What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is an important part of multiple skincare routines and may have a positive impact on all skin types, especially sensitive skin. As we get into the more technical details of what this magical vitamin can do for your skin, we will begin to understand why it is the holy grail of skincare.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It has many functions but is mainly known for its anti-ageing effects, particularly on the skin. Niacinamide is an active form of vitamin B3 in your body, meaning that it can be absorbed and used by the cells of your skin.

The other form of vitamin B3, nicotinic acid, is actually not present in the diet, although it is produced by your body when needed. Nicotinic acid is sometimes also referred to as niacin.

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in food. The majority of the Niacin present in food is not biologically available, although small amounts of Niacin are available as free Niacin. Niacin status can be measured through the level of Niacin in the blood, in combination with other indicators such as the level of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

Niacinamide vs Niacin

While niacin is a water-soluble vitamin and Niacinamide is a fat-soluble vitamin, they both act as vasodilators in the body. Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels so more blood can travel through them, which leads to an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Therefore, increasing blood flow can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes and gout.

In fact, niacin and niacinamide in skincare products play an important role in maintaining good health. However, there are some key differences between the two vitamins that can be used for further explanation. 

Most of the supplements that are available in the market contain Niacin. It is therefore very important to understand its functions as well as its benefits and side effects.

The body is not capable of producing this vitamin on its own thus, we have to get it from external sources. The human body normally contains small quantities of niacin, niacinamide and nicotinamide. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 and it is present in our body in small quantities, but the difference between Niacin and Niacinamide is that the latter is also synthesised by the human body using the former. As a result, it is not considered to be an essential nutrient under normal circumstances

This vitamin has been used to reduce high cholesterol levels, blood pressure and high blood sugar in recent times. There has been evidence of improvement in these conditions using this vitamin. It has been tested on patients with hyperlipidemia and the results have been successful.

Niacinamide for Oily Skin

The primary reason for oily skin is due to large amounts of keratin and collagen in the top layer of your skin. This forms a protective barrier that helps your skin take in nutrients from the environment. Since excess oil also forms from these proteins, it creates a protective layer that stops toxins from entering your body. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely remove the cells from your pores. You just need to bring your pH balance back to normal and you should be good to go.

Oily skin is a common problem faced by many men and women, young and old. It is caused by an overproduction of sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin. Although excess sebum production helps to keep the skin moisturised, it can also cause breakouts and blackheads, especially on the face.

We all have an extra layer of skin that is supposed to keep our vital organs protected. This skin is called the ‘Epidermis’, and it is a very fine layer of skin that has cells called keratinocytes that continually form and shed, which is why we complain about our skin being oily at times.

Niacinamide can help to reduce oil production in the skin by slowing down the rate at which your sebaceous glands produce sebum. By adding a niacinamide serum day and night to your routine, you can curb excess oil from your face and decrease the severity of acne.

There are various niacinamide serum benefits for skin. It is a natural compound and has anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide is now a popular ingredient in skincare products and it claims to reduce acne and pimple breakouts, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin that is commonly caused by acne scars.

Niacinamide serum penetrates through the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin) to the lower layers of the skin, where the first signs of ageing show up. Niacinamide works by helping the other ingredients in topical products to be absorbed better.

Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide, is present in the human body. It acts as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is a nucleic acid that requires niacinamide to help produce energy from carbohydrates and fats. Niacinamide is naturally found in a variety of animal-derived and plant-based foods, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs and whole grains.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the body. With its antioxidant properties, Niacinamide can help slow down the ageing process as it promotes skin health.

As we age, our cell production decreases and this lessens the amount of hyaluronic acid that is produced. Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin elastic and has a water-binding function to keep skin moisturised. Skin that does not contain enough amounts of hyaluronic acid is prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines.

In addition, niacinamide helps reduce inflammation in the skin and prevent acne breakouts. When applied topically, it helps even out skin tone while improving the texture of the skin.

It helps reduce inflammation and to improve the appearance of the skin. It is used in the treatment of acne, eczema and rosacea.

However, it's always best to consult with your dermatologist to see what will work best for your skin. They may recommend starting slow, perhaps by incorporating niacinamide into your nightly routine and then building up to more frequent product applications.

Take Away

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 also known as nicotinamide and nicotinic acid. It is an amazing skincare ingredient that is making waves in the skincare industry, especially among people who have issues with ageing, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It not only helps with these problems but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.