Niacinamide is a well-known ingredient in cosmetic products, but did you know that different concentrations of niacinamide work differently? It is true that niacinamide works as a moisturizer, but also has a beneficial effect on skin prone to irregularities. The most important thing to consider? Its concentration.
WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a soluble derivative of vitamin B, colloquially known as B3. In low concentrations (1-2%) it is a very useful hydrating agent, and in higher percentages (above 4%) it is proven to help with post-inflammatory spots by inhibiting melanin synthesis. It also successfully reduces sebum secretion and refines skin texture (visually reduces pore size). All of this makes it an ideal component for acne-prone skin treatments. Niacinamide is a great choice if you’re dealing with mild to moderate acne, have oily skin that is also dehydrated, and wish to treat hyperpigmentation (residual spots from acne, but also pigmentation from UV damage to the skin). Niacinamide also works wonders for skin that is prone to inflammatory disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Recent research has shown that niacinamide, at a concentration of at least 4%, is comparably effective in eliminating acne as the antibiotic clindamycin 1%, and in terms of lightening spots, it shows similar results to those of the problematic (but effective) hydroquinone 4%.
Applied topically, niacinamide is a safe and effective ingredient, ideal for all those looking for simultaneous treatment of problem areas and anti-aging care. Temporary redness of the skin can occur if niacinamide is layered on products that have a significantly lower pH, such as exfoliants and some vitamin C derivatives, but this is not an allergic skin reaction. This redness occurs when niacinamide begins to break down on the skin in the presence of an acidic pH medium (lower than pH 5). We recommend that you combine products based on niacinamide and exfoliants alternately: one in the morning routine and the other in your nightly routine. Even more importantly, don’t layer them. Our vitamin C serum contains a more stable form of this ingredient, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is formulated in a pH medium similar to our niacinamide-based products, so there is no negative interaction. This makes them suitable for layering and allows you to achieve optimal results on sensitive skin, even out the tone, as well as treat spots and in-flammatory processes.
SKINTEGRA PRODUCTS CONTAINING NIACINAMIDE
Tria Light: Treatment cream with 6% niacinamide for combination and oily skin prone to clogged pores and blemishes.
Infrared: This concentrated serum for sensitive skin contains 2% niacinamide
for increased hydration and strengthening of the skin's protective barrier.
for increased hydration and strengthening of the skin's protective barrier.
Hydra B: The addition of 1% niacinamide works synergistically with a carefully selected complex of moisturizers in this serum emulsion for intense, deep hydration.
LITERATURE:
Forbat, E., Al-Niaimi, F. i Ali, F. R. (2017.), Use of nicotinamide in dermatology. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 42: 137–144.
