The benefits of niacinamide for the skin
Do you have dry, inflamed skin or want to combat blackheads? Then this dossier is for you. We tell you all you need to know about vitamin B3 and the important roles it plays on our facial skin.
What is vitamin B3 for the skin?
Origin and nature of niacinamide
Niacinamide is an ingredient frequently used in cosmetic skin care products. It is also known as vitamin B3 and is part of the B vitamin complex, a vitamin playing a major role in cellular metabolism.
It has numerous benefits for the skin, including anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and brightening properties. It can be included in the formulation of creams, lotions, serums, masks, etc.
Source: Passeport santé - Niacinamide: skin benefits
Niacin nicotinamide: its formulation
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, has established itself as a must-have ingredient in the world of cosmetics and should be incorporated into your beauty routine due to its many benefits for the skin.
This derived form of niacin offers a versatile approach to improving skin health and appearance.
Properties of niacinamide
Anti-inflammatory and soothing action
Niacinamide is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and soothing action. It calms skin irritation and redness.
It also helps strengthen the skin barrier, acting as a shield against external aggression and reducing susceptibility to inflammatory reactions.
Niacinamide's role in sebum regulation
Thanks to its properties, niacinamide has many roles and benefits in sebum regulation:
- It helps reduce oil production by the sebaceous glands. This helps to prevent dilated, clogged pores and make the skin look smoother.
- With its anti-inflammatory benefits, it helps reduce inflammation associated with excessive sebum production.
- It also helps maintain hydration, preventing the skin from producing too much sebum.
Effect on hyperpigmentation and spots
Vitamin B3 also plays a role in hyperpigmentation and spots. In fact, the lightening benefits of vitamin B3 prevent the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. This prevents the appearance of spots.
What's more, by strengthening the skin barrier, vitamin B3 also protects against environmental stress factors such as pollution and UV rays, which also contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Regular application of a product containing niacinamide will therefore help keep your facial skin radiant.
Source: Typology - Niacinamide, an active ingredient effective against dark spots
The anti-aging power of niacinamide
This active ingredient helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by promoting the production of collagen, an essential protein that helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
It fights free radicals, minimizing premature skin aging and reducing the signs of aging.
It also improves skin texture by promoting cell renewal and helping to soften skin texture.
As seen above, it also helps reduce dark spots and strengthen the skin barrier.
Vitamin B3 and acne
Action against pimples and blackheads
Niacinamide is renowned for its targeted action on pimples and blackheads. Thanks to its regulating effect on sebum production, it helps prevent clogged pores, the primary cause of these skin imperfections.
It also has an antibacterial action, effective against the micro-organisms responsible for inflammatory acne reactions.
Finally, by reinforcing the cutaneous barrier, it prepares the skin to better resist external aggressions, which are also triggers for blemishes.
Purging: a possible side effect of niacinamide?
Purging is the process by which the skin rids itself of all its toxins and impurities, eliminating dead cells after the use of a skincare product, which then end up on the skin's surface, causing pimples or skin irregularities.
This active ingredient is a gentle, non-irritating skin care product. It does not cause purging and is even suitable for sensitive skin. So you don't have to worry about these side effects!
Source: Paula's Choice - Skin purging VS blemishes: what does purging skin look like?
Vitamin B3 for rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness and dilated blood vessels. In such cases, niacinamide can be applied with great benefit. Its anti-inflammatory benefits will help reduce skin redness.
By strengthening the cutaneous barrier, it also helps improve skin resilience to rosacea triggers. Finally, with its sebum-regulating benefits, it helps prevent symptoms from worsening by maintaining the skin's lipid balance.
The use of niacinamide in cosmetic products
Niacinamide-based serums, creams, masks and other face care products
Incorporated into a multitude of cosmetic products, niacinamide offers a wide range of benefits.
Vitamin B3-based serums, applied before moisturizing cream, are ideal for incorporating into your beauty routine to take full advantage of its properties. They are often concentrated with this active ingredient, offering targeted action on imperfections and pigmentation spots. Discover the many organic and natural niacinamide serums on our e-shop.
Moisturizing face creams containing vitamin B3, adapted to your skin type, help regulate sebum secretion and rehydrate the skin. They are particularly recommended for dry skin.
Natural face masks with vitamin B3, to be applied topically once or twice a week, soothe irritation and redness, while improving skin elasticity. The revitalizing bio-moisturizing Mask 27 from cosmetics brand Cosmetics 27 is an ideal treatment for your skin.
Other organic and natural face care products with vitamin B3 can complement these routines to maximize the benefits of this active ingredient on the skin.
Niacinamide and hair care
Niacinamide can also be used on the hair.
It promotes cell renewal and energizes hair, making it more supple.
Vitamin B3 also helps strengthen hair and protect it from external aggression, thanks to its antioxidant benefits. Your hair will look healthier and shinier.
Niacinamide and the sun: what you need to know
Niacinamide offers many benefits for your skin, not least its help against damage caused by sun exposure.
However, the use of vitamin B3 does not replace the use of sun protection. On our e-shop you'll find a selection of organic and natural facial sun creams.
Source: Paula's Choice - How niacinamide improves skin condition
Synergy of niacinamide with other active ingredients
Combining niacinamide and zinc for balanced skin
Do you want balanced skin? The combination of vitamin B3 and zinc is the perfect mix for your skin and can be added to your beauty routine!
Zinc, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, is an ideal ally for combating imperfections and regulating sebum production.
As for niacinamide, it supports the skin barrier, reinforces hydration and protects the skin from external aggression.Together, they help control excess sebum, prevent the appearance of imperfections and promote healthy, balanced skin.
Their combined benefits are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, but are also suitable for all skin types.
Compatibility with other active ingredients: salicylic acid, retinol...
Niacinamide is known for its compatibility with many other star active ingredients found in many skin care products. However, it is important to note that certain combinations may require careful use or adjustment according to individual skin sensitivity.
It goes wonderfully well with organic and natural hyaluronic acid, as well as salicylic acid and retinol.
As for glycolic acid (AHA) and vitamin C, they can also be used with vitamin B3, although some people prefer to apply them at different times in their routine. If you have sensitive skin, it may be wise to start by introducing these ingredients gradually to assess your skin's tolerance.
However, as always, it's advisable to test a small area of skin beforehand to ensure individual compatibility.
Now you know all about the benefits of this active ingredient. If you'd like to find out more, we invite you to visit other articles based on your skin type:
- Our acne skin guide & routine
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