10 best brighting and acne treating niacinamide serums
I’ll admit it, when it comes to refining my skincare routine I find it tricky to narrow down my wish-list… But one ingredient I’ll never skip? A niacinamide serum (aka vitamin B3).
Yup, whilst I love my vitamin C for getting a glow, hyaluronic acid for moisturising and retinol for targeting those ever-present fine lines, niacinamide has become my go-to for preventing breakouts and brightening up my skin. And I’m not alone, the ingredient has been growing in popularity as more and more beauty brands embrace it’s benefits.
If you’re thinking about adding a little niacinamide to your skincare shelfie, here’s all you need to know…
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What is niacinamide?
So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty, what actually is niacinamide? “Niacinamide is a water soluble form of vitamin B3, which has a wide range of excellent benefits for the skin” explains , Consultant Dermatologist for online Dermatology platform, .
It’s most commonly used in serums and can be found in percentages of 4%, 10% and 20%. “It is generally very well tolerated by all skin types however, I would always suggest using a lower percentage as a leave-on product if you have never tried it before” says Sommerlad.
What does niacinamide do to the skin?
Turns out, it actually does quite a lot. “Firstly, it can help treat acne by balancing oil production, reducing inflammation and helping even out skin tone imbalance” says Sommerlad. “It can also help those with eczema as it supports the skin barrier, helps boost hydration and is anti-inflammatory. Finally, it’s also great for those interested in reducing the signs of premature ageing, as it works to minimise pore size, even out pigmentation and smooth out fine lines.”
How does niacinamide work?
Well, that all sounds pretty wonderful, but how does it tick all those boxes? “Niacinamide boosts the skin’s natural production of ceramides (which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help retain moisture)”, explains Sommerlad. “It also has antioxidant properties and stimulates keratinocytes (the primary type of cell found in the epidermis), both of these actions help maintain and enhance the skin barrier.”
How often should I use niacinamide?
“You can use Niacinamide in your morning or evening routine. Apply it after cleansing the skin and before applying your moisturiser.”, Sommerlad summarises.
