For acne treatment, people generally think of products that involve reducing oil production, bacteria, and inflammation and removing dead skin cells by exfoliating them. These may do the job but can cause irritation, redness, dryness, etc. Some ingredients can work wonders for our skin and niacinamide is one of them.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, is also known as nicotinamide and is very essential for healthy skin, brain, and kidneys. It can be consumed orally or applied topically for treating acne effectively. The most important element of good skin is hydration. Hydrated skin glows and remains flawless and younger-looking. Niacinamide hydrates the skin and adds life to it.

What are the benefits of using Niacinamide?

The most important benefit of using niacinamide is that it works amazingly well with skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol. It is a form of vitamin B3 and hence, very crucial for our body. It poses huge benefits for acne-prone skin, some of which are mentioned below-

1. It increases the level of ceramides-

Ceramides are important to keep the epidermal barrier and lipid layer intact to ensure that moisture remains in the skin. This makes the skin plump and gives it life. The topical application of niacinamide enhances free fatty acids and the level of niacinamide by reducing moisture loss in the skin.

2. It decreases the production of sebum

It is the natural tendency of the skin to produce oil to maintain its hydration level. If sebum (oil secretion by sebaceous glands) is excessively produced, it gets trapped in the skin pores which leads to acne, blemishes, and blackheads. Niacinamide controls this excess sebum production and hence, controls acne.

3. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Acne leads to inflammation that delays the healing process of acne scars and pimples. The topical application of niacinamide reduces the inflammatory effect. This would eventually reduce the redness and appearance of skin pores and pimples.

4. It controls the activity of melanocytes

Melanocytes are basically the cells that build and carry melanin, a pigment present throughout the body, especially in the hair follicles and skin epidermis. These cells are present below the layers of our skin. Controlling it is very essential as excess melanin causes hyperpigmentation which can also be a result of acne scars. Niacinamide does the job very well.

5. It controls the activity of bacteria

The main and well-known cause of acne is bacteria that spread it. Hence, controlling it is very prominent. The topical application of niacinamide helps in controlling the activities of such bacteria and thereby, results in reducing acne.

Tips to use niacinamide-

1. Niacinamide can best be used in serums. It is used in other skincare products as well but different products contain different concentrations. Everything can't suit you, so choose wisely.
2. People with super sensitive skin should start with just 2% niacinamide. If it goes well, then increase the level.
3. Niacinamide blends easily with other skincare products so it's not a hassle to use this ingredient.
4. It is to be applied twice a day. Use it for 2-3 months for a noticeable change in your skin.
5. It doesn't go well with Vitamin C so don't use both of these ingredients together.

How to choose the product?

The most important aspect of using any ingredient is to know what to look for in a product! Look, different products contain different concentrations of niacinamide. Most of them contain 5%, and some may even go to 10%. The products may contain the words 'niacin' or 'nicotinamide' on their label.

Are there any side effects of using niacinamide?

Normally, the topical application of niacinamide is safe unless you have any prior allergies to it. Do a patch test before using it properly to avoid any sensitivity or allergy.

Which product to use?

We have Purifying and Glowing Skin Face Serum for all skin types and it contains 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc. It is a perfect recipe for treating acne, aging issues, hyperpigmentation, and oiliness. Its efficacy increases by adding Zinc-PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid), witch hazel extract, and Tree tea oil to the serum. It restricts the spread of bacteria and sebum production. It is clinically tested, does not contain any chemicals, and is safe for all skin types.