Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help give you the skin you’ve always dreamed of.
It’s a skin-soothing powerhouse
Niacinamide is probably best known (and talked about) as an anti-inflammatory. Not only does niacinamide help improve your skin’s barrier function, which is important in preventing inflammation, but it also acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin against environmental stressors that can cause irritation. And because topical niacinamide is rarely sensitizing when used correctly it’s excellent at calming rosacea, eczema, acne or keratosis pilaris.
It’s a secret acne-fighter
Wait, an ingredient that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet strong enough to treat acne? Yup. Studies have shown niacinamide to be as effective at treating breakouts as clindamycin (a topical antibiotic often prescribed for acne) when applied twice a day for eight weeks. Plus, it’s also thought to help regulate your skin’s sebum (aka oil) production, which, in turn, can help reduce and prevent blackheads.
It’s a skin-plumping machine
.Quick biology lesson: Ceramides are fatty molecules that work to strengthen your skin barrier, keeping it plump, smooth and hydrated. Basically, they’re the moisture building blocks of your skin. Niacinamide can actually help your body produce even more of those building blocks, and more ceramides = happier skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s an amazing brightener
Niacinamide can help with hyperpigmentation—both brown and red spots—caused by acne, sun damage or melasma. And unlike the usual spot-lighteners, which can hardcore irritate skin, niacinamide works its miracles gently—and quickly: One study found that 5% niacinamide significantly lightened hyperpigmentation in just four weeks
It Hydrates Your Skin
Moisturized skin is happy skin. Dry skin, on the other hand, is more susceptible to irritation, inflammation, and breakouts. One of our favorite niacinamide benefits is that it helps improve your skin’s moisture barrier function. As a result, niacinamide helps reduce the
amount of water loss your skin experiences through the natural evaporation process. This helps keep your skin hydrated and works to prevent dry skin.