the increase in sebum production that many women experience during this phase of their menstrual cycle.”
Finally, Dr. Please review the ingredient list for the product you choose. Ideally, niacinamide should be included as the third or fifth ingredient for best results.
