We are inundated daily with the “next big thing.” Whether it’s a weight-loss fad or a new smartphone, there’s always something exciting on the horizon.
The beauty and healthcare industries are not exempt from trends. New make-up palettes are consistently hitting shelves. And skincare procedures are being perfected in labs as we speak.
Niacinamide is a newer treatment option for at-home skincare.
Sometimes also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. B3 is an essential nutrient that our bodies need for healthy functioning. Without enough B3, you can suffer from skin, kidney, or brain disorders.
What skin-boosting benefits can niacinamide provide? Read on to find out how it can help you get the best-looking skin you’ve ever had.
What is Niacinamide?
Before we get into the benefits of using niacinamide, let’s look closer at what it is.
As we mentioned above, niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, an essential vitamin for good health. It can provide a host of health benefits that go beyond skincare. It can help lower cholesterol, boost brain power, and even prevent heart disease.
Niacinamide is also used as a supplement to prevent and treat pellagra. This is a painful disease that causes inflamed skin, diarrhea, and mouth sores.
You can use it topically or take it orally as part of your supplementation program.
One of the great things about niacinamide is that it doesn’t have many side effects. You can even use it during pregnancy, provided you’re taking it in safe amounts.
Exercise caution when combining niacinamide and Vitamin C. Taken together, these can create niacin. In some people, niacin can cause skin flushing and irritation.
If you’re already using a product with Vitamin C, proceed with caution. You can try staggering the application, using one in the morning and one at night. If this doesn’t cause adverse reactions, you can continue using both.
Now that we know what it is let’s see what it can do for us.
It Could Help Prevent Certain Types of Skin Cancer
In a world of false health claims, it can be difficult to discern reality from fiction. You need to perform research to ensure scientific studies can back-up health claims.
One of the best niacinamide benefits is that it can prevent certain types of skin cancers. And the best part is that there is research to back this claim up.
A study from 2015 took participants with two previous non-melanoma skin cancers. One group had 500mg of oral niacinamide twice a day; the other only had a placebo. At the end of the study, the niacinamide group had 23% fewer cases of new skin cancer.
Participants in this study had already had non-melanoma skin cancer before. It seems it works well at preventing it from recurring. There doesn’t seem to be much benefit to niacinamide preventing melanoma.
It Can Increase Keratin Synthesis
Taking niacinamide can boost your keratin levels. Keratin is a protein that’s found in the skin, hair, and nails.
It’s especially important to do what you can to increase your keratin as you age. Niacinamide skin benefits include keeping it strong and healthy.
It’s an Anti-Inflammatory
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a perfect choice for a host of skin issues. Both oral and topical options can be used to treat skin inflammation issues.
If you’re suffering from redness or blotchiness of the skin, niacinamide can help.
It can also help treat autoimmune bullous diseases like bullous pemphigoid and dermatitis herpetiformis.
It Can Help With Acne and Rosacea
Skin conditions like acne and rosacea can diminish your self-esteem and quality of life.
There are a lot of treatment options for these conditions. But what if you can’t – or don’t want to – take oral antibiotics to help?
The overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance. It can also cause other unpleasant side effects like diarrhea. It’s in your best interest to find a treatment method that will cause fewer adverse side effects.
If you’re suffering from mild to moderate bouts of rosacea or acne, niacinamide can help.
If you have severe acne, however, it’s best to consult your dermatologist for options. In these cases, you’ll probably need something like retinoids to help.
It Can Help to Reduce the Appearance of Pores
Despite what the Photoshopped images might have you believe, we all have pores. The “no pore” look is in right now, but it’s not reality. We have photo editing apps and airbrushed make-up to thank for that.
Enlarged pores are a common skin complaint, right up there with the likes of acne and wrinkles. Your genetics primarily determines your pore size. People with naturally oily skin usually have more noticeable pores.
Regardless of size, you cannot “close” your pores. They perform a crucial role in the health of your skin. They help sebum lubricate your skin, keeping it supple and well moisturized.
Without pores, you would have dry and unhealthy skin.
While they are a necessity, it would be nice to be able to make them less pronounced. Using niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of your pores. It helps to increase your skin’s elasticity, making your pores look like they have shrunk.
It Can Boost Collagen Production
Niacinamide skin health benefits also include a boost in the production of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It can strengthen your skin, provide elasticity as well as hydration.
Collagen is great for aging folks as it can provide joint relief. It’s also able to help maintain the integrity of your cartilage.
Is Niacinamide Right For You?
There you have it – some of the best benefits of using niacinamide. Which was the most attractive perk to you?
If you choose to include it in your beauty routine, be sure to check potency first. Using too much can cause adverse reactions.
Contact us if you’re ready to take charge of your skin health. Our professional esthetician can help you achieve and maintain the best skin of your life.
