In the world of skin care and beauty, there are always innovative new active ingredients that are trending
and proven to be effective. Niacinamide is one such example. Over the past two
years, facial skin care products containing this ingredient have become a favorite of many people.
Niacinamide itself is basically a form of Vitamin B3 with various benefits for the body, such as the brain,
kidneys and skin. Our bodies cannot produce niacinamide, so we must get it from food or skin
care products.
In conclusion, niacinamide is an ingredient that can help make your appearance even more glow up in
2023. How did it happen? Check out the full explanation below.
What is Niacinamide?
Actually niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 or niacin which has many benefits. In the
world of dermatology, for example, a substance known as nicotinamide is often used to brighten the skin,
treat acne, remove acne scars, and control rosacea symptoms.
Uniquely, even though it has a name similar to niacin (Vitamin B3), niacinamide actually has a different
function and structure. This substance is usually produced by the body when the intake of
Vitamin B3 or the amino acid tryptophan is excessive in the body. So niacinamide is not just
Vitamin B3.
Niacinamide works by inhibiting the release of chemicals that can cause inflammatory reactions in the body.
In addition, this substance can also slow down the process of transferring the coloring substance
into the skin cells so that the skin becomes brighter.
Furthermore, niacinamide also functions to help form proteins in the skin and trap moisture in skin cells, so
that the protective layer remains strong and the skin becomes healthier.
In fact, you can get niacinamide and niacin from several foods such as eggs, meat, milk and processed
products, green vegetables and nuts. Apart from that, these two compounds are also found in
Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B12.
However, the Vitamin B3 that you consume can leave the body because it dissolves easily in water.
This means, you can be deficient in vitamin B3 so you need additional supplements or products that
contain niacinamide.
Why Is Niacinamide A Favorite For Many
People?
Niacinamide is a “all-purpose ingredient” that is often used as an anti-acne ingredient with
anti-inflammatory effects. Not only that, this compound is also able to reduce the appearance
of pores.
For owners of oily skin, niacinamide can help balance oil and sebum production. So, if Sinaumed’s
is one of those people who doesn’t like oil-based skincare products , niacinamide is an
ingredient that is perfect for you.
Moreover, according to a study, the effectiveness of using niacinamide to reduce moderate inflammatory acne
reaches 4%, especially for pustules and papules. So, it’s natural that many people like this
one material.
Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin
1. Keeps skin strong and healthy
Niacinamide is an ingredient that plays an important role in the formation of keratin, a protein that keeps
skin strong and healthy. In addition, niacinamide is also able to stimulate the formation of a
layer of ceramide which can maintain and protect skin tissue moisture.
2. Reduce skin inflammation
The appearance of pimples will usually result in inflammation of the skin. Niacinamide is a
compound that can reduce inflammation because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
substances.
These two ingredients play a major role in relieving skin inflammation, so that the skin can avoid reddish
spots and acne blemishes. As a result, the skin looks cleaner.
On the other hand, niacinamide is also effective for treating acne that is already quite severe, especially
acne that sticks out (papule type) and contains pus (pustule type). With regular use for a
certain period of time, facial skin will improve and skin texture will become more even.
3. Treat acne
For those of you who have acne, niacinamide can be the first choice because this compound has benefits for
treating acne on the skin. In fact, for acne that is severe and already inflamed, such as acne
pustules and papules.
According to Experimental Dermatology research , niacinamide is effective for increasing the
skin’s defense function, locking in moisture, preventing irritation, and also dispelling acne-causing
bacteria.
Therefore, if you regularly use skincare that contains niacinamide, you can treat acne until the scars and
skin texture get even better.
4. Remove acne marks
One of the main benefits of niacinamide is removing black spots from acne scars on the face.
Some studies even suggest that 5% niacinamide content in skin care products can be used as a remedy
for acne scars.
Scientists believe this benefit is obtained from the function of niacinamide which can stimulate collagen
production so that black spots which are acne scars can be disguised.
Sinaumed’s can use skincare products containing niacinamide regularly. Usually, results
will be visible after 4 weeks, but not later than two months.
5. Skin protection from sunlight
When the skin is exposed to sunlight too often, black spots from acne scars can become inflamed again.
This is where the role of nicotinamide is needed because this compound is able to protect moisture
and skin strength from sunlight which can damage acne scars.
6. Prevent premature aging
Niacinamide has also been shown to be effective in preventing signs of premature aging of the skin such as
fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, this one ingredient is often used in anti-aging products.
Moreover, niacinamide can also prevent skin aging caused by pollution, toxins from the environment,
or sunlight.
7. Makes skin look clean
Niacinamide is a compound that can help balance the production of sebum and oil in the skin, so that the
skin looks cleaner and brighter because it avoids acne. What’s more, niacinamide is also known
as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. However, you should avoid using niacinamide when acne is
inflamed.
8. Against free radicals
Free radicals or unstable molecules can arise due to stress, lack of sleep, pollution, UV rays, and other
factors. When these free radicals appear, they can damage healthy skin cells, causing signs of
premature aging such as wrinkles or skin discoloration.
Niacinamide is a compound with antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from damage.
9. Moisturizing skin
Apart from fighting free radicals, niacinamide can also moisturize facial skin. This benefit
is proven by research results published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology .
According to the study, niacinamide is able to help build a fat barrier layer called ceramide,
so skin moisture can be maintained.
Even more interesting, the function of this one niacinamide can be felt by all types of facial skin.
Especially for those of you who have eczema or aging skin. Niacinamide is also able to
build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture so that the skin is protected from environmental
damage.
10. Reduce irritation
The next benefit of niacinamide is that it helps delay aging which can cause irritation. These
compounds can soothe the skin and limit irritation caused by exfoliation.
In addition, this one ingredient can also be used to relieve inflammation and redness. What’s
even better, niacinamide is very safe to use and suitable for almost all skin types.
11. Shrink skin pores
It is undeniable, pores that look large can indeed be annoying. But you don’t need to worry
anymore, because Sinaumed’s can shrink skin pores by using niacinamide.
This one benefit is obtained from the way niacinamide works in maintaining the balance of oil production in the
skin so it doesn’t clog dirt, doesn’t accumulate, and also smoothes the appearance of the skin.
12. Ward off harmful aggressors
Pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays, and stress are examples of harmful aggressors for facial skin.
These aggressors can cause free radicals and damage healthy skin cells.
Well, niacinamide is a compound that is an antioxidant, so it can neutralize free radicals and protect the
skin from the damaging effects they cause. In fact, niacinamide is also able to reverse the
damage that has occurred.
13. Prevent melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that usually appears in the cells that produce melanin or the pigment
that gives color to our skin. Melanoma skin cancer is believed to arise due to exposure to UV
rays which damage cells in the skin.
Taking supplements containing niacinamide is believed to increase the repair of skin DNA damaged by UV rays.
14. Minimize eczema
Eczema is an allergic reaction on the skin. Eczema is usually characterized by the appearance
of itching and redness. In general, eczema will attack owners of sensitive and dry skin.
What’s worse, even though it’s been cured, this skin cancer can still reappear.
This is where niacinamide is needed. This one compound can reduce redness caused by irritation
of the skin, eczema and other skin inflammation.
15. Prevent dehydration
The last benefit of niacinamide for the skin is preventing dehydration. Yup, the skin can also
feel dehydrated or lack of fluids. This one problem can cause the skin to become dull, dry, and
itchy.
Niacinamide is a compound that has been proven to be able to help prevent dehydration of the skin.
Not only that, niacinamide can even reduce irritation and inflammation of the skin.
Can Niacinamide be Combined with Other
Substances?
There are many types of skincare products and each product must have different ingredients.
Some contain Vitamin C, some contain Niacinamide.
So, Sinaumed’s needs to know that niacinamide cannot be combined with other substances, especially Vitamin C.
If the two are combined, the effectiveness of each substance will actually be reduced. In
addition, the use of both together can also increase the risk of skin redness or uneven skin tone.
Not only Vitamin C, niacinamide should not be combined with BHA/AHA. You see, BHA / AHA and
niacinamide have active ingredients that are acidic. So when combined, these two substances
cannot work optimally. It can even trigger irritation or heat reactions on the skin.
To study the ingredients commonly used in skincare, Sinaumed’s can use the book All About
Skincare written by Nada A. as the main reference. This book is here as a
travel companion to find out more about caring for facial skin using skincare products. No
need to worry anymore about looking for references in caring for facial skin because this book
discusses:
- how to know facial skin;
- skincare ingredients that should be avoided;
- recommendations for food sources of nutrition for the skin; And
- how to use skincare properly and precisely according to skin type.
What Are the Side Effects of Niacinamide?
In general, niacinamide is a safe ingredient to use. However, this substance can also trigger
the release of histamine which can cause an allergic reaction. So if you’ve had an allergic
reaction before, you better be careful.
Furthermore, niacinamide can also cause a red rash and a mild itchy reaction. Therefore, for
those of you who have sensitive skin, you have to be extra careful because you are more susceptible to this
reaction.
Even so, you can prevent more severe effects by doing a sensitivity test before using skin care products
that contain niacinamide. The steps are:
- Use skincare products that contain niacinamide (just the size of a coin) on your arm
skin. - After that, wait up to 24 hours.
- If after 24 hours, you start to experience redness, swelling, or itching, immediately wash the area that was
smeared with the skincare product and stop using it. - If you find that there are no side effects, then the skincare product you choose is safe to
use.
How Much Niacinamide Levels Are Safe
For Facial Skin?
The content of niacinamide in skin care products varies greatly. Some are 0.5%, 2%, 10%, even
up to 12-15%. So, how many levels of niacinamide are safe for facial skin?
The answer is, depending on the type and condition of the skin when you are going to use care products that
contain niacinamide. The higher the niacinamide level, the greater the risk of skin
irritation.
If you have sensitive skin or have never used niacinamide before, it’s better to choose a product that contains
0.5% to 2% niacinamide.
What are the rules for using niacinamide for
skin?
Even though it is considered safe for anyone to use, niacinamide still has side effects that can appear at
any time. Therefore, you must use it as directed or follow the instructions on the product
packaging label or follow the directions of a dermatologist.
For its own use, it’s quite easy. First, you have to make sure your hands are clean before
using products containing niacinamide. Wash your hands first with soap and then dry using a
towel.
After that, put enough drops or apply the product on the problematic skin area. Then flatten
it using a cotton bud, sterile cotton, or your own fingers. Then wash your hands and leave the
skin for a while so that the niacinamide absorbs into the skin.
You need to know, after using this product, you must avoid direct exposure to sunlight and heat so that the
contents are maintained and not damaged.
If you want to use other skincare products that contain Vitamin C or BHA/AHA, you should wait
a few days first. If after using a niacinamide product, your skin feels sore or a similar
reaction appears, immediately consult a skin specialist to get further treatment.
Find a guide to using various skincare products for facial skin care in the book Skincare
101 written by Wardah Nafisah. This book discusses:
- The complete stages of skin care according to its type: normal, oily, dry and combination.
- Natural remedies for skin that you can make yourself at home.
- Anti aging care series.
- Recommended food sources of nutrition for the skin.
- List of ingredients in cosmetics with the order scale.
- How to choose the right beauty clinic.
Some Niacinamide Products For Facial Skin
There are many topical niacinamide products in serum form. In addition, this one compound is
also often used for extra care that can solve skin problems beyond toners, cleansers, and moisturizers.
There are also creams, cleansers, and face masks that contain niacinamide.
As for what you need to remember, most skin care products contain 0.5% to 5% niacinamide.
According to some reports, the content of 5% niacinamide has been effective for treating
hyperpigmentation and damage caused by sunlight.
For those of you who don’t know, niacinamide can also be called “Nicotinamide” or “Niacin” in some products.
Then, more importantly, you have to remember that everyone’s skin type is different. You and
your mother, for example, may have very different skin types. Therefore, before using skin care
products that contain niacinamide, you should first identify your skin condition.
From the discussion above, it can be said that niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 or niacin which
has many benefits. Hopefully all the discussion about niacinamide is useful for you.
If you want to find books about beauty, then you can get them at
sinaumedia.com .
To support Sinaumed’s in adding insight, sinaumedia always provides quality and original books so that Sinaumed’s has
#MoreWithReading information.
Author: Gilang Oktaviana Putra
Reference:
- https://hellosehat.com/Jadi-kulit/perawatan-kulit/niacinamide-untuk-kulit/
- https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/this-benefits-niacinamide-for-skin-and-face care
- https://www.loreal-paris.co.id/beauty-magazine/selain-mencerahkan-ini-5-untung-niacinamide-lainnya
- https://www.dove.com/id/stories/tips-and-how-to/tips-perspiration/mengenal-niacimide.html
- https://www.sehatq.com/artikel/benefits-niacinamide-for-face #benefits-niacinamide-for-skin-face
- https://www.orami.co.id/magazine/niacinamide