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Welcome to the second installment in my Anti-Aging A-List Series. The A-List is my list of five holy grail anti-aging skincare ingredients that are key to keeping skin youthful looking as we age. If you missed the first installment, you can read all about Retinoids: Retin A vs. Retinol Here. Landing at Number 2 on my list is Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide. While there isn’t a lot of buzz surrounding Niacinamide, there should be. In topical form, it packs a powerful anti-aging punch. And Niacinamide is one of just a handful of ingredients (literally you can count them on your fingers) that have actually been proven through extensive research to work. What exactly is Niacinamide and what benefits can it provide for your Skin? Let’s take a closer look.
WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE & WHO IS IT FOR?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble component of the Vitamin B Complex Group. It is also referred to as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide. When used topically, it works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles and dullness.
Niacinamide has the ability to improve the skin’s barrier and reduce the impact of environmental damage. It also plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage. Our skin barrier is the first line of defense against environmental aggressors. (UV, pollution and irritants) But… here’s a shocker… it weakens as we age. As if we need something else that weakens as we age, right? There is good news though! Niacinamide boosts the skin barrier function by increasing ceramide production. This results in better water-retention and overall skin structure. Yay!
One of the best things about Niacinamide is that it is well tolerated by all skin types. It is even suitable for those with sensitive or rosacea prone skin. You can use multiple Niacinamide products in your routine on both the face & body without any irritation.
NIACINAMIDE BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN
What can Niacinamide do for your Skin? It’s a long list! Here are the many ways this multi-tasker can help your skin.
FIGHTS FREE RADICALS
Niacinamide has been found to protect from free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. It increases the antioxidant capacity of skin after topical application.
REDUCES WRINKLES
Niacinamide stimulates both collagen and elastin, leading to the rebuilding of the supportive foundation of the skin. Skin that once sagged and showed wrinkles is visibly plumped. It fills in those wrinkles from the inside out, leading to an overall younger-looking appearance.
REDUCES REDNESS
If you’re prone to redness, Niacinamide is a superstar! Research has found that it significantly improves red, blotchy skin. It is also a beneficial treatment for Rosacea. The theory is that Niacinamide improves the function of the skin barrier, which means less irritation and less redness.
FADES AGE SPOTS
Niacinamide has proved to be an excellent treatment for pigmentation, age spots and melasma. One study found a significant decrease in hyperpigmentation after just four weeks of treatment.
STRENGTHENS THE SKIN BARRIER AND REDUCES DRYNESS
Niacinamide improves skin texture and strengthens the protective barrier function of the skin. This helps to reduce inflammation and improve the condition of dry, irritated or flaky skin. It does so by increasing natural lipids found on the skin’s surface and reducing water loss.
PROTECTS FROM UV DAMAGE
Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
SHRINKS PORES & SMOOTHS TEXTURE OF THE SKIN
Niacinamide has been clinically proven to reduce pore size, and improve skin texture. A 12 week study found that Niacinamide significantly reduced pore size and bumpy skin texture. This happens because of Niacinamide’s ability to reduce sebum production. Pores always look larger when they are trapped with sebum and dead skin. So with less oil, the pores will appear smaller and the skin’s texture looks softer and smoother.
REGULATES OIL PRODUCTION
Niacinimide isn’t just for those with dry skin. It can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
Did I mention the Niacinamide Benefits are quite impressive?
As if all of the above isn’t enough! There’s one more thing that makes this ingredient a superstar. It has virtually no side effects. Niacinamide can be used at high doses topically and is generally well tolerated by all skin types.
Ready to reap the benefits of Niacinamide? Here’s what to look for…
Look for products containing 5-10% Niacinamide or products that list Niacinamide in the Top 5 Ingredients.WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Niacinamide concentration can vary across products. Studies have shown formulas containing 5-10% to be the most effective. Many products will not share the actual percentage. As a result, you’ll need to look for it in the ingredient list. As a general rule of thumb, Niacinamide should be listed in the Top 5 ingredients, to be considered effective. Otherwise, the percentage is probably not high enough to make a difference.
To make sure you receive the maximum Niacinamide Benefits…
- Look for products containing 5-10% Niacinamide.
- OR products that have Niacinamide listed in the Top 5 Ingredients.
- May also be listed in the Ingredients as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide.
Now that you know how Niacinamide works wonders on your skin, here are some great product choices. I’ve included a couple of options for the Body as well!
BEST BETS FOR THE FACE:
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Contains 10% Niacinamide & antioxidants to naturally calm, hydrate & restore skin’s youthful radiance & glow. This formula can be used alone as a serum or added to your moisurizer to give it a Niacinamide boost!
$41.80 USD for 0.67 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum
This is a lightweight, creamy serum with skin-plumping amino-peptides and Niacinamide. The formula is designed to regenerate surface cells and deliver anti-aging ingredients 10 layers deep into the skin.
$28.99 USD for 1.7 oz. BUY IT HERE
$9.00 USD for 0.5 oz BUY IT HERE
Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB Sunscreen
A lightweight, non-greasy lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 that absorbs instantly into skin. Provides UVA/UVB protection while helping to repair and build a stronger skin barrier.
$49.00 USD for 2.5 oz.
BUY IT HERE
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
An ultra lightweight formula that moisturizes throughout the night. It helps to restore the protective skin barrier with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. (1700+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$23.52 for Two 3 oz Bottles.
BUY IT HERE
InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Face Serum
Provides protection from external factors that can cause breakouts, irritation and aging concerns. This serum promises to sooth, firm and replenish the skin. With Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil & Rosemary Extract. (1000+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$15.17 USD for 2 oz.
BUY IT HERE
EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
This facial moisturizer works to moisturize, restore and repair skin while you sleep. With Niacinamide and antioxidants, EltaMD PM Therapy is oil-free and fragrance-free.
$34.00 USD for 1.7 oz.
BUY IT HERE
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This mineral-based face sunscreen is lightweight and silky and excellent for sensitive skin. I love this cream because it does double duty during the day providing both SPF protection AND Niacinamide!
$35.00 USD for 1.7 oz.
BUY IT HERE
10 Actives Skin Serum by Eva Naturals
This serum is made with a combination of Niacinamide and Vitamins C and E. It is a light serum that absorbs quickly into the skin. (500+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$14.20 USD for 2 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Skin Daily Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream Serum for Face 5%
With Niacinamide 5% and Hyaluronic Acid, this Serum promises to visibly beautify pores & wrinkles and brighten the skin. (1500+ 4 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$12.30 USD for 1 oz.
BUY IT HERE
BEST BETS FOR THE BODY:
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion
This body lotion is lightweight & great for dry skin. The formula contains Niacinamide, Shea Butter & Glycerin and provides all day hydration.
$17.99 USD for 13.52 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Olay Quench Age Defying Body Lotion
This is the Body Lotion that I’m currently using and I love it! Niacinamide is the third ingredient! This lotion has a slight floral scent but is not overpowering. Amazon has a great deal on 2 bottles (below).
$13.98 USD for 2 – 11.8 oz bottles.
BUY IT HERE
I hope you enjoyed this article on Niacinamide Benefits. I would love for you to take a moment and subscribe to my Beauty Buzz Newsletter . When you subscribe, you will ensure that you never miss a post. And I will notify you as soon as I post the next installment in my Anti-aging A-List.
Have you tried Niacinamide? If so, what product are you using? As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below!
Until next time…
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