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Are you in the know about Vitamin B3?
Once an under-the-radar additive in skincare formulas, this soon-to-be A-list ingredient has been trending in recent years, and with good reason. Niacinamide is an incredibly versatile ingredient for addressing a variety of skin conditions and concerns.
Not sure if niacinamide is for you? Not to worry. We've compiled all the answers to your common questions about this up-and-coming superstar ingredient. Here's the scoop:
What is niacinamide?
A derivative of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is technically classified as a brightening ingredient, but the power of this promising ingredient extends well beyond the scope of just cosmetic benefits. Niacinamide is an incredible change agent, working on a cellular level to heal acne, repair stressed skin, and rejuvenate your complexion.
Studies confirm that niacinamide produces some pretty impressive results. In fact, in a recent test group, participants were instructed to apply a niacinamide cream to one half of their face and a placebo cream to the other half. At the end of 12 weeks, results found skin treated with niacinamide cream showed significant improvement, including reduced wrinkles and fewer hyperpigmented spots.
ILUMA intense facial illuminator
$68.00
This concentrated corrector + skin brightener serum helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots while enhancing luminosity for a lit-from-within glow. The power-packed formula with tranexamic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide delivers optimal brightening benefits and targets… Read More
Clear Oil Control Serum 30ml
$70.50
Reduce the appearance of problematic skin. Fast acting plant stem cells and potent vitamins combine to provide the nutrients needed to effectively support problematic skin conditions. Lilac Stem Cells + Willow balance sebum production, decrease inflammation and treat skin blemishes.… Read More
The Benefits of Vitamin B3
Why do we love niacinamide? Let us count the ways. It's brightening, lightening and skin tightening. Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and oil-balancing. It also improves barrier function and promotes overall skin health.
Just about all skin types can use niacinamide. Skin experts even recommend it over more aggressive active ingredients, which can irritate sensitive skin. Niacinamide makes a great alternative to other more potent ingredients because it works to effectively calm inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, eczema, redness, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
For acne-prone and oily skin types, niacinamide helps to rebalance and correct excess oil, minimizing breakouts over time. On the other hand, if your skin lacks oil, niacinamide can also be helpful, as studies show it improves the skin's natural lipid barrier. In skincare, niacinamide even promotes better moisture retention in dry or aging skin, plumping out fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores.
But that's still not all! A few more perks of niacinamide include protection against UV and sun damage, better skin immunity - i.e., the ability to fight free radical damage and oxidative stress - and boost collagen synthesis. In other words, what's not to love about niacinamide?
Retinaldehyde Serum with IconicA 1oz
$56.50
This ultimate anti-aging serum is to be used in the evening for cell repair and health. As cells go under oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, Vitamins A (retinaldehyde) & B3 (niacinamide) condition the cell membrane encouraging cellular respiration. This allows… Read More
ORMEDIC balancing antioxidant serum 1oz
$64.00
An essential everyday serum that soothes the skin and strengthens its defenses against damage. Kakadu plum and beetroot extract are multi-benefit antioxidants that give skin a healthy glow. Nutrient-rich organic grape water and hyaluronic acid restore balance and hydration to… Read More
Where can I find niacinamide, and how do I use it?
The best way to benefit from using niacinamide is to apply it topically in skincare products like cleansers, toners, serums, and creams. If you're seeking a targeted treatment, a serum will be your best best. It can be used morning or night and is gentle enough for daily use.
Other things to know and our product picks
Some names niacinamide can appear under include vitamin B3, niacin or nicotinamide. Though it's perfectly capable of multitasking on its own, niacinamide does mix well with most other skincare ingredients. Just note that if your skin is sensitive, you may want to avoid combining it with other antioxidants like vitamin C or active acids such as AHAs and BHAs to avoid overstimulating your skin.
Curious about trying niacinamide and need a place to start? Some of our favorite SBS products that contain niacinamide are:
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