Skincare buzzwords are confusing especially when active ingredients come into the game. Think of a single ingredient used to heal multiple skin care concerns. It alleviates fine lines and wrinkles and heals acne, eczema, discoloration, rosacea, large pores, oily skin, and sun damage, You're right it's Niacinamide! It can be said as Jack of all as well as the Master!

Niacinamide also known as Nicotinamide is a form of Niacin or Vitamin B3 but It is not the same as Niacin. They are two different versions of Vitamin B3. It is not produced naturally by our bodies but we can generate Niacinamide through Niacin supplements. You must not take them until and unless it is prescribed by your doctor. The topical application of Niacinamide has plenty of benefits to offer but how does it work? Let us find out!

How does Niacinamide work?

Niacinamide is a precursor to two co-enzymes within your cells: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). Niacinamide increases the NAD+ and helps your skin fight more free radicals and increases the production of ceramides.

Niacinamide is a Tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin's color hence it helps in dealing with pigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Benefits of Using Niacinamide for Skin: 

1. Helps reduce acne

Niacinamide is a holy grail ingredient for acne, pimples, and inflammation reduction. Niacinamide reduces acne and opens clogged pores. It has anti-inflammatory properties that also reduce pimple inflammation and redness.

2. Lightens Pigmentation

Niacinamide helps in lightening pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. It evens out the skin tone and removes any blemishes by blocking excess melanin production.

3. Improves Rosacea & Eczema

Niacinamide helps build ceramide which can, in turn, help retain moisture. This is beneficial for every skin type, especially if you have allergies, eczema, rosacea, or mature skin.

4. Enhances Skin Texture

Niacinamide also builds Keratin- A protein that keeps our skin healthy! It makes skin clear, pigmentation-free, and bright hence enhancing the overall skin texture by making it healthy.

5. Prevents and Minimizes Ageing 

Niacinamide reduces lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging by increasing collagen production. It regulates the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands.

Niacinamide for Different Skin Types:

Niacinamide is good for all skin types. It heals oily and acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation, opening clogged pores, and regulating oil production by sebaceous glands.

Try combining Zinc with Niacinamide for oily and acne-prone skin.

It prevents the breakdown of the skin barrier which in turn reduces water loss and aids dry skin. Try combining Hyaluronic Acid with Niacinamide to heal dry skin.

If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration. Formulas with 2 percent niacinamide may heal eczema and similar conditions. Although most formulations are 5 percent or less. Some suggest 5 percent formulas effectively reduce hyperpigmentation and damage related to sun exposure.

Many products come with a 10% concentration too, you must do a patch test and wait for 24 hours before applying them wholesomely to check for any allergies.

Niacinamide for Lips:

Lips are far more sensitive to our skin. Niacinamide can be applied on lips to reduce pigmentation but should be in a much less concentrated amount in comparison to when it comes to our skin. Using too much can lead to lip irritation.

1. Pigmentation Reduction

When used precisely, it can treat Hyperpigmentation by targeting and inhibiting melanin production which will help you attain lighter and brighter lips over time. 

2. Boosts Collagen

It boosts collagen production and makes lips firm and plump over time with regular usage. It prevents lip thinning.

3. Hydration

Niacinamide is water-based and is a humectant. Niacinamide holds moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated.

4. Fights Free Radical Damage

Protects against harmful UV rays of the sun and oxidative stress caused by pollution and toxins.

5. Aging

Niacinamide reduces lip aging by boosting collagen production it minimizes lip lines and wrinkles and removes blemishes.

Layering:

Serums can be made into Superpowers when combined but cautiously. Please do not try to mix them by yourself. Either use a serum that contains a combination of active ingredients or use them in the AM/PM routine one after the other.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid-

Niacinamide is a water-based active ingredient and so is Hyaluronic Acid. They both work well together and increase each other's potency. They both are humectants and while one removes blemishes and pigmentation the other helps the skin stay hydrated and moisturized.

Niacinamide and Retinol-

Yes, Niacinamide and Retinol can be combined. They both will effectively fight hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Just keep in mind that the concentration should be at a decent percentage especially if you are a beginner because both of them are highly potent.

Niacinamide and Zinc-

Niacinamide and Zinc create a chemical reaction in the body which aids to heal several skin concerns. They both provide antioxidant protection, which helps prevents premature aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines. Using them together can also help acne-prone skin.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C- 

They both inhibit the Tyrosinase enzyme and block excess melanin production hence helping your skin stay blemish-free, clear, and glowing.

Things to Remember:

1. Always do a patch test before applying a product or a niacinamide serum.
2. Make sure that the serum is in a decent concentration 
3. When layering Niacinamide with other active ingredients ensure it goes well together and does not alter each other's efficacy. 
4. Niacinamide takes 8-12 weeks to work fully if you use it with consistency.
5. There are no such side effects but if you experience redness, itching, or swelling, wash the area and discontinue using the product.

Conclusion: 

Niacinamide is a potent skincare ingredient that helps heal various skin conditions from acne to aging, You should not take niacinamide supplements until and unless you have Vitamin B3 deficiency or your doctor has prescribed them. It is safe when applied topically in a serum or infused in a product but the concentration must be kept in mind while choosing one.