Niacinamide is the latest buzzy skin care ingredient in the spotlight, and we’re here for it. An essential nutrient that boasts powerful skin healing and protection benefits, niacinamide is a reliable go-to for shrinking pores, smoothing texture, and more. Read on for our comprehensive guide on what niacinamide can do for you. 

What Is Niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3. It’s found in a variety of foods, like whole grains and leafy greens, and plays a role in energy metabolism and cell health. In skin care, it’s most often found in its synthetic form in serums and moisturizers, where it works to visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, brighten, and support the moisture barrier. Along with other amazing skin care ingredients such as retinol and Vitamin C, niacinamide stands out due to its versatile use for many skin care concerns and skin types. 

What Are the Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin? 

There are several ways niacinamide can improve the appearance of skin when incorporated into skin care: 

• It supports the skin’s all-important moisture barrier, locking in hydration 
• It minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores by tightening up pore laxity 
• It reduces inflammation, minimizing redness and blotchiness and evening out skin tone 
• It supports the skin barrier and protects against environmental and free radical damage 
• It supports skin cell health and plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage 
• It minimizes some signs of sun damage, including hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

There’s also some evidence that topical niacinamide may help treat certain skin conditions, including acne and eczema. 

How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skin Care Routine  

Before we cover the ways you can apply niacinamide topically to skin, keep in mind you can also up your intake of foods that are rich in this essential nutrient to give your skin a boost from the inside out. This form of vitamin B3 is found in eggs, whole grains, green vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole milk. To get the most out of niacinamide’s skin-related benefits, the best way to incorporate it into your skin care is with topical products. A popular ingredient, you’ll find it in concentrations as high as 6% in serums, toners, masks, moisturizers, and even makeup. 

Here are some key tips to keep in mind if you’re trying niacinamide for the first time: 

• It’s safe to use every day in the morning and evening, however if you have sensitive skin you may want to start with a lower concentration 
• It works well when combined with other powerful ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and chemical exfoliants 
• It can cause redness and irritation as your skin gets used to it, in which case scale back to using it every other day or only a few times per week 
• Follow up with a good moisturizer to lock in the benefits and help nourish the skin, and sun protection of course! 

        *Try PCASkin Clearskin- light weifght moisturizer with 6% niacinamide and it has botanical blemish fighters in it as well.

         *Try PCASkin VitB3 brightening eye cream or VitB3 Brightening Serum-Your skin will LOVE you!