Niacinamide, why is it the favorite asset for sensitive and acne-prone skin? Skincare lovers have spoken: niacinamide is a beauty essential that is here to stay. This derivative of vitamin B3 is not exactly new, but all the scientific evidence that has emerged around it has made it an all-terrain cosmetic ingredient, making it a trend and an essential asset.

Niacinamide is the “personal trainer” of the skin, and yes, niacinamide is for you too! Even if you have sensitive skin or acne. In fact, in these cases, it is a key asset. Everyone is talking about niacinamide and here we tell you everything you need to know about it.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is an essential nutrient for different functions of the body, such as brain functions, digestion, or the nervous system. It is also applied in the prevention and treatment of various skin disorders (acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity…).

It is found in plant roots, yeasts, and a large number of foods such as milk, eggs, or meat, for example. In cosmetics, it is a great ally for skin health. It is soluble in water and alcohol and has a low molecular weight, which allows it to act in the deepest layers of the skin as well as also exerting its action on the most superficial ones.

Niacinamide is a precursor of a series of cofactors that participate in many enzymatic reactions of the skin, therefore it positively influences numerous skin processes.

For what type of skin is niacinamide recommended?

As we already anticipated, the most reactive skins are especially adept at this active ingredient. Its high tolerance and its ability to reduce redness and irritation, being a great anti-inflammatory, make it ideal for the most sensitive skin.

Being soothing, it also helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function, preventing it from being altered and causing skin hypersensitivity. But be careful, because this calming capacity is good for preventing possible inflammatory processes, thus avoiding acne breakouts, acting in synergy with its activity.

It even helps adult skin with adult acne, resolving hyperpigmentation and helping to out skin tone. It can also be applied during pregnancy and lactation when hormonal fluctuations can lead to skin problems such as spots.

Combinations of niacinamide with other assets

Watch out! Combine so that it works in synergy with other active ingredients and treatments in your routine:

• Niacinamide + salicylic acid: it is a keratolytic, sebum-regulating, and anti-inflammatory combo that is especially recommended for skin with pimples (acne, comedones…) and is used to treat blemishes, residual marks, and blackheads.
• Niacinamide + retinoids is an anti-aging, cell renewing, and depigmenting combo that reduces expression lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and luminosity.
• Niacinamide + alpha hydroxy acids: is a sebum-regulating, exfoliating, and cell-renewing combo that is indicated for combination skin with imperfections.
• Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid: this is a moisturizing and anti-aging combo that helps improve the skin’s barrier function by reducing expression lines.
• Niacinamide + ceramides: This is an anti-aging combo that improves the skin’s barrier function thanks to its emollient action and helps reduce redness and irritation.
• Niacinamide + sunscreen: it is an antioxidant combo that combines the anti-free radical power of vitamin B3 with protection against UV radiation and the damage it generates in DNA.