Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and is used extensively in skin care. Niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage. Niacinamide leads to an increase in keratin synthesis, has a stimulating effect on ceramide synthesis and speeds up the differentiation of keratinocytes. In ageing skin, topical application of niacinamide improves the surface structure, smooths out wrinkles and inhibits UV induced damage.
Niacinamide is a powerful multitasking ingredient that reduces inflammation, strengthens epidermal barrier function, improves skin tone, brightens and reduces visible signs of ageing.
Niacinamide’s numerous benefits include:
- Promotes synthesis of structural proteins. Niacinamide helps build keratin, a protein found in the horny layer of the skin that keeps your skin firm
- Strengthens lipid barrier. Niacinamide can help your skin stimulate the formation of ceramides to strengthen the lipid barrier. A strong lipid barrier is essential for the skin to retain moisture and remain well hydrated. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially mature skin.
- Minimizes blotchiness and redness. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation which may help ease redness from eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Minimizes the appearance of pores. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized and may result in a natural reduction in the appearance of pores over time.
- Regulates excess sebum production. Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil produced by the sebum glands preventing excess sebum production.
- Protects against UV sun damage. Niacinamide can help protect skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
- Fades hyperpigmentation. When used at 5 percent concentration, niacinamide can be helpful in lightening dark age spots.
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide has also been found at a 5% concentration to be helpful in reducing signs of sun damage that come with aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protects against oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as UV exposure, pollution, and toxins.