How Niacinamide Helps Skin
September 11, 2020You’ve likely heard a lot about skin-care ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E, but they’re not the only powerhouse skin-care ingredients on shelves. Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is not only a buzzy ingredient right now, it has many skin benefits to offer, too. To find out more about niacinamide, we consulted with NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. Read on to learn about how niacinamide can improve your skin and what products to find it in.
What Is Niacinamide?
“Niacinamide serves as a precursor to molecules in your body that are responsible for cell proliferation, the repair of cellular damage and other biochemical necessities,” says Dr. King. In other words, niacinamide helps your skin function at its best. Studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have even shown that when applied topically, niacinamide can have stabilizing effects on the skin’s barrier function, which can help improve moisture retention and the appearance of wrinkles. Beyond that, niacinamide also assists in reducing the look of hyperpigmentation — talk about a multi-tasker!
How Is Niacinamide Different From Other Powerhouse Skin-Care Ingredients?
Niacinamide’s benefits may sound similar to those of ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, but there are a few reasons it deserves its own place in your routine. “Compared to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids, topical niacinamide is less irritating,” Dr. King says. “This makes niacinamide a great choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.”
How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Routine
Ahead, we rounded up five skin-care products with niacinamide.
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
This daily emulsion contains 5% niacinamide and 2.5% of a firming tri-peptide concentrate to help correct early signs of photoaging and even out skin tone.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
If you want to try niacinamide in a cleanser form, reach for the Purifying Foaming Cleanser from La Roche-Posay. This formula is created for oily to normal skin and contains prebiotic thermal spring water and ceramides to hydrate.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
A recommendation from Dr. King, the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It’s also oil-free, making it a great option for oily and combination skin types.
Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
In this non-drying spot treatment, mineral sulfur helps reduce blemishes while niacinamide brightens and helps balances the complexion.
SKINRx Madecera Cream
This multi-tasking moisturizer targets redness, dullness, acne and skin sensitivities thanks to an all-star list of ingredients that includes niacinamide, ceramides, madecassoside and adenosine.
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn
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