A Guide to the Skin Care Benefits of Niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3)
EVERYDAY SKINCARE
Niacinamide is a water-soluble nutrient that can help improve a variety of skin concerns. Gaining popularity in the skincare industry due to its versatility and visible results, niacinamide is a subsect of vitamin B3 and can be referred as two names interchangeably. Read on to develop an understanding on how this important vitamin can be used to visibly enhance your skin for a softer, smoother and more balanced looking complexion.
Benefits of Niacinamide (or Vitamin B3) on The Skin
Unlike its complex name, the benefits of niacinamide are straightforward. By learning about the different uses of this versatile vitamin, you will be able to identify how this ingredient can help you.
Improve Hydration with Niacinamide
A key cause of dry or dehydrated skin is a weakened skin barrier that does not lock in moisture effectively. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help improve the skin’s protective barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides within the skin. Ceramides are important components of the skin and help maintain strong bonds between the cells to help strengthen the natural skin barrier. Niacinamide’s role can therefore lead to an improved ability for the skin to retain moisture. Similarly, oily skin can be a result of moisture loss, leaving the sebaceous glands (oil production) to work extra hard when the skin feels dehydrated. This increased oil level can result in a greasy skin texture, due to the skin responding to moisture loss. To enhance the natural skin barrier, seal in the skin’s moisture levels with vitamin B3.
Vitamin B3 Strengthens Your Skin Against Irritants
As outlined above, niacinamide has the ability to help improve the skin’s natural protective barrier. A strong stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) is the first line of defence against exposure to irritants that could be potential triggers for sensitive skin and other skin concerns. Many different skin conditions are a response to external aggravators like pollen, chemicals, artificial fragrances, and harsh weather which may damage the skin barrier. Niacinamide can help boost the skin’s ability to tolerate these external factors better through helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
Niacinamide can Visibly Reduce Environmental Damage
A strong antioxidant, niacinamide is a powerful force against skin damage from environmental aggressors. Antioxidants have a strong ability to reduce oxidative stress, a harmful reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to different external or internal elements. The skin produces ‘free radicals’ when exposed to a range of lifestyle choices like UV exposure, smoking, pollution, diet and more. Free radicals are unpaired and chaotic electrons that can harm healthy skin cells. However, antioxidants provide a singular electron to match and neutralise these free radicals. Antioxidants like niacinamide are important for visibly improving the skin’s health and countering the visible effects of environmental damage.
Minimise Signs of Ageing Skin with Niacinamide
Collagen is an important anti-ageing protein that keeps the skin looking firm and youthful, however, when collagen production decreases it can result in sagging skin with volume loss. Niacinamide has the ability to help improve the skin’s collagen production which results in visibly fuller skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating niacinamide into a skincare routine can help manage signs of ageing by helping to boost the skin’s volume.
Manage Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots with Niacinamide
Niacinamide can be used to target dark spots on the skin as it can help to break down excess melanin. Melanin is a pigment found in most humans and animals, giving the skin its unique colour. However, patches of excess melanin can form as a result of environmental factors like UV exposure, that’s why skin can change colour under the sun. Niacinamide can target pigmentation and dark spots by visibly reducing these areas.
Using Niacinamide on Different Skin Types
While niacinamide has powerful benefits for the skin, it remains a very gentle skincare ingredient that is easy to work with. It is generally well tolerated on all skin types, including sensitive. This receptive nature extends when niacinamide is used alongside other active ingredients, and works well with antioxidants, retinol, chemical exfoliants (AHAs & BHAs) and several other skincare ingredients. Begin introducing niacinamide into a skincare routine to visibly improve your complexion, as vitamin B3 can be helpful for various skin concerns.
Skincare Products with Niacinamide
Niacinamide has been used in different skincare products to enhance the skin’s complexion and youthfulness. Discover some of the products formulated with niacinamide to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Ageing skin often forms around the eyes first, and to target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, opt for a hydrating eye cream. Formulated with niacinamide for its collagen-boosting properties, the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream can brighten the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of puffiness.
The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser will gently wash impurities away for a fresher complexion. The active ingredient of niacinamide helps to soothe the skin, without disrupting the skin barrier.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 15
Provide hydration with an effective facial moisturiser, the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 15 incorporates niacinamide’s hydrating benefits for an effective morning lotion.
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum works to increase skin hydration, with its inclusion of hyaluronic acid & niacinamide. The combination of the two skincare ingredients work well to restore moisture back into the skin.
With exfoliating and moisturising properties, the CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream can improve the texture of your feet. Featuring salicylic acid for its exfoliating abilities and vitamin B3 for its reparative properties, this balanced foot cream will keep your feet looking soft and smooth.
Summary
Developed with dermatologists to deliver effective skincare, CeraVe understands the importance of powerful ingredients like niacinamide. Their full range of products have been carefully developed to meet different skincare needs, from normal to sensitive skin. Read about different skincare ingredients, tips and tricks in CeraVe’s Blog to learn more about how the skin works.