A cornerstone ingredient of any well-rounded routine, niacinamide holds a vast potential to address a range of skin concerns. From promoting barrier resilience and balancing oil production, to fading hyperpigmentation and reversing signs of aging we explore the versatile and valuable benefits of niacinamide for skin.
What is niacinamide? Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin and widely regarded as a superior all-rounder thanks to its multifaceted benefits for skin health. As a water-soluble ingredient, Vitamin B3 isn’t stored in the body; this means we need to keep it replenished with healthy dietary choices and topical skincare. An especially supportive ingredient for sensitized skin barrier or during cold seasons of low humidity, niacinamide plays a crucial role in maintaining a resilient, hydrated stratum corneum. The presence of niacinamide in the skin is a key component in the synthesis of ceramides. Ceramides form the building blocks of the skin barrier and play a crucial role in moisture-retention and resilience by minimizing trans-epidermal water loss.
Skin concerns addressed with niacinamide
No matter your skin type or area of concern niacinamide can significantly enhance the appearance and well-being of your complexion. Its gentle, non-irritating nature is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Specific skin concerns and conditions niacinamide can address:
• Photoaging, fine lines and wrinkles
• Dull, fatigued skin
• Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
• Dryness and dehydration
• Sensitive, reactive skin
• Acne, blemishes and excess oil
• Inflammatory conditions including rosacea and eczema
The benefits you’ll see from niacinamide
Supports complete skin hydration. Niacinamide promotes hydrated, supple skin by increasing ceramide production. By reinforcing the skin's barrier, it helps to lock in moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss, leading to a plumper and more hydrated complexion. Signs of signs of photo-damage and aging are minimized and large pores appear refined.
Revives dull skin and fades pigmentation. Niacinamide’s brightening properties reduce hamper melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin coloration, thus reducing the visibility of age spots and hyperpigmentation. With consistent use, niacinamide encourages a stunningly smooth, even skin tone over time.
Enhances skin’s immunity to external aggressors. Niacinamide enhances the production of keratin, a vital protein that strengthens hair, skin, and nails. A healthy production of keratin serves to reinforce skin's structural integrity, bolstering resistance to environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation.
Soothes troubled skin and reduces redness. Those with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or inflamed acne will reap the benefits of the soothing, redness reducing properties of Vitamin B3. It alleviates redness and inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing skin sensitivity.
Regulates sebum production and reduces shine. An additional benefit offered by niacinamide for oily breakout-prone skin is its ability to regulate oil production. Research on the effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production revealed a significant improvement in sebum excretion rate after 2 and 4 weeks of application.
This balancing act results in textural improvement and clear, congestion-free pores without excess shine.
A team player for daily use
With a low risk causing sensitivity or irritation, niacinamide is safe to use and layer in multiple products. It also pairs synergistically with other barrier builders, including peptides, marine extracts, botanical oils and ceramides. Pairing niacinamide with these ingredients serves to amplify the moisture boosting, barrier strengthening results.
In general, niacinamide is safe to use once or twice a day, depending on the formulation. You’ll be rewarded with niacinamides initial results within two to four weeks of consistent application.
African Botanics Niacinamide Plumping Booster
Discover a brighter, firmer and smoother complexion with our Niacinamide Plumping Booster.
Featuring an advanced level of 20% Vitamin B3 this high-performance treatment is infused with skin-balancing probiotics and antioxidant powerhouse Vitamin C. The well-rounded results of this cutting-edge formula include a brighter, more even skin tone, reduced redness, refined pores and plumper, firmer skin.
Cruelty-free and fragrance-free, Niacinamide Plumping Booster is suited to all skin types and especially beneficial for dehydrated, reactive, acne-prone, and aging skin.
Niacinamide in the African Botanics range
You'll find Niacinamide front and center in our Micro-hydration Activator Mist, Rooibos Glycolic Booster, Nutritive Molecule Serum, Silver Rescue Serum, Retinal Night cream and playing a supporting role in the Commiphora Face Cleanser.