Why Niacinamide Is The Ultimate Skin-Booster

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a naturally occurring ingredient that plays a crucial role in supporting healthy skin. While B vitamins are known to be soothing and calming on the nervous system, niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient for skin because it treats multiple concerns. “Niacinamide is a key ingredient with antioxidant benefits; it has the ability to improve the skin barrier and hyperpigmentation while decreasing fine lines and wrinkles,” explains renowned skin expert and plastic surgeon Dr Marko Lens.

Counting multiple skin benefits and the fact that niacinamide works well on all skin types and ages, it’s easy to see why dermatologists and skin experts recommend the all-rounder. Boosting powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it’s well tolerated even by those with sensitive skin and is also considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can be periods when skin issues occur due to hormonal fluctuations.

Niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier – the outermost protective layer of the skin. Although often unintentional, it’s surprisingly easy to damage the barrier with stress, pollution or UV exposure, as well as misuse of products, such as over-using exfoliating acids or harsh cleansers. By preventing moisture loss, niacinamide helps to nourish and reinforce the barrier while also acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent to soothe angry, acne-prone skin or rosacea. Given that niacinamide is a great team-player, it’s often found in products with other skin-restoring ingredients, such as ceramides and glycerin, which deeply repair and hydrate skin that is red, irritated or flaky.

Although retinol is regarded as the gold standard in anti-aging, it can come with unwanted irritation and dryness. According to research, using niacinamide in your skincare routine helps hydrate and protect the skin, which can reduce the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Together, the power duo is a game-changer. If you’re new to retinol, it’s still important to start slowly and build up your skin’s tolerance to it. If using two separate products, the typical skin-layering rule applies – which is to use the lightest formulation first, followed by heavier textures. Alternatively, there are products available that combine these ingredients, such as Noble Panacea’s The Absolute Intense Renewal Serum.

“Niacinamide is a brilliant ingredient for those concerned with pore size, as research has shown it can help to tighten enlarged or lax pores,” says leading skin expert Paula Begoun, founder of Paula’s Choice. While nothing can permanently shrink pores, regular use of niacinamide can dramatically refine their appearance. For those with oily or combination skin, it can also help to regulate oil production, which in turn prevents breakouts. Your skin type will determine the optimum texture to use, but Begoun recommends using gels and fluids for oilier skin and more hydrating creams for those with drier skin.

Niacinamide is gentle enough to use on oily to sensitive skin and tackles all manner of concerns, as detailed above. What’s more, niacinamide is a high-performing antioxidant that helps fight damage caused by internal factors such as stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and smoking. Similar to vitamin C, niacinamide protects against oxidative stress and is also great at tackling stubborn hyperpigmentation. Often found in a serum as an antioxidant, it’s ideal for daytime use layered underneath a broad-spectrum SPF for the ultimate daily protection.

A-list aesthetician Joanna Czech’s 7 golden rules for great skin

The 7 new beauty products guaranteed to make you look and feel radiant