In the world of cosmetics we are always looking for active ingredients that take our skin to the next level, as has happened with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants and, more recently, retinol. Although we have a wide range of options on the market, we want only the best of the best and we do not hesitate to investigate, using the internet for it.
Google’s annual report Year in Search 2022 revealed that 3 of the 10 questions with the highest increase in searches on the web last year revolved around niacinamide. The questions “How to add niacinamide to the facial treatment routine?”, “What does niacinamide mean in ‘skincare’?” and “What is niacinamide good for?” ranked second, fourth, and seventh among the top 10 skincare searches last year. But… What is it and why does everyone want it?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are very beneficial for the skin. It stands out for its versatility for treat almost any problem on any skin type and, unlike many popular anti-aging ingredients, it remains stable when exposed to heat and light and is soluble in water.
With concentrations as low as a 0.2% offers extensive benefits for the skin and the Expert Panel of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that it is safe in concentrations up to 20%. Thanks to its compatibility with any other active ingredient, niacinamide has also made it possible to create unique associations with retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C… In addition, it is tolerated by all skin types, even the most sensitive or those with rosacea.
The benefits of niacinamide
This active is widely considered an effective ingredient with great benefits thanks to its widely demonstrated anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties:
- Reduces enlarged pores. This vitamin has a normalizing capacity and prevents waste from accumulating. Its use helps the pores return to their normal size.
- improve tone off the skin enhancing luminosity.
- Fight acne. Research shows that a concentration of 2% (or higher) is very effective in removing blemishes and the marks they leave on the skin.
- Visibly unifies the tone of the skin and attenuates the spots caused by the sun. In concentrations of 5% or higher, niacinamide works in several ways, helping to eliminate existing hyperpigmentation and preventing the appearance of new spots, making the skin tone more even.
- Strengthens the protective barrier and skin hydration. Helps renew and restore the skin’s surface against moisture loss and dehydration, helping the skin to enhance its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides.
In addition, it helps mitigate the negative effects of stressors environmental, visibly repairs damage caused by UV exposure, reduces the depth of wrinkles and improves skin texture.
cosmetics with niacinamide
Currently, there is a lot of cosmetics that incorporate this ingredient in their formulation, whether they advertise it or not, since, as we have seen, it has countless benefits for all skin types and can be combined with any other active ingredient.
At a 20% concentration, the Paula’s Choice Niacinamide Serum (€57) is perfect for a shock treatment. Drastically reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and flaccidity, regulates sebum levels, reinforces the skin barrier and improves the signs of photoaging.
In cream format we can find it Brightness Reveal Cream by Bruno Vassari (€66.50), with a melting texture that works at different levels to promote a healthy and radiant appearance, revealing the skin’s natural radiance.
He blur elixir by Labelist (€21.95), contains 13% Niacinamide, which allows it to cover all these needs due to its concentrated formula and, furthermore, achieve it in a few weeks. With 18% vitamins B3 and B5 (13% Niacinamide + 5% Panthenol), it has protective, anti-inflammatory and repair properties that renew the skin.
Sun cream is one of the best formats to incorporate our favorite asset, since we have to reapply it several times a day. The sunscreen Advanced Brightening UV Defense by Skinceutical (€54.95) has 2% niacinamide to limit excess melanin from going to the epidermis on the surface, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation.
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