Niacinamide

Niacinamide/Nicotinamide is the amide form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin). It is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body. The terms Niacinamide and Nicotinamide refer to exactly the same compound which is a form of Vitamin B3. This should not be confused with Nicotinic acid which is another form of Niacin, which when taken orally causes flushing. In the context of skincare and cosmetic products, the term Niacinamide is more commonly used. Nicotinamide is often used in the scientific literature and is the term preferred for the oral form of Vitamin B3.

Dietary sources of Niacinamide include liver, meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, legumes, wheat, oats, yeast, mushrooms, nuts, tea and coffee.

Skincare benefits of using Niaciniamide

• Vital for cellular energy:
  • Niacinamide plays a crucial role in energy production within cells and is essential for DNA repair.
• Topical skincare benefits:
  • Niacinamide offers multiple skincare benefits, including:
    • Soothing properties
    • Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Reduction of pigmentation and skin sallowness
• Improves skin’s barrier function:
  • Niacinamide helps enhance the skin’s protective barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), improving skin hydration.
• Controls sebum production:
  • Niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Improves the appearance of large pores:
  • Niacinamide can also help reduce the visibility of enlarged pores, leading to a smoother skin texture.

Therefore, in summary, Niacinamide as an ingredient in skincare products has multiple benefits and is generally very well tolerated.

Skincare products containing Niacinamide

Dr Webster recommends:

• Huxley Brightly Ever After Essence
• La Roche-Posay MELA B3 Dark Spot Serum
• pHformula VITA B3 Cream
• SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
• Lamelle Nia-Sol Lotion