Niacinamide is a skin care ingredient that has become very popular in recent years. It's used as a moisturizer, anti-aging agent, sunscreen, and even acne treatment. But how exactly does it work? What makes it so effective?
There are many myths surrounding niacinamide. In this post, we'll debunk these myths and explain why niacinamide works so well. We'll also look at the science behind niacinamide and see how it works.
The truth is, niacinamide is a great skin care ingredient because it helps repair damaged skin cells, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow. This means that it will help heal scars, reduce redness, and prevent future breakouts.
We'll go over everything you need to know about niacinamide including its benefits, ingredients, uses, and safety.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a skin care ingredient that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's found naturally in milk, meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and vegetables.
Most people use niacinamide to help reduce the visibility of dark spots and discoloration on the face and neck. It's especially effective when used in combination with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and retinol (vitamin A).
Niacinamide works by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
When combined with vitamin C and retinol, niacinamide reduces the appearance of sunspots, freckles, and age spots. It also increases the effectiveness of these ingredients.
How does niacinamide work? The active form of niacinamide is nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is converted to NAD+ in cells. NAD+ plays a role in cellular metabolism and energy production.
NAD+ is also involved in DNA repair, cell growth, and cell division. It's important for maintaining healthy skin because it promotes the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm and elastic.
Niacinamide is available in topical creams, serums, gels, lotions, and masks. It's most commonly used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.
Sources:
- Walocko, Frances M., et al. "The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment." Dermatologic Therapy (2017).
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 13 (4) – Dec 1, 2014, A review of nicotinamide: treatment of skin diseases and potential side effects
- Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014;27:311-315, Niacinamide - Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology
- Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2004 Apr;3(2):88-93., Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin.
- Shalita, Alan R., et al. "Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inelammatory acne vulgaris." International journal of dermatology 34.6 (1995): 434-437.
- Navarrete-Solís, Josefina, et al. "A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma." Dermatology research and practice 2011 (2011).
- Tanno, O., et al. "Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier." British Journal of Dermatology 143.3 (2000): 524-531.