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Writer's pictureKlara

The Secret Ingredient to Beautiful Skin

Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients in current cosmetics due to its great versatility and great benefits for skin health.

Although it is not as well-known as vitamin C or retinoids, niacinamide is a cosmetic supplement with very positive effects as a moisturizer and that could be used every day as a daily routine.


Since its inception, niacinamide has been used as an anti-aging agent but has also been shown to have a significant positive effect in treating and preventing certain skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea, a common pathology in women of middle age.

Niacinamide is usually well tolerated by all skin types, it can be applied day or night (since it does not cause spots when exposed to the sun) and in addition to preventing skin aging, it has antioxidant action, relieves irritation, prevents dehydration and helps regulate sebum secretion.


What is niacinamide?

Also known as nicotinamide or simply vitamin B3, it is a water-soluble vitamin that, since it is not naturally stored in the body, requires it to be consumed in the diet or through enriched supplements.

Normally, vitamin B3 is found in foods such as red meat, liver, some green leafy vegetables such as spinach, wheat, yeast, and legumes. Even if consumed orally, niacinamide exerts positive effects on the skin.

Unlike other cosmetic supplements, niacinamide is safe during pregnancy and, as it lacks photosensitizing action, there is no problem using it during the day and it can be combined with other active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol or hyaluronic acid.

What benefits does niacinamide have?

1. Barrier function. This function is important because it prevents the loss of water and other components that keep the skin hydrated. Niacinamide does this by increasing the synthesis of ceramides (a type of lipid that helps bind cells together) and by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes, thus aiding skin regeneration. A hydrated skin is a skin more resistant to external aggressions.

2. Improves the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. By promoting the synthesis of collagen and other supporting proteins, the skin tissues have better firmness, wrinkles are prevented and expression lines are attenuated.

3. Reduces stains. Skin darkening may be due to the expansion of melanin beneath the epidermis, and Niacinamide helps reduce this transfer for a clearer, more even-looking skin.

4. Diminishes the yellowish tone of the skin. The yellowish color of the skin is a phenomenon of age since the proteins of the dermis and the hypodermis are combined with some sugars in the blood in a process known as glycation. Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant and prevents protein glycation.

5. Helps clear acne. Given its anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, niacinamide helps prevent the appearance of acne.

6. Prevents skin cancer. Especially when combined with vitamin C or E, niacinamide has been shown to have a positive effect in preventing the impact of UVB and UVA rays on the skin.


Does it have side effects?

Applying niacinamide to the skin is usually quite safe, absorbs quickly, and only in very rare cases does it cause some redness or mild burning. If this occurs, stop using the active ingredient and rinse the skin with plenty of water.

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