Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the most consistently used and preferred skincare ingredients.
Why do skincare brands continue to use niacinamide in their products? Why are consumers seeking out products with niacinamide? Is it because of its well-known brightening effects? Or does it have other, lesser-known benefits?
In this post, we will answer these questions and learn more about niacinamide.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, is one of the most common water-soluble vitamins used as a skin care ingredient. In Korea, niacinamide is listed as a "Certified Ingredient for Pigmentation Treatment," so it can easily be found in many products related to skin lightening.
It's excellent for brightening the skin, but it's also a fantastic ingredient with a variety of effects, including improving pores, sebum, skin texture, etc.
Niacinamide is a smart solution for a variety of skin concerns from blemishes to acne. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of niacinamide.
The different effects of niacinamide
1. Improvement of skin tone · Brightening effect
Ultraviolet rays are one of the main causes of skin pigmentation. When UV rays stimulate melanocytes located deep in the skin, melanin pigment is produced, which gradually moves to the skin's surface, causing spots and discolorations such as dark spots and freckles that are visible to the naked eye.
Niacinamide has an effect on reducing pigmentation by preventing the pigment produced by melanocytes from moving to the skin's surface.
2. Sebum · Pore-improving effect
A sufficient amount of sebum is necessary to protect the skin and maintain moisture in the skin. However, when sebum production becomes irregular and excessive, the pores fill with sebum and gradually stretch. Since pores can be easily stretched, not only by excessive sebum production, but also by external factors such as UV rays, pores can become prominent if left untreated, resulting in an uneven skin texture.
Niacinamide helps to properly control sebum production, preventing excessive buildup and improving pores.
3. Improvement effect of skin problems
Skin problems such as acne are caused by a wide range of factors, including the external environment, lifestyle and hormones in the body, etc., and can manifest in different ways depending on the progression. There is initial acne, which is non-inflammatory, such as blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, there is also inflammatory acne, which has inflammation and pain caused by acne-causing bacteria (P. Acnes).
Niacinamide not only improves non-inflammatory acne with its ability to control sebum production, but it can also improve inflammatory acne by inhibiting the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria.
4. Improving acne problems
Unlike initial acne, severe acne with a damaged skin barrier and inflammation can leave various types of blemishes such as reddish pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and more, even after the acne has cleared. These marks are not easy to recover and can remain on the skin for a long time if not treated in time.
Niacinamide has an effect on improving the skin barrier damaged by skin problems such as acne, and reduces excessive pigmentation to improve acne spots.
5. Improving the skin barrier - Effect on dryness
When the skin is frequently irritated by a variety of factors, including UV exposure, temperature changes, stress, physical friction, etc., the skin barrier can become weak and damaged. When the barrier is in a damaged state, the skin loses its natural ability to moisturize, which can lead to dryness and even worsen skin problems because harmful things like allergies and bacteria can easily penetrate the skin.
Niacinamide works by improving the damaged skin barrier, reducing water loss and improving moisture in the skin.
Is it okay to continue using niacinamide?
As mentioned at the beginning, niacinamide is one of the ingredients approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a “certified functional ingredient,” meaning that its safety and effectiveness have been proven based on numerous research data. According to several research papers, niacinamide has many beneficial effects on the skin, and its effects have been proven for a variety of skin conditions. Studies show that it is safe at concentrations up to 20%.
As with all ingredients, some people may not find it suitable or find it irritating, depending on their individual skin condition. A small percentage of users may experience a slight tingling sensation as niacinamide is absorbed and worked into the skin, but rest assured that it is not harmful to the skin. If you monitor your skin condition and use it regularly, you will see more satisfactory results.
Q. When should it be used?
A. Niacinamide is an ingredient that is stable to heat and light, so it can be used every day, day or night.
Q. What skin types should it be used on?
S. This ingredient is effective for a wide range of skin concerns, from pigmentation to skin issues like sebum, pores, texture, tone, and acne. If you suffer from any of these skin issues, we recommend giving it a try.
Q. Can it be used on acne-prone skin?
S . Niacinamide has been shown in several studies to be effective for a variety of acne conditions, from initial acne to severe inflammatory acne. However, it is difficult to completely eliminate acne with skincare products alone. If you have severe acne-prone skin that requires treatment, we recommend consulting a dermatologist before using this product.
Q. Can it be used with exfoliating products?
A. Excessive build-up of dead skin cells can interfere with the absorption of active ingredients into the skin, so exfoliation and use of niacinamide may be more effective. However, we recommend testing on a small area before using large amounts of exfoliation or niacinamide, as using just one product may cause irritation depending on your skin type and condition.
This time we introduced the hidden charm of niacinamide.
It's definitely worth experiencing niacinamide, which has such diverse and complex effects, right?
We would like to recommend that you take a look at niacinamide with niacinamide-containing products.
