Niacinamide Is Beauty’s Latest Buzzword And Here’s Why

From Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to retinol, it feels each month there’s a new beauty trend to add to our repertoire. 2021’s must-try ingredient? Niacinamide is the word on every beauty editor’s lips, and given that it’s proven to treat everything from acne and dehydration to excessive oiliness and pigmentation, it’s not hard to see why.

A potent vitamin and antioxidant that promotes the repair and protection of your skin, niacinamide has been making its way into some of our favourite cleansers, serums and creams as of late, tackling everything from fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, oily skin, dehydration and skin tone. An all-round crowd pleaser, it’s also suitable for every skin type and its benefits are easily reaped.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can be taken as a dietary supplement or applied directly to skin. Known for its soothing and calming properties, it is inflammatory and super-light as it doesn’t dissolve in oils. This means you’re more likely to find it in water-based serums.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Niacinamide For The Skin?

Where do we start? From boosting hydration to fading hyper-pigmentation, there’s not much it doesn’t claim to help with. It can also protect skin from environmental damage, help the skin to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid, plus reduce signs of ageing, diminish enlarged pores and help with skin discolouration.

Giambattista Valli A/W21

How Does It Work?

Firstly niacinamide helps reduce water loss from the skin and increases both lipids and proteins found in the skin barrier layer. This in turn increases your skin’s ability to defend itself from pollution particles and irritants.

Experts say regular use also leads to balanced sebum and oil production, which in turn helps prevent breakouts.

Finally studies have shown it reduces the appearance of hyperpigmented spots by acting on the steps leading to melanin or pigment production, which is a dream for an even skin complexion.

How Do I Apply Niacinamide?

As niacinamide can slot extremely easily into many products, you’ll find it present in everything from cleansers and moisturisers to serums, sunscreens and toners.

Try using a niacinamide serum or moisturiser at night followed by a sunscreen in the morning – it can be used twice a day every day, and the more chances of getting this in your routine, the better.