The Need for Niacinamide

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B-3 and is essential in preventing disorders relating to skin, kidneys and the brain.

Benefits of Niacinamide include:

1. Helping build keratin which is needed for immunity by helping to keep your skin firm and healthy

2. Regulating sebum (oil) production by the sebaceous glands

3. Reducing inflammation which can help with people suffering from conditions such as acne or eczema 

4. Reduce the appearance of pores - although the actually size of your pores cannot be changed, niacinamide can help minimise their appearance by keeping your skin smooth and clear and preventing clogged pores

5. Protecting against oxidative stress (and sunlight, pollution and toxins) by strengthening epithelial skin cells

Topical Niacinamide treatments:

• Most topical niacinamide treatments are relatively low risk 

• The concentrations of niacinamide found in different products can vary. However, most products contain 5%

• Can be used once or twice daily after cleansing - suitable to be part of your am and pm routines 

• Water-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid pair well with niacinamide as they are able to keep moisture in the skin while managing excess sebum production 

Things to watch out for:

• Do not mix niacinamide with strong acidic ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs as it can cause skin irritation

Product recommendations:

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

2. Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 10% Booster

3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum