What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide: Brighten your skin

It is a tongue twister but sorth introducing it in your everyday skincare. But what is Niaci-what?

Why niacinamide should be part of your everyday and even better, on your skin. Let's have a look.

1. What is niacinamide?
2. What does niacinamide do in our body?
3. What can niacinamide do in cosmetics?
4. Niacinamide for skin diseases & disorders?
5. Niacinamide: New hero in the bathroom cabinet

1. WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE?

Niacinamide is a substance produced naturally in the body. Or more precisely, the active, water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Niacin is formed in the liver by the very valuable amino acid tryptophan, but unfortunately not enough to cover our entire needs. But don't worry, we also absorb niacin through food. Especially fish, meat, but also beans, peanuts and mushrooms are rich in niacin.

2. WHAT DOES NIACINAMIDE DO IN OUR BODY?

Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3. It is involved in several processes in the body in the form of the two energy building blocks NAD+ and NADP+. These include, for example, processes of protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. This means that it is crucial for a good and fast regeneration of the nervous system, the muscles and the skin.

3. WHAT CAN NIACINAMIDE DO IN COSMETICS?

Regenerates & protects

Niacinamide supports the natural regeneration of the skin, builds up the natural skin barrier and protects it. Studies have shown that even damaged skin can regenerate through the continuous use of niacinamide, especially when damaged by dryness.

Improves skin texture

Recent studies have shown that after 3 months of using niacinamide, hyperpigmentation, skin disorders, yellow discolouration and large pores were significantly reduced.

Cares for particularly mature skin

Vitamin B3 stimulates collagen production, the substance that keeps the skin elastic and plump. In combination with its regenerative properties, niacinamide thus provides more elasticity and refines wrinkles.

Has an anti-inflammatory effect

Niacinamide prevents the spread of inflammatory molecules, bacteria and viruses on the skin.

Relieves itching and dryness

It supports the formation of the skin's own ceramides, the building blocks of the skin barrier. As a result, the skin regenerates, is able to protect itself naturally and stabilise its moisture balance. It also inhibits the release of histamine in the cells, which is a trigger for itching.

Moisturises

By building up and supporting the skin barrier, the skin can naturally stabilise its own moisture balance.

4. NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN DISEASES & CONDITIONS?

Especially when the skin is feeling unbalanced or particularly demanding, the search for compatible, effective cosmetics can be quite nerve-racking. If you can place your skin here, niacinamide might be worth a try to bring it back to its healthy functionality in a natural way. Of course, we recommend visiting your dermatologist or beautician first to get an accurate diagnosis for your skin and to clarify any questions you may have.

Acne vulgaris

It reduces sebum production, has an anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect, which is why there can be a visible improvement in the appearance of the skin. Studies have shown that less sebum is produced after only 2-4 weeks. Pustules, papules and comedones were noticeably reduced in 82% of the test persons after 8 weeks.

Melasma

Niacinamide reduces melanin production, which reduces hyperpigmentation.

Atopic dermatitis and rosacea

Water loss from the skin is significantly reduced by stimulating the production of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol in the corneal layer of the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, niacinamide can reduce papules and inflammatory redness in most cases. The overall structure, skin texture and elasticity are also improved as niacinamide indirectly boosts keratin production.

Skin cancer

UV radiation damages our DNA. When our repair mechanism does not work properly, there is increased cell death and disturbed energy metabolism in our cells. This increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The use of niacin has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances that damage DNA.

5. NIACINAMIDE: NEW HERO IN THE BATHROOM CABINET

It's no surprise that niacinamide is becoming increasingly popular in cosmetics, given its many benefits, is it? Especially now, in the time of sunbathing, sea days and summer walks, niacinamide can do us some good thanks to its regenerative and cell-protecting effect: Namely, keep our skin in balance and support it in its natural functions.

Our Antioxidant Defence Booster contains 5% niacinamide and you can either use it in the morning and evening and mix it with your Everyday Glow Serum or Aura Essence. To use, after cleansing, apply one spoonful to your palm, mix it with your Glow Serum or Aura Essence and apply it to the cheeks, nose and forehead and gently massage from the inside out. Before using a cream or one of our oils, give the niacinamide a few minutes to work in.

Enjoy and we would love to hear from you! 

Some of your key questions, we regularly receive which we like to answer in this article as well:

Can I use niacinamide everyday?

Yes, you can absolutely use niacinamide in your everyday skincare routine. Like we mentioned, it doesn’t interact negatively with other common ingredients and is well tolerated, even for those with sensitive skin. In fact, I recommend using niacinamide every day in order to see the best results. Just make sure you are following the product directions to ensure you are using the correct amount. And ideally don’t use products that have more than 5% of niacinamide. 

Are there any side effects from niacinamide?

Niacinamide rarely causes negative side effects and is a safe, gentle, low risk ingredient. But, even if rare, as with any skincare product, there’s always a chance of an allergic reaction. High concentrations of niacinamide in a product may increase the risk of irritation, so immediately discontinue use if your skin becomes red or irritated. Reactions are infrequent and most users don’t encounter any issues.

Is niacinamide or hyaluronic acid better?

The choice between niacinamide and hyaluronic aci depends on the specific skincare concerns. Niacinamide is versatile and addresses issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, while hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse for hydration and is suitable for all skin types. A well-rounded everyday skincare routine definitely includes both ingredients to provide comprehensive care for various skin needs.

Core takeaways 

Incorporating niacinamide into your everyday skincare routine is a simple yet transformative step toward achieving healthier and more radiant skin. As we've explored, niacinamide offers many benefits, from boosting hydration and reducing fine lines to evening out skin tone and calming inflammation. It's a versatile vitamin that caters to every skin concern and condition, making it a must-have in a non-invasive beauty routine.