INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: NIACINAMIDE

Another staple ingredient in a quality skincare routine is niacinamide, AKA a form of vitamin B3. We ingest vitamin B3 and integrate it naturally into our bodies through the food we eat or the supplements we take, but a topical application of niacinamide is known to have direct benefits on the skin.

 

SO, WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE, EXACTLY?

 

There are two major forms of vitamin B3: nicotinic acid and niacinamide. The latter is most often sought out to help with the management of acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and fine lines.

 

Niacinamide can “improve skin texture and strengthen the protective barrier function of the skin, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation that most often appears as dry, irritated or flaky skin," explains says Dr. Monica Li, a dermatologist and clinical instructor in the Department of Dermatology & Skin Science at the University of British Columbia. She also adds that niacinamide can help reduce unwanted pigmentation and increase cell turnover, improving the look of aging skin.

 

Because niacinamide is known to increase the resilience of the skin barrier (increasing natural lipids found on the skin surface and reducing water loss), it helps to improve skin texture and protect from environmental stresses such as sunlight, pollution, and oxidative stress.

 

It also helps balance oil production and is safe to use for all skin types. Because niacinamide is non-irritating compared to other treatments, it is an especially practical option for those with sensitive skin.

 

BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE

 

• As aforementioned, niacinamide is a lipid barrier. This means it helps to retain moisture on the skin. This is extremely beneficial for all skin types, and especially so for those with dehydrated or mature skin. Remember––hydrated skin adds youth to your complexion!
• Keeping your skin adequately moisturized can also help regulate the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce. Therefore, this prevents them from going into overdrive in order to rebalance parched skin, and hence reduces the chances of breakouts.
• Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an amazing treatment for skin conditions caused by inflammation, such as acne and eczema.
• Niacinamide contributes to the rebuilding of healthy skin cells, helping reverse the damage of oxidative stressors (such as UV rays). While it doesn’t adequately protect against sun damage like an SPF, it can be an amazing, gentle treatment for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Though all skin types can benefit from niacinamide, Dr. Li warns that combining niacinamide with vitamin C may irritate sensitive skin types. For those with sensitive skin who want to use both ingredients in their skincare routine, applying one ingredient in the morning and one at night (or even using them on alternating days) is a great solution.

 

OUR FAVOURITE NIACINAMIDE PRODUCTS

 

SKINVACIOUS NIACINAMIDE & COLLAGEN SERUM $64

 

PCA SKIN PORE MINIMIZER SKIN MATTIFYING GEL $93

 

GM COLLIN PARIS PURACTIVE+ CLEANSING FOAM $40

 

ELTA MD PM THERAPY FACIAL MOISTURIZER $74

 

SWISS LINE ESSENCE MASKS RESURFACING INFUSION MASK $140

 

Until next time, take care of the skin you are in!

 

The BSE team