Niacinamide has become one of the most sought after skin care actives, especially in recent years. Let's get to know this wonderful content, which has been proven by various researches on the skin.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. It has an indispensable place in the energy production and regeneration of cells by taking part in important synthesis in the body. When applied topically, it can act as a great helper in our skin.
What does niacinamide do?
We can list its many benefits, from sebum balance on the skin to anti-blemish and anti-aging effects, as follows:
1. Fights acne
Various scientific studies have shown that niacinamide is beneficial for skin with acne problems. In a clinical trial using 4% niacinamide for 8 weeks, niacinamide was shown to improve acne count and other scores at similar rates to the antibiotic it was compared to.
2. Balances sebum
Excessive lubrication can be seen in some or all of the skin for various reasons. This situation, which can change seasonally or hormonally, leads to an increase in various skin problems such as blackheads, acne and comedones. Niacinamide balances skin lubrication and prevents excess sebum secretion.
3. Tight pores
The appearance of pores on the skin can sometimes reach disturbing dimensions. The biggest reasons for this are the poor cleaning of the pores and the excess sebum secretion that fills the pores and causes them to appear swollen. In conjunction with the previous substance, niacinamide also contributes to a tighter appearance of the pores, with reduced sebum secretion.
4. Fights blemishes and evens out skin tone
Red and brown spots caused by different reasons are stubborn and difficult to get rid of skin problems. Studies show that 2-5% concentration of niacinamide used daily for 8 weeks provides a significant improvement in hyperpigmentation. It creates an effective solution to the problem of stains by preventing the transfer of melanin pigment. It evens out the skin tone and provides a brighter skin appearance.
5. It is anti-aging
With age, our skin tends to slow down in many ways. Decreased amounts of proteins that increase skin elasticity and are important for skin structure result in weaker skin structure and wrinkles. Niacinamide provides an important protection against aging by increasing the production of collagen and other important proteins.
6. Repairs the skin barrier
The skin barrier is the name given to the outer layer of the skin, which plays an important role in keeping the skin moist and healthy. The amount and structure of various molecules found between skin cells determines how healthy this barrier is. Studies show that niacinamide can increase the synthesis of these ingredients, thus enabling a healthier and stronger skin barrier. In this way, the moisture holding capacity of the skin increases, it becomes more resistant to external factors and problems such as sensitivity disappear.
How should it be used?
It can be found in various products in different proportions. First of all, it may be useful to examine whether there is niacinamide in any ingredient you use and at what rate it is used. When used at high rates, it can cause acne and comedon-like formations on some skins. Again, you can understand that the rate is high from unusual reactions such as excess oil on the skin. To minimize this, we recommend starting with 5%.
For the first use, you can start with 3 days a week and get used to the skin. You may need to adjust the frequency of use according to your skin's response. It may cause redness and sensitivity in the first use, it is usually a temporary condition and disappears as the skin gets used to it.
