Hey guys and welcome to a quick beauty post about a skincare ingredient I cannot get enough of. NO! It is NOT Vitamin C (don’t worry we are still very much in love). HOWEVER, I am having an exciting new flirtation with Niacinamide (NI-CI-NAM-MIDE) which is a fancy name for essential good old Vitamin B3. I’m going to give you a quick rundown on this wondrous active ingredient, why you’ll want to add it into your routine and a few products I’ve road-tested.
Niacinamide has gone from an ingredient buried deep in the small print of many incy lists to taking more centre stage in serums, creams, cleansers, gels. You name it, every brand is trying to take its own spin on this so-called miracle ingredient.
But what actually is it? Do you need it? And how can it fit into your skincare routine?
What is Niacinamide and what does it do?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 which is proclaimed to help tackle wrinkles, pigmentation issues, acne and rosacea or general redness. Sounds wondrous right? But does the science behind this popular ingredient support all these bold claims? Scientists theorized that the skin’s cells repair damage using molecules: NAD+ and NADP+. Your skin cannot produce these molecules without the help of Niacinamide. We already produce Niacinamide naturally, but by applying it topically you are supplementing this molecule and boosting the skin’s ability to repair.
Using Niacinamide as part of your skincare routine can have a positive effect of your skin’s moisture barrier, fine lines and wrinkles as it can increase the production of ceramides (lipids that help maintain the skin’s protective barrier). Pretty cool right? I have seen noticeable improvements in my skin’s texture and redness since incorporating it into my skincare routine, something that is always in my top 5 skin concerns.
So, if you’re struggling with acne from stress or irritated skin, fine lines or redness, this may be an ingredient that can provide some relief. Side note – Vitamin C is not good for acne, so stay away when you’re breaking out badly. There are many products that feature Niacinamide, that can be used in different ways from The Ordinary’s 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc (£5) to Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir (£60). I personally have a few products in my routine that feature this ingredient and here are my favourites so far!
Lab 1003 by Typology
What is it?
Lab 1003 is everything the eyes need in a serum; caffeine to wake them up and tighten, Niacinamide to brighten and soothe.
Typology is a brand that I love seeing on my dresser. The packaging is not only minimalist in its appearance making it very aesthetically pleasing, but it is also made from all recyclable materials, including glass and aluminium. Not to mention, their branding is always on point. This product in particular definitely adheres to Typology’s results-driven ethos and no-fuss approach. And the best bit? It’s suitable for all skin types.
How do you use it?
Apply 3 to 4 drops to the under-eye area in the morning and evening, massage in using circular motions and allow to absorb before applying moisturiser.
TOP TIP: Keep it in the fridge for a refreshing feeling when applying.
Find Typology Lab 1003 here.
Paula’s Choice, Niacinamide 20% Treatment
What is it?
This product is a very highly concentrated Niacinamide treatment. Paula’s Choice is a lovely cruelty-free brand whose ideologies surround demystifying skincare and complete transparency. This high percentage solution is aimed at more advanced signs of ageing such as dark spots, stretched or clogged pores and signs of sun damage but I’m a bit gung-ho with my skincare. For younger people or newbies to Niacinamide may want to try the same version with 10% Niacinamide.
When choosing skincare products, I want fast results that make my skin feel nourished and this product does just that. As it is such a high percentage, I use it sparingly when I’m struggling with clogged pores or small bumps during that time of the month. It really helps my skin feel brighter and pores smaller and smoother.
How do you use it?
Apply a few drops before moisturising morning and night.
Dr Dennis Gross, Stress Repair Face Cream
What is it?
Big Dr Dennis Gross fan over here! This face cream, in particular, is rich in nutrients and loaded with Niacinamide, superfood extracts and adaptogens. It claims to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and correct signs of stress-induced ageing such as worry lines, dullness, dry patches and redness.
This product is just the best refresher if your skin is feeling tired or is in need of a bit of TLC. The cream is thick but fast-absorbing and my skin feels glowing and like it’s had a big drink after using it. But most importantly it’s soothing on heat irritated or stressed skin. Great for combination skin too!
How do you use it?
Use morning and night on clean and dry skin.
Dr Dennis Gross, Stress SOS Eye Cream
What is it?
This eye cream is packed full of microcapsules of superfoods, niacinamide and adaptogens to help combat puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.
This eye cream has an amazing consistency, it absorbs into my skin so quickly and leaves my under eye area feeling fresh and thirst quenched. It sits under my makeup really well. I never write rave reviews about eye creams because I never feel they are life-changing but this one is good and I’m almost finished with it.
How do you use it?
Tap a small amount around the eyes morning and evening.
Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3
What is it?
Skinceuticals is one of my top fav brands ever; I always have at least one of their results-driven products in my routine. I started using their Metacell Renewal B3 emulsion a few months back after ignoring it for quite some time. WOW, I’d been missing out. What I really love about this product is the texture. It sinks in beautifully and really nourishes skin without clogging or overwhelming my combi skin.
It addresses early signs of photoaging, with its B3 niacinamide and Tripeptide combination but increasing skin cell turnover. If you’ve got dark spots or pigmentation as well as stressed skin that needs nourishment this is for you. A super anti-ageing Niacinamide product.
How do you use it?
Massage one to two pumps into a thin, even layer across the entire face, neck and chest twice a day and follow with sun protection.
I hope you’ve found this run down helpful and has given you a little more insight into how to incorporate Niacinamide into your routine!
I’ve linked a few other products with decent levels of this wonder ingredient on this post too if you fancy having a browse.
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