PT Health Life – In the beauty industry, niacinamide is a famous skin care ingredient.
Although niacinamide is not exactly new and has been used in skin care for many years, it has recently made a splash for its numerous skin benefits and it is a key ingredient in a range of new products. .
1. What is Niacinamide?
Dr Katie Beleznay, a dermatologist in Canada , says: ‘ Niacinamide, which may also be called nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 has long been shown to have health benefits – such as helping maintain healthy cells in the body and improving metabolism – when consumed through foods and supplements . Early studies also show promising results when used topically.
2. What are the skin care benefits of using niacinamide?
As a skin care ingredient, niacinamide has many benefits, including anti-inflammatory and brightening properties that help soothe skin and even fade hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide is very gentle, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin . Niacinamide may also benefit those with acne- prone skin as it has been shown to reduce oil production.
As is often the case with active ingredients, benefits vary depending on the concentration of niacinamide contained in the product you are using. Studies show that a 2% concentration of the ingredient helps prevent transepidermal water loss, leaving skin more hydrated .
Data shows that a 4% concentration may be beneficial for calming inflammation and controlling oil production, while a 5% concentration may be beneficial for soothing inflammation and controlling oil production, says Dr. Renée Beach, dermatologist and founder of DermAtelier on Avenue in Toronto . % may reduce hyperpigmentation when used twice daily ‘ .
Overall, Beleznay adds, niacinamide also helps strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the turnover of dead skin cells and boosting collagen production, which helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. .
3. Can niacinamide be used on all skin types?
All skin types can benefit from using niacinamide, from dry and sensitive to oily skin. Beleznay often recommends it to patients who cannot tolerate more abrasive skin care ingredients, like retinol, because it is gentle, effective, and easily incorporated into any existing skin care routine. any.
4. Does Niacinamide have potential side effects?
” Anything we put on our skin has the potential to cause a reaction, but niacinamide is generally very well tolerated, ” says Beleznay . Both Beleznay and Beach note that ingredient tolerability also depends on the concentration used. If you experience irritation or redness, stop using the product until the reaction resolves and try a lower concentration.
According to Beleznay and Beach, vitamin B3 derivatives are safe to use on all skin tones. ‘ While niacinamide is commonly used to fade dark spots and brighten the skin, it is not a bleaching agent and will not cause discoloration on darker skin tones, ‘ says Beleznay .
Niacinamide is also safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It ‘s an essential nutrient, says Beleznay . Only a small amount is absorbed into the body when it is applied to the skin ‘.
5. Can niacinamide be used with other active skin care ingredients?
Retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid — there’s no shortage of science-backed skin care ingredients on the market promising great results, but finding the right combination for your skin can be tricky. a challenge.
Beach recommends choosing three to four active ingredients and rotating them throughout the week. She explains: ‘ For example, niacinamide can be used during the day or at night, but retinol should be used at the opposite time of day or on a different day, and the same goes for vitamin C. One ingredient that pairs well with niacinamide (and many others) is hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid, which can be used daily, multiple times a day ‘ .
If you experience irritation from any combination of ingredients or skin care products, Beleznay recommends removing one or more active ingredients to allow your skin to heal.
