Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide
If you’re asking yourself, should I use niacinamide in my skincare routine? The answer is yes and here is why. Niacinamide is incredibly restorative, however, water-soluble, meaning that it is not stored in the body. This means that it is crucial to replenish our niacinamide reserves via food, and topically with skincare products.
Among other superhero ingredients we use at East 29th, such as lemon rind extract, sea buckthorn, and vitamin C, niacinamide stands out due to its versatility. Not only is it natural, but it is also suitable for addressing a wide range of skin concerns and is compatible with various skin types.
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or niacin, is a form of Vitamin B3. It is most well known for its antioxidant, brightening, and moisturizing properties but niacinamide has a long list of skincare benefits, making it an ingredient essential to showcase.
The Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin
1. BRIGHTENS AND IMPROVES UNEVEN SKIN TONE
Niacinamide has the ability to inhibit melanosome (pigment) transfer within the skin, thus aiding in the reduction of hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, hormones, and inflammation. By reducing the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, niacinamide enhances the skin’s overall brightness and glow.
2. HYDRATING
Niacinamide is known for its hydrating properties. By helping to strengthen the skin barrier function, niacinamide effectively reduces water loss from the epidermis while simultaneously boosting the levels of lipids (ceramides) and proteins present in the skin's protective barrier layer. This not only enhances moisture retention but also fortifies the overall health and resilience of the skin.
3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Niacin has anti-inflammatory properties making it an attractive option for those who suffer from redness, sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of vitamin B3 are also known to improve congestion and acne breakouts while being gentle enough for daily use and sensitive skin. Unlike many other acne-fighting ingredients, niacinamide also fights against dryness, flakiness, and blotchiness.
4. MINIMIZES THE APPEARANCE OF PORES
Niacinamide is great for oily and combination skin types as it helps reduce and regulate the amount of oil in the sebaceous gland production resulting in a reduction of visible pore size.
6. ANTI-AGING
Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant which is important for cell repair. It can help improve cell turnover and microcirculation making it a great ingredient for aging skin. In addition, in its ability to strengthen the skin barrier function, niacinamide also helps to reduce and repair the impact of environmental damage - a key contributor to the appearance of aging skin.
How to Use Niacinamide
Niacinamide in serum form is designed to be applied after cleansing and toning and before other products such as lotions, mists, eye creams, and sunscreen. It is very easy to add to your daily routine as it works in concert with other ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and more. To incorporate it, start by cleansing your skin, then applying a toner, a serum containing niacinamide, a moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen to top it off.
Looking for an additional skin glow? Vitamin B3 can also be found in niacin-rich foods such as grains, nuts, legumes, and dark leafy greens.
Niacinamide in East 29th’s Vital Serum
Niacinamide is one of the key ingredients in East 29th’s Vital Serum alongside hyaluronic acid, lemon rind extract, and vitamins C & E. Designed to deliver a high concentration of all-natural ingredients directly into the skin, this serum works quickly to improve hydration, texture, and tone while also firming, promoting elasticity, and smoothing wrinkles.