With so many skincare ingredients all claiming to revolutionise our beauty routines, there is one that stands out as a real game-changer. Say hello to niacinamide. It may be a mouthful, but this ingredient is worthy of your attention and we’re here to tell you everything you need to know.
You may have already seen niacinamide listed on the label of your favourite skincare products and are wondering what it is, and how effective it can be as part of your skincare regime.
Read on to learn why the beauty industry loves this wonder ingredient and discover the top niacinamide benefits for your skin. Did you know this skin saving ingredient is in our Night Cream?!
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a word you need to add to your beauty vocabulary. It’s the scientific name for Vitamin B3. An essential nutrient for your skin, B3 helps to nourish the complexion, build proteins in the skin, and prevent dryness. B vitamins are quite complex, and each does something different in different ways. B3 is fabulous as a skin vitamin, so it makes sense to deliver it directly to the place it’s needed.
Sounds impressive – but is niacinamide too good to be true?
Clinical research shows that in the case of niacinamide, you really can believe the hype. With regular use, there are a plethora of ways in which this powerful yet gentle ingredient can improve your skin and give you a healthy, glowing complexion.
What does niacinamide do?
Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means to reap the benefits it must either be eaten (try adding plenty of green veggies, almonds, and milk to your diet) or applied topically to the skin in a water-based carrier, like a moisturiser or night cream. For a fast boost, add skincare products containing niacinamide to your beauty routine to reap the following rewards...
Niacinamide benefits
1. Helps to treat acne
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe acne-prone skin and reduce further breakouts. This superhero of beauty treatments was also lauded by Acne Support UK as a way to reduce the swelling caused by acne. Hopefully you’re sitting up and paying attention now! It really is wonderful for those with troublesome skin, as well as those who want to armour their skin in general.
2. Minimises pores for a smoother complexion
Your pores will always look larger when they are filled with dead skin and oil. But thanks to niacinamide’s ability to reduce the production of sebum, the pores won’t feel stretched – and that means skin texture will be visibly smoother.
3. Strengthens the skin’s barrier function
By protecting the skin’s natural barrier, niacinamide enhances its ability to hold moisture, preventing dryness and irritation. By locking in water, your skin cells can regenerate faster and slow down the signs of ageing. It also has antibacterial properties designed to stop bacteria from breaking through the skin barrier.
4. Reduces oily skin
The beauty of niacinamide is that it’s not just for dry skin. Oily skin types benefit from Vitamin B3 too, as it controls the production of sebum and prevents glands from creating too much. This is really welcome as we know that those with oily skin can sometimes avoid moisturising and actually risk compounding the problems of any outbreaks.
5. Reduces the effects of rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes visible skin changes, including redness and prolonged skin flushes, and can knock the confidence of those with the condition. A study by the National Library of Medicine has found that niacinamide is one of the best topical ingredients to help reduce the effects of skin redness by boosting the skin barrier.
6. Protects against UV damage
Niacinamide helps to protect against damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays. Using creams and serums that contain Vitamin B3 under your regular sunscreen is a great way to repair and protect sun-damaged skin.
7. Diminishes the effects of hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide cannot lighten or ‘bleach’ skin – but it does have the ability to minimise the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage or mature skin, which means you’ll have a more even, glowing skin tone.
How to use niacinamide
Niacinamide is used as an active ingredient in a wide range of beauty products, from Eye Creams and Serums to Cleansers and Toners. It may sound like a ‘chemical nasty’ in the list of ingredients, but it really is anything but.
It’s suitable for all skin types and is gentle enough to be used twice a day, even on acne-prone skin that may not be able to tolerate harsher remedies such as a retinoid.
We recommend applying under your sunscreen and make-up in the morning, and then as part of your nightly skincare routine. Products that contain niacinamide are especially effective in reducing inflammation and redness when applied at night.
At UpCircle, we fell in love with niacinamide as an ingredient that we developed a Night Cream in which niacinamide; the skin-saver, is the star of the show!
The unscented Night Cream with Blueberry Extract also includes an antioxidant-rich extract of repurposed blueberries for an overnight boost of vitamins, alongside the niacinamide which helps to repair the skin barrier while you sleep. You’ll awake in the morning with fresh glowing skin, ready to face the day ahead.
Niacinamide – a hero ingredient for the skin
As explained, there are many benefits of using niacinamide for skin. In particular, we’ve found it really effective in combating breakouts caused by wearing masks over the last year.
Niacinamide is just one of the wonderful ingredients we use in our 100% natural skincare range. Enjoy a brighter, healthier-looking complexion with our pioneering range of sustainable skincare products. Let this humble skin-miracle vitamin work its magic for you.