Niacinamide. Is it just another hype?

Along with other ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic and glycolic acid staying up high on the list of ingredients to ‘lookout for’, they have shown visible improvement in their skin. And more recently, you might be thinking of adding Niacinamide to your list. And..is it just another hype? Let’s find out!

While many of us are very eager to try new products, experts suggest that the idea of skin minimalism is a great way to keep our skin healthy. It is not about NOT using anything but keeping things simple and only using what our skin craves. Therefore, the very first step is to identify our skin type and what it needs for optimal health. Because, having too many products could lead to redundancy, reduce its effectiveness, and be counterproductive. As we embrace simplicity, our routine should consider a more holistic approach. Not just concentrating on a single bottle as its feature goes beyond its ingredients. It is about the formulation., how it compliments each other, your lifestyle and regime. 

So keep reading to find out about how this vitamin B(niacinamide) derivative can(or cannot) make a difference for various skin types and concerns.

Niacinamide or B3 is one of the eight different essential vitamins that our body needs for proper cellular function and good health. It promotes healthy skin cell function along with anti-inflammatory properties. Its high water solubility makes it an ideal ingredient in topical skincare products.

Its effect on our skin is a plus point! Besides building up proteins in our skin and locking in moisture to prevent and aid environmental harm, it builds our keratin levels for firmer skin and minimizes our pore appearance, reduces redness, and lipid barrier,  and eases other inflammatory skin conditions. It helps the skin regulate old production not just for dry skin but regulates the amount of oil production and prevents overactive oil glands. It protects the skin from sun damage u rebuilding healthy skin cells.

To add to the already long list, research has also found its benefits in reducing signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne problems by reducing the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, a bacteria that causes acne and also a whitening agent that can interfere with melanosome migration (not the production of pigment – explain more below).

Niacinamide is very well-tolerated if you follow an expert’s advice and keep within the range.  This does not mean that you should quickly jump onto the bandwagon but know your skin type and condition before adding these to your list. For example, research had highlighted that while niacinamide can help reduce hyperpigmentation, it does not decrease the amount of pigment your body produces and should not entirely rely on it for discolouration purposes. So know your skin type or take a skin analysis before deciding on what works best!