Why Niacinamide Is The New Kid On The Skincare Block
When it comes to skincare, I have to say we are spoiled. We have a variety of products on the market that help us achieve that natural, youthful glow we all want. From gels, oils, serums, creams, foams, scrubs, and vitamins, we clearly can't go wrong. If you're obsessed with taking care of your skin or have been prone to skin problems like me, you've probably used retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide as part of your skincare routine. These are just common key ingredients that have been on the market for decades. Now, there are so many other types of acids and supplements that give your skincare routine the upgrade you didn't know it needed.
Enter niacinamide. According to an article from Healthline, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 that is an essential nutrient and is water-soluble. Vitamin B-3 is found in eggs, cereals, green veggies, beans, fish, and milk. When you are deficient in vitamin B-3, it can lead to skin disorders or other types of health conditions. Did you know our bodies can also produce niacinamide? When our body has too much niacin (vitamin B-3), it's converted to niacinamide. So, how does our skin benefit from niacinamide?
Overall, niacinamide builds proteins in the skin and prevents environmental damage by locking in moisture. It also helps treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea, and it protects against sun damage and oxidative stress (pollution or toxins).
Here are the specific skin issues niacinamide can help treat and the products you should add to your skincare routine:
A Smoother Skin Texture
Some of us were not blessed with smooth skin and invisible pores. I have what you call orange-peel skin, which is when the pores are enlarged and visible. Niacinamide improves skin texture by making pores look smaller and also helps balance oil production. It has also been proven to reverse and prevent signs of aging, reduce redness and irritation, minimize fine lines, and brighten the skin.
Hyperpigmentation Issues
If you are like me, you might struggle with dark spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). I've used medical-grade acne medication such as a sulfur wash, retinol, and hydroquinone to lighten my dark spots, but research has shown niacinamide can be almost as effective in comparison to hydroquinone when it comes to fading dark spots.
In a Vogueinterview, dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose recommended using niacinamide with skin brightening ingredients, such as kojic acid (found in mushrooms and a byproduct of fermented rice) and a tranexamic acid (a man-made form of amino acid) to maximize the benefits of niacinamide. However, niacinamide can be paired with retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid too.
How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine:
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To achieve the flawless skin you've always wanted, niacinamide should be applied topically via a cream, lotion, or serum. It's the type of ingredient that is well-absorbed by the skin.
You can safely use niacinamide twice a day with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Serums have a higher potency and higher concentrations, so you want to be sure to use a low concentration (2% to 5%) because a higher one can irritate the skin.
If you plan to add niacinamide to your skincare routine, it should look something like this:
- Cleanse your face.
- Tone.
- Apply niacinamide.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Sunscreen.
Recommended Products
Niacinamide has become a popular ingredient used in moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and face masks. Some trending beauty products approved by skin experts containing niacinamide include:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion
- The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
- Fenty Beauty Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
- Glossier Super Pure Serum
- Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution
- First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
- SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
I personally haven't tried any serum-based products with niacinamide, but I can say I have tried other products from The Ordinary and I've used the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen. These are two of my favorite skincare brands because they are affordable. The sunscreen is recommended by my own dermatologist and esthetician.
I know trying different skincare products can be a hit or miss, but don't knock the product until after four weeks or more. Your skin takes time to heal, especially if you have hyperpigmentation problems. Any dermatologist will tell you that results become apparent over time with consistency and correct application.
Upgrade your skincare routine with niacinamide, sis.
To get your beauty fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Beauty section here.
Featured image via Getty Images
Camille is a lover of all things skin, curls, music, justice, and wanderlust; oceans and islands are her thing. Her words inspire and her power is her voice. A California native with Trinidadian roots, she has penned personal essays, interviews, and lifestyle pieces for POPSUGAR, FEMI magazine, and SelfishBabe. Camille is currently creating a life she loves through words, self-love, fitness, travel, and empowerment. You can follow her on Instagram @cam_just_living or @written_by_cam.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage