Get to Know Niacinamide: An Acne & Pigmentation Star!

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Niacinamide, the superstar ingredient in beloved K-beauty products adored by beauty enthusiasts worldwide? You might have heard about it, but we're here to take you on an exciting journey to discover everything you need to know! Our blog is your ultimate guide to Niacinamide, unveiling its mysteries, highlighting its incredible benefits, and showcasing our absolute favourite products enriched with this potent ingredient.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various biological processes within the human body. In the context of skincare and cosmetics, niacinamide is used as an active ingredient for its numerous beneficial properties for the skin. 

Benefits of Niacinamide

• Barrier Function 

One of niacinamide's primary functions is to support the skin's barrier function. It helps to maintain the skin's protective barrier, which is crucial for retaining moisture, preventing dehydration, and protecting against environmental stressors.

• Reduces Inflammation

Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective at soothing irritated or inflamed skin. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with conditions like acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin.

• Hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting the transfer of melanin (skin pigment) to the surface of the skin. This can result in a more even skin tone.

• Minimises Pores

Some studies suggest that niacinamide may help to tighten enlarged pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined appearance.

• Oil Regulation

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, which may reduce the occurrence of breakouts.

What to Mix with Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a versatile and well-tolerated skincare ingredient that can be combined with a variety of other ingredients to address specific skin concerns effectively. Here are some skincare ingredients that work well with niacinamide:

• Hyaluronic Acid

Niacinamide can enhance the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid, helping to keep the skin moisturised and plump.

• Vitamin C

Combining niacinamide with vitamin C can provide a powerful duo for brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. These two ingredients work well together and are often found in serums or treatments.

• Peptides

Niacinamide can complement the benefits of peptides, which are known for their ability to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Together, they can help address signs of ageing.

• Retinol (Vitamin A)

Niacinamide can help mitigate some of the potential irritation and dryness associated with retinol use. This pairing can be particularly beneficial for those looking to address both signs of ageing and skin texture.

•  Salicylic Acid

For individuals with acne-prone or congested skin, combining niacinamide with salicylic acid can be effective in reducing breakouts, minimising pores, and controlling excess oil.

• Antioxidants

Niacinamide can enhance the antioxidant protection provided by ingredients like green tea extract, resveratrol, or niacinamide itself. This can help shield the skin from environmental damage.

Recommended Niacinamide products

• NACIFIC Phyto Niacin Brightening Essence (50ml) - £18.00

Infused with 5% Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivatives extracted from Lemon, Morus Alba Bark, and Rosa Canina Fruit, this lightweight NACIFIC Phyto Niacin Brightening Essence illuminates the complexion while diminishing dark spots and pigmentation. It swaps traditional water for Bamboo Water, renowned for its moisture-locking properties, ensuring your skin boasts a soft, supple, and radiant finish.

• NUMBUZIN No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad (70 pads) - £24.00

Experience the transformative effects of NUMBUZIN No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad, meticulously crafted to revitalise and clarify your skin. Enriched with a brightening essence boasting a fusion of Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E, this unique formula not only safeguards the skin's barrier but also nurtures a smoother complexion while diminishing the visibility of acne and dark spots. Infused with LHA and PHA, these pads excel at exfoliating dead skin cells and purging impurities, leaving your skin radiant and velvety-smooth.

• HEIMISH Bulgarian Rose Hydrogel Eye Patch (60 pieces)  - £18.00

Discover the ultimate remedy for dark circles, dehydrated, and tired, puffy under eyes. HEIMISH Bulgarian Rose Hydrogel Eye Patches deliver a rich blend of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, deeply hydrating and revitalizing the delicate under-eye area. Enriched with key ingredients like Bulgarian Rose Water, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid, they effectively combat dark circles, provide intense hydration, and offer anti-wrinkle benefits, all while the soothing properties of Centella Extract calm and rejuvenate the skin.

• COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum (20g) - £28.00

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum boasts a potent formulation, featuring an impressive 15% Niacinamide concentration alongside carefully balanced synergistic ingredients, offering comprehensive control over both acne and pigmentation issues. Niacinamide, renowned for its ability to diminish acne scars and dark spots while regulating sebum production, provides effective acne care and improves overall skin texture and imperfections.

• INNISFREE Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream (50ml) - £21.00

INNISFREE Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream provides deep hydration, immediate brightening, and a radiant boost, leaving your skin soft, dewy, and brilliantly glowing. Infused with Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract and Niacinamide, it naturally enhances skin tone, stimulates collagen production, shields against free radicals, and soothes irritation or redness. Its clear water-jelly texture ensures effortless application and quick absorption into the skin.

• ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml) - £19.95

Infused with eight varieties of Hyaluronic Acid, ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel provides enduring hydration by effectively sealing moisture within every skin layer. Additionally, enriched with skin-brightening Niacinamide, it promotes a radiant and firmer complexion, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, thanks to its gentle, naturally derived ingredients.