Niacinamide: Uses, Benefits, Results, And Side Effects

Believe it or not, niacinamide has properties of skin magic! It is a powerhouse of magic. It has anti-aging properties, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, calming redness, fighting discoloration or pigmentation, and brightening tone. Moreover, it locks moisture into your skin, builds proteins, and works as a protecting agent from various environmental toxins and pollutants.

In This Article

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause problems with the skin, kidneys, and brain. Taking niacinamide from an external source can help prevent this deficiency. Topical niacinamide can prove to be very beneficial for your skin health. 

Benefits Of Niacinamide For The Skin?

Niacinamide can help build proteins within your skin and help lock in moisture. Some additional benefits of niacinamide are listed below:

1. Niacinamide helps reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions.
2. It helps shrink your pore size since it keeps your skin moisturized and plumped for longer and helps achieve the smooth skin texture you desire.
3. Niacinamide helps lock in moisture within your skin, creating a lipid barrier and preventing water loss.
4. This active ingredient regulates oil production from sebaceous glands. This can be especially beneficial for people with an oily skin type since it prevents your oil-producing glands from going into overdrive.
5. Since niacinamide helps build protein, it increases keratin production within your skin and helps keep the skin healthy and firm.
6. Niacinamide is beneficial in treating hyperpigmentation, but after four months of regular use, the effects are seen. It lightens the dark spots on your skin by increasing collagen production.
7. Niacinamide helps fight aging signs, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
8. It helps protect against sun damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays.
9. This active ingredient can best suit people with acne-prone skin. This is because it helps treat acne, especially severe acne, in the form of papules or pustules. 
10. Owing to its anti-oxidant properties, niacinamide helps protect healthy skin cells from environmental damage, such as toxins, pollution, and harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun.

Niacinamide Supplements

A balanced and healthy diet provides you with micronutrients like vitamin B3 or niacinamide. A doctor may recommend you start taking supplements if you are diagnosed with a deficiency of vitamin B3. 

You can obtain vitamin B3 from the following foods:

1. Green vegetables
2. Fish
3. Eggs
4. Milk
5. Beans
6. Cereals

Side Effects Of Niacinamide

Topical niacinamide is generally considered safe to use. People with a history of allergies may be more prone to allergic reactions. This is because niacinamide causes your body to release histamine. You can avoid common allergic reactions and product intolerances by doing a patch test:

• Apply a small amount of product to your forearms.
• Wait 24 hours.
• If you notice any redness, itching, or swelling, wash the area and discontinue use.
• If you don’t notice any side effects, it should be safe to use elsewhere.

What Results To Expect?

As with any new skin care product, it may take several weeks to see visible results. While most available studies describe significant improvement after four weeks of use, there is yet to be an exact timeline.

After eight weeks, you’ll notice more changes in your skin. This includes smoother, firmer, and moisturized skin. If you don’t see any changes within a few months, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. They can evaluate your skincare routine and advise on products to use dietary changes that can improve skin health, and more.

See Also

How to Choose the Best Facial Serum for Your Skin Concerns?

Conclusion

Niacinamide is a powerhouse of magic. It has anti-aging properties, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, calms redness, fights discolouration and pigmentation. Niacinamide helps reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions. It helps shrink your pore size since it keeps your skin moisturized and plumped for longer.

Niacinamide Explained: Dr Sam Bunting

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