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Niacinamide in Skincare Routines: What Does It Do?

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a common skincare ingredient that’s been making a splash in the skincare world. But if you aren’t quite sure what this ingredient actually does, we’re here to clear the air.

Read on as we dive into everything you need to know about Niacinamide, including what it is, what benefits you can expect to see and how you can get started with Niacinamide in your skincare routine. 

What Is Niacinamide?

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is a stable vitamin with a long list of well-documented topical effects. Though close in name to niacin, these are two different forms of vitamin B3. Niacinamide is a commonly used skincare ingredient to treat acne, eczema and other skin disorders.

Niacinamide is one of the most well-researched anti-aging cosmeceuticals. It contains various properties that can assist in smoothing the texture of the skin.

We cannot generate Niacinamide on our own, making it especially crucial to get enough of this vitamin through diet or supplements. Niacinamide is water-soluble, and we can either consume it or apply it topically to reap its benefits.

Ingesting Niacinamide can help ensure our bodies have what they need to function, but it doesn’t ensure that our skin directly benefits from the vitamin. Because of this, a topical product containing Niacinamide is essential for skin health. It probably goes without saying, but don’t try ingesting Niacinamide by eating your skincare products! 

Why Use Niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is growing in popularity as a skincare ingredient, and if you want to know what all the buzz is about, we don’t blame you! Here are some key benefits of Niacinamide. 

Skin Tone Brightening and Evening

Niacinamide may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the skin. While the exact mechanism is yet unknown, including Niacinamide into your skincare routine just might be what you need if you are hoping for a brighter and more even-looking complexion. 

Oil Balance

Niacinamide may help maintain a healthy skin oil balance. Your skin’s balance of natural oils is essential for skin barrier health, and having sufficient oil levels but not too much oil helps prevent issues like dryness or excessive oiliness.

Niacinamide may help moderate and even fight breakouts by helping to maintain your balance of oil.

Skin Barrier Support

Niacinamide can help support your skin’s natural protective shield by preventing moisture loss.

Sufficiently moisturized skin can better protect itself from irritants and environmental stressors, such as sun exposure. 

Is Niacinamide Safe for Your Skin? 

Because of its soothing effects, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, Nicotinic Acid) is safe for all skin types and ages. Niacinamide may even have anti-inflammatory properties that can make it beneficial for irritated skin.

We recommend aiming for a Niacinamide product with a concentration of no more than 5%. This concentration is generally suitable for most skin types; however, some Niacinamide serums contain as much as double that, so check the label carefully.

Niacinamide works well with other products and can be combined with other active ingredients.

By combining Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and other Antioxidants, for example, you may be able to get more out of your Niacinamide serum. Hyaluronic Acid is claimed to aid in the absorption of products and thus may help support the efficacy of your other products.

Of course, if any ingredient irritates or sensitizes your skin, stop your usage of the product until the reaction subsides, and consult your dermatologist. A patch test can also help you avoid a severe reaction by trying a small amount of the product on a discreet area of your skin.

We care about you and your skin — and we’re here to help! Our Licensed Aestheticians are ready to help with virtual consultations if you have questions or skincare concerns. Think of them as your Aesthie besties! 

Does Niacinamide Pose Any Risks? 

The use of topical niacinamide is generally regarded as safe for sensitive skin and other skin types.

If you have a history of allergies to certain ingredients, or if you’ve had a negative reaction to Niacinamide in the past, you may be more likely to have further allergic or otherwise reactions. Avoid using Niacinamide if you have a known or suspected allergy to it.

Trying a patch test before applying a new product to your entire fact can help you avoid a widespread rash, irritation or allergic reaction. You can try a patch test by following these steps:

  1. Apply around a dime-sized amount of the product on your forearm.
  2. Wait at least 24 hours for a reaction.
  3. If you experience any redness, irritation or swelling in the area, cleanse your affected skin and stop using the ingredient or product.
  4. If you do not experience any negative side effects or reactions, you’ll likely be able to safely use the product as normal. 

When Should I Use Niacinamide in My Skincare Routine? 

Serums make up a large portion of topical Niacinamide products. In addition to routine washing, toning, and moisturizing, serums are treatments that provide extra support in addressing specific skin concerns and conditions.

After toning, but before moisturizing, use your Niacinamide serum.

Niacinamide is also found in certain cleansers and creams, which can be incorporated into your routine depending on your preferences and skincare needs.

We recommend Niacinamide in products that remain on your skin rather than being washed away so that the ingredients have the best chance of absorbing into your face and working their magic. What Products From Urban Skin Rx® Include Niacinamide? Urban Skin Rx® has plenty of products that feature Niacinamide. Read below to learn more about just a few options:

  • Acne and Blemish Control Mask - This two-in-one treatment mask can help combat acne, prevent future breakouts and brighten the appearance of acne-related dark spots.

  • Hydranutrient Radiance Restore Oil - This rich face oil has a powerful dose of radiance-restoring nutrients including Rosehip Seed Oil, Antioxidants and Vitamins that may help minimize signs of aging and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and fine lines. Our formulation also delivers long-lasting moisture to soothe dry skin and gives all skin types a dewy, youthful radiance!

  • Complexion Protection Moisturizer with SPF 30 - With mineral and chemical actives, plus Vitamin C, this sunscreen is better than ever! Prevent sun damage with Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30, a non-pore-clogging, lightweight SPF 30 lotion that delivers daily hydration as well as sheer sun protection for all skin types and tones.

Niacinamide can significantly help improve fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, texture and redness by boosting hydration.

How Can I Find the Right Products? 

Whether you’re searching for Niacinamide, something else entirely, or aren’t sure what you should be looking for, we are here to help. Urban Skin Rx® makes it easy to take steps towards clearer, brighter and more even-toned skin.

We strive to represent and advocate for accessible skincare for people of all skin tones and types, aiming to create a place where we can all feel empowered in our skin.

We’re right beside you in your skincare journey. Even after knowing about individual ingredients and their purpose or benefits, deciding on the ideal products for your skin might be tough.

The best and quickest results come from using the proper products for your skin type and concerns. We offer a free skin quiz at Urban Skin Rx® that will suggest the best products for you based on your responses. Plus, our Licensed Aestheticians are available to help you choose skincare based on your skin type and skin concerns. If you take our skincare questionnaire, you may get a 20% discount on your order right now! Take our skin test today and see what our Even-Tone Experts™ recommend for you.

It shouldn’t be hard to search for the best products for you, so we make it a piece of cake. We also offer virtual consultations if you’d like even more assistance in finding the right products for you.

We can even accommodate your requirements by assisting you in selecting skincare products that fit within your budget.

Our Even Tone Experts will answer all of your skincare inquiries, dig deep into your skin issues, and recommend the best products and routines for you — all from the comfort of your own home! 

In Conclusion 

Niacinamide could be a great addition to your skincare regimen. Niacinamide is an anti-aging cosmeceutical that has undergone extensive investigation. It has several characteristics that aid in smoothing the look of skin and moisturization.

Niacinamide is very important to our bodies since we can't make it on our own. Because the B vitamin is water-soluble, we must either ingest it or apply it topically to get its benefits. We suggest finding a topical product in order to experience the best results for your skin.

Niacinamide can help reduce hyperpigmentation and stabilize your skin’s oil production. Niacinamide also promotes the formation of ceramides (lipid barrier) and elastin, which helps to strengthen the complexion's natural protective layer.

Niacinamide helps your skin in various ways, could help with skin brightening and keeps you looking refreshed from the formation of new cells. If you want to incorporate it into your skincare routine, we recommend searching for a product with a concentration of less than 5%.

If you need additional information on how Niacinamide could help your skin, our Even Tone Experts are at your service. Our skin quiz can help you select the best products for your skin, and virtual consultations with our Licensed Aestheticians are available for any additional questions or concerns.

Start finding the best skincare for you at Urban Skin Rx®. The time is now to take great care of your skin.

By: Ivey Rogers Aesthetician Educator & Community
Engagement Manager