The Ordinary Niacinamide is one of the most influential facial serums as of 2020. Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient. A B-3 deficiency can lead to disorders of the skin, kidneys, and brain. Taking niacinamide can help prevent B-3 deficiency.
Vitamin B3 plays a vital role in converting the food you eat into usable energy and helps your body’s cells carry out important chemical reactions. Since it’s water-soluble, your body doesn’t store this vitamin, which is why you need to eat nicotinic acid or niacinamide daily.
Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage. Some individual benefits would be to minimise redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide reduces inflammation, It also minimises pore appearance, regulates oil, protects against sun damage, treats hyperpigmentation, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, and protects against oxidative stress and treats acne.
Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums. Think of serums as extra treatments that address individual skin concerns outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturising.
Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturising. Some cleansers and creams also contain niacinamide. This ingredient is also found in some face masks, which are rinsed off after each use. Read each product label carefully and follow all instructions for use.
Niacinamide concentration can vary across products, though most formulations are 5 percent or less. Some reports suggest 5 percent formulas are effective in treating hyperpigmentation and damage related to sun exposure. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration. Formulas with 2 percent niacinamide may help ease symptoms of eczema and similar conditions. Niacinamide may be listed as “niacin” and “nicotinamide” on product labels.
Niacinamide may be used alongside other active ingredients for optimal results. For example, some reports suggest that supplemental niacinamide may work well alongside copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne. You may be able to get more out of your niacinamide serum by using it alongside hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is said to increase product absorption.
As with any new skin care product, you probably won’t see any significant results for several weeks. Although most of the available research describes noticeable improvements after four weeks of use, there’s no exact timeline. You may see even more changes to your skin after eight weeks. This includes smoother, toned, and hydrated skin. If you don’t see any changes within a couple of months, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist. They can assess your skin care routine and advise you on which products to use, dietary changes that may improve your skin health, and more.
The bottom line is when you use topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.
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