Niacinamide for Great Skin

Check the ingredients in your face serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye creams, and you may be surprised to find “niacinamide” listed. Not to be confused with niacin, this is a different form of vitamin B3 that has the versatile ability to improve hyperpigmentation, visible signs of aging, and acne.

Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, allowing it to fight off free radical damage. It also increases skin’s resiliency, improves texture by making pores appear smaller, helps balance oil production, brightens the complexion, improves elasticity, and can be used by all skin types.

Topical niacinamide has been shown to reduce skin inflammation, which is why dermatologists use it to treat acne and rosacea. Niacinamide can also inhibit oil production, which is beneficial to those dealing with acne. And new research points toward the potential of niacinamide to protect against skin damage caused by UV radiation, which can decrease the risk of developing skin cancers.

The new distressing skin concern, “maskne,” acne due to facemasks, is rising. The friction from a mask, along with increased heat and humidity from trapped breath, makes a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Dermatologists are also seeing an increase in folliculitis (infected hair follicles) and other forms of dermatitis. Moisturizers rich in niacinamide that hydrate and protect the skin are proving to be beneficial for these issues.

When purchasing niacinamide skincare products, make sure the ingredient list includes “niacinamide,” not just niacin or vitamin B3. New to niacinamide? Introduce your skin to it gradually—use it just a few times per week—as it may result in mild redness, itching, or burning.

1. Transform puffy-looking eyes into wide-awake eyes with Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches. Cooling eye gel patches moisturize the delicate under-eye with niacinamide, while allantoin increases skin smoothness, caffeine depuffs, and vitamin C brightens dark circles. After 10 minutes, your under- eyes will feel soothed and refreshed.

2. Rejuvenate your under-eyes with Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care Eye Cream. Packed with niacinamide, peptides that help reduce wrinkles and under-eye discoloration, moisturizing shea butter, antioxidant white tea, and anti-inflammatory pomegranate seed oil, this light eye cream will reveal smoother, nourished skin.

3. Illuminate your complexion with InstaNatural Skin Brightening Serum. A blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha-arbutin, and licorice extract visibly reduces dark spots, while hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 hydrate and smooth lines and wrinkles. Use for a few weeks, and your skin will get its glow back.

4. Revive your skin with MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultra Hyaluronic Beauty Mist. Niacinamide, cactus water, hyaluronic acid, and plant stem cells refine and hydrate skin. Use as a toner or throughout the day to refresh.

5. Combat shine and oversized pores with Pacifica Pore Warrior Booster Serum. This concentrated oil fighter contains niacinamide, extracts of raspberry and black currant leaves, and silica. Use alone on clean skin or add a dropperful to your favorite moisturizer or foundation.