There's a new powerhouse ingredient capturing the attention of skincare and beauty enthusiasts. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has gained popularity for its many skin-boosting benefits, including brightening, hydration, and anti-aging. What's there to know about this new skincare ingredient super star on the block? We asked our Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts to share what makes niacinamide a staple ingredient in anyone's skin care routine.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, a specific form of vitamin B3, is also known as nicotinamide. As an essential water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot synthesize, it must either be eaten or applied topically to deliver the benefits. Vitamin B3 is commonly incorporated into skincare products and applied to the skin topically to reap the brightening and anti-aging results of this super skincare ingredient. Found in night creams, gentle cleansers, and serums, it's quickly growing in popularity for skincare enthusiasts and experts alike.
Let’s explore the 5 benefits of niacinamide below.
The Benefits of Niacinamide
#1 It Tones and Fades Dark Spots
Have you noticed more dark spots appearing on your face lately? Or maybe you’re seeing new freckles appearing after time in the sun or are struggling with dark spots or hyperpigmentation. If so, it may be time to add topical niacinamide to your skincare routine. When applied correctly, vitamin B3 can help block the enzyme responsible for producing unwanted pigmentation and create an evened-out overall skin tone[1].
#2 It Can Clear Up Your Complexion
Are you seeking a clearer complexion? Applying niacinamide daily can help your skin naturally balance out its oil and sebum production, which, when unbalanced can contribute to clogged pores and acne. Because too much or too little natural oils can cause breakouts, evening out your production of it will work to keep your complexion clear. Additionally, niacinamide is a soothing ingredient. When applied to pimples and problem areas, it works to soothe irritated skin, reduce visible redness.
#3 It Protects Your Skin From Irritants and Stressors
Every day, our skin comes in contact with irritants and external stressors. Pollution, smoke, stress, UV rays, and lack of sleep are all stressors that can cause premature signs of aging, wrinkles, and discoloration. The antioxidants in niacinamide can help protect your skin cells from this type of environmental damage and even restore some of it [2].
#4 It Keeps Your Skin Hydrated
Ready to boost the benefits of niacinamide? Research shows that when used with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, you’ll likely see a boost in skin’s natural hydrating ability, supporting the production of ceramides, and improving your skin's natural barrier to keep external stressors out.
#5 It Calms Irritated Skin
Niacinamide helps soothe the skin and minimize irritation. This makes it the ideal ingredient to use alongside anti-aging products formulated with retinol and glycolic acid. While these ingredients have numerous skin benefits, their strength may cause a bit of irritation from time to time. Combining these more potent exfoliants with niacinamide can help calm visible redness and irritation.
Who Should Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamides' benefits range from visably educing dark spots to balancing uneven skin tone, making it a skincare ingredient that benefits many different skin types. Whether you're looking to diminish skin discoloration or minimize signs of aging, vitamin B3 can be a key player in your skincare regimen.
How Often Do You Use Niacinamide?
The frequency in which topical niacinamide should be used depends on the intensity of the skincare product you're applying. For example, if you’re using a clinical-grade product, such as the Kateceuticals™ Resurfacing Overnight Peel, our Skin Health Experts recommend 2-3 times per week. On the other hand, if you’re using a serum, such as the Kx Active Concentrates Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C serum, use just one drop every morning and night to powerfully brighten and improve skin.
Can Niacinamide be Combined with Other Products?
While applying niacinamide alone will benefit your skin health in several ways, this powerful ingredient can also be combined with skin-benefiting vitamins like vitamin C and exfoliants like retinol. For example, the KX Active Concentrates Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C Serum combine these ingredients to target skin discoloration and premature signs of aging while simultaneously improving radiance and luminosity.
How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skincare Routine
Selecting a product that uses quality niacinamide and combines it with the ingredients mentioned above will help the product effectively penetrate your skin’s barrier and restore its youthful glow and nature.
When choosing any topical ingredient to add to your skincare routine, be sure to select one from a brand you trust. Topically applied skincare products must be formulated in a way so that they can move past your skin's protective barrier. Additionally, read the labels of your skincare products to determine when they should be applied. Some products are more effective when used during your morning skincare routine, while others boast more benefits during the night.
Before adding any new skincare products to your regimen, it's important to note your skin type and unique needs. While some complexions may benefit from applying a separate niacinamide solution, other skincare regimens can be simplified by using a product that combines multiple ingredients into one. However you choose to incorporate niacinamide, it's sure to upgrade your daily routine and your visible results.
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