In the ABC'S of skincare, the most often overlooked powerhouse ingredient is Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide. A quick review of the fundamentals of skincare include these MUST haves- Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), Vitamin C and Sunscreen. Niacinamide is a standout skin-restoring ingredient because it dramatically benefits a wide range of skin conditions - from oily, breakout prone skin types to dry, compromised skin barriers. Let's dive deeper into its positives for your skin!
Minimizes the appearance of pores and redness
Niacinamide is best known for its ability to help visibly REDUCE ENLARGED PORES. It does this by regulating sebum production and improving skin texture. It helps tighten and reduce the appearance of pores, leading to smoother and more refined skin. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great solution for oily and acne-prone skin types. It also helps reduce redness and soothes inflamed acne. Those with sensitive skin, including rosacea or eczema, can find relief with Vitamin B3 too. Be careful with higher concentrations of niacinamide because it can be irritating. Dermatologists recommend a 5% concentration serum as the perfect percentage.
Enhances skin barrier strength and hydration
B3 increases keratin production which keeps your skin's barrier function in tip-top shape. Your skin is a perfect layer of protection for your body - keeping bad things out and good things in. Niacinamide keeps that barrier strong by boosting its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. This is another reason why it is useful for those who have sensitive skin or are suffering from dry, dehydrated skin. Big time bonus - it BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION which leads to a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Who knew?
Mitigates negative effects of environmental stressors and brightens skin tone
An advantage of niacinamide's antioxidant power is that is can help visibly repair damage from UV light. That's a huge plus to people suffering from hyperpigmentation because they spent way too much time as kids rubbing baby oil on instead of sunscreen. It works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) to the skin's surface. Over time this can lead to a more uniform skin tone with FEWER DARK SPOTS. Remember, none of this will happen overnight. We've all read the reviews of people who try a new product for a week and say that they don't see any changes so it must not work. You have to give all of these amazing ingredients time to do their jobs. Your skin challenges did not happen overnight and the solutions won't either.
No longer the forgotten skincare hero
When incorporated into a well-rounded skincare routine, niacinamide can work synergistically with other ingredients to AMPLIFY their benefits. Whether used in a serum, moisturizer, or treatment product, this versatile vitamin is a valuable addition to ANY skincare regimen, offering a wide range of advantages for all skin types. It's also easy to find because so many skincare products include niacinamide. I use Topicals Faded serum to help with my melasma. It works great when I have to cycle off hydroquinone. Another serum to try for dark spots is First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum. You want to look for a product that is 5% niacinamide - the ideal amount. There are many serums specifically designed to reduce pore size using B3. A great one to try is Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum. It's fragrance free and has a long list of beneficial ingredients.
Good luck on your skincare journey! I'll see you back here as we continue our ABC'S of skincare journey and delve into our next powerhouse ingredient - Vitamin C.