Here’s Why Niacinamide Deserves A Spot In Your Beauty Cupboard  

You might have heard or read somewhere about the too good to be true niacinamide benefits. If you are puzzled about whether it’s worthy of a spot in your beauty cupboard or not, this article is an excellent place to start.   

We ask a dermatologist to explain everything you know about this powerhouse superhero vitamin: niacinamide skin benefits, how to use it, ways to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine, plus the best alternatives.  

  

What are the benefits of niacinamide for the skin?

Niacinamide is part of the Vitamin B3 family. You will commonly find niacinamide in serums and moisturisers. Niacinamide’s benefits for your skin are manifold, and they target a slew of skin concerns.    

“Niacinamide benefits include being anti-inflammatory (soothes and calms redness in rosacea and clears acne), boost ceramide production, strengthening the skin barrier and upping skin moisture levels,” Dr Mia Jing Gao, London based Consultant Dermatologist, tells Beauty Daily.  

Other benefits include minimising and tightening pores and regulating sebum production.  

A study also shows niacinamide is a great anti-ageing ingredient that improves collagen and elastin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing skin elasticity.  

If ever there was an ingredient all-rounder, this is it.   

Does niacinamide brighten skin?

Yes. Data shows niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer. Niacinamide is also an effective ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation, including age spots and helping even out all skin tones.  

Not to mention niacinamide is compatible with other actives.  

“It is well tolerated and can be used safely in combination with retinoids and other active ingredients like Vitamin C,” Dr Gao adds.  

Are there any side effects associated with niacinamide?

Every skin type can benefit from making niacinamide a staple in their beauty arsenals.  

“Almost everyone can use niacinamide, and it is an ideal ingredient for someone with sensitive skin to start with as it is gentle and well-tolerated,” Dr Gao says.    

Can I use niacinamide every day?   

It is safe to use every day and can even be used on the delicate skin around the eyes,”  Dr Gao says.    

However, it’s always best to patch test skincare products first and stop if you experience any reaction.  

How to layer niacinamide with other products

Niacinamide is available in skincare products in a myriad of ways. Whether you opt for a serum or moisturiser, layer your skincare products accordingly to reap its benefits.    

The rule of thumb for skincare is to apply the lightest product first, and the heaviest last since thinner products can’t penetrate through thicker ones.  

Post-cleanse and toner, apply niacinamide serum first and layer with a vitamin-C-infused moisturiser; apply the serum first, then follow up with the cream. 

However, if you use a water-based niacinamide serum and a retinol oil-based serum in your routine, apply water-based products first. Let them absorb into your skin, and then apply oil-based products on top. Keep in mind oil and water don’t mix, and oil can block water from penetrating.  

Wait a minute or two for your serums to fully seep into your skin. This will prevent pilling when you apply your moisturiser or sunscreen on top. 

Read next: Your Skincare Routine Order Explained  

What per cent of niacinamide should I use?

While niacinamide is highly tolerated and best for all skin types, it can be found in varying concentrations, with 10% being the highest. As a result, it may lead some to skin irritations, while a concentration that is too low will have minimal effect.  

Dermatologists recommend finding something between the numbers 3% and 5%. So, please do check the label.  

However, if you are concerned about the right amount of concentration and the perplexities that come with it, there are other niacinamide alternatives you can use, providing similar results. 

What are the best niacinamide alternatives?

1. To minimise and tighten pores, try Pore Control Serum

If you dream of perfect skin with practically invisible pores, let this pore control serum make it a reality. 80% of women report that this skincare product helps control their pores and 87% say the size and appearance of their pores have improved after 28 days.  

It is formulated with vine flower cell extract, which is proven to help the collagen and elastin fibre synthesise, thereby minimising pore size.  

It also has strawberry tree fruit which helps reduce excess sebum and keep shine under control. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, and could help reduce inflammation associated with acne.  

  

Add to cart: Pore Control Serum £46

2. To address all signs of skin ageing, try Double Serum

Niacinamide is a master of everything, from tackling fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation, acne, oily skin, dehydration, and uneven skin tone. If there’s one all-rounder skin product with the same benefits (if not more), it’s the cult favourite Double Serum.  

It works on the five vital skin functions for visibly younger-looking skin.  

1. Hydration – Supports the skin’s natural barrier and up skin moisture levels.  
2. Nutrition – Enhances cellular nutrition and promotes the absorption of nutrients for healthy skin.  
3. Protection – Fights free radicals and helps protect the cells from oxidative stress. 
4. Oxygenation – Boosts radiance and stimulates the growth of new cells boosting skin radiance and complexion.  
5. Regeneration – Promotes skin’s firmness and visibly minimises fine lines and wrinkles.  

All that is made possible with 21 potent plant extracts making it a powerful age-control concentrate. The leading plant extract is the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant turmeric.  

Skin is left more radiant and firmer, fine lines are smoothed, and pores appear reduced after seven days. A survey shows that 88% of women notice visibly smoother skin, 83% more radiant skin and 74% visibly firmer skin.  

No wonder one bottle sells every eight seconds around the globe. We’re obsessed with it, and we know you will be too!   

Add to cart: Double Serum starts, £60