Nicotinic acid (niacinamide, vitamin B3)

Under the complex chemical name “niacinamide”, as well as under the menacing “nicotinic acid”, the good old vitamin of group B is hidden. It is found in cosmetics for various purposes. What is it and why does the skin need it?

Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin, known by various names: vitamin B3, PP, nicotinic acid. Such doubles in names are, in principle, characteristic of vitamins. In the case of vitamin B, for example, scientists did not immediately manage to figure out that this is not one substance, but a whole group (today it includes about 20 representatives).

It received the name PP due to the fact that it turned out to be the only possible prevention of such a dangerous disease as pellagra (the abbreviation comes from the English phrase pellagra preventing). Over time, it turned out that PP and B3 are one and the same substance. Volumes have been written about the importance of this vitamin for health, and we will talk about its benefits for the skin.

Niacinamide is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, redox reactions and many other processes, therefore it has the widest spectrum of action. The benefits of this substance for the skin are undeniable. We list its capabilities in this area:

  • stimulates collagen synthesis and makes tissues more elastic;

  • strengthens the hydrolipid mantle;

  • improves microcirculation;

  • brightens the epidermis and fights pigmentation;

  • tightens pores;

  • participates in the regulation of sebum production;

  • moisturizes, softens and improves skin elasticity;

  • fights inflammation and acne.

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Recommendations for the use of niacinamide

In cosmetology, vitamin B3 has found worthy application due to its wide profile and the ability to have a pronounced external effect.

mature skin

As a result of the activation of collagen synthesis, the structure of the skin improves – already existing wrinkles are smoothed out and the formation of new ones is inhibited. Thanks to the strengthening of the hydrolipidic mantle, the skin retains moisture and becomes less vulnerable to external adverse factors.

Niacinamide is beneficial for the skin, both when taken orally and as part of cosmetics.

In the course of scientific research, the ability of vitamin B3 to curb age-related changes inherent in the skin has been proven.

Sensitive and atopic skin

The ability to maintain the barrier function is especially valuable for sensitive skin, because as a result, its hydration increases and reactivity decreases: the lipid mantle becomes stronger, less susceptible to the negative effects of external stimuli.

Niacinamide is often included in the composition of care products for the most delicate and sensitive skin of babies.

Removal of irritation

Vitamin B3 is a well-known “sedative” for the skin. All the properties listed above confirm this.

Couperose

Since niacinamide improves the external protection of the skin and is easily absorbed without having a warming effect, it relieves redness well. Here is what Alexander Prokofiev says about this: “In rosacea and rosacea, the ability of niacinamide to improve blood microcirculation in the skin, stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce moisture loss and have an anti-inflammatory effect plays a significant role.”

Problem Skin

Universal B3 has almost the entire set of properties necessary for the care of oily problem skin. It is involved in the regulation of the sebaceous glands, preventing the appearance of acne, narrowing pores and matting the skin.

Pigmentation

Due to its significant effect on the processes occurring in the skin, niacinamide helps to cope with the problem of hyperpigmentation.

Hair restoration

The soothing and restorative action of niacinamide is also in demand for solving many problems associated with the scalp and hair.

Shampoos and hair masks with vitamin B3 soften and restore the hair, having a beneficial effect on the scalp.

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Application in cosmetics for facial skin

Given the wide range of beneficial effects on the skin, niacinamide is added to the following categories of products:

  • moisturizers;

  • sun protection;

  • anti-aging;

  • restoring;

  • depigmenting;

  • for problem skin;

  • for dry skin;

  • for sensitive skin;

  • self-tanners.

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Overview of products with niacinamide in the composition

Among the best home skin care products selected by Healthy-Food for you, cosmetics with vitamin B3 are often included.

For oily skin

Corrective cream-gel for problem skin against imperfections and post-acne Effaclar DUO (+), La Roche-Posay, in addition to glycerin, contains a probiotic, vitamin B3, mannose. Provides exfoliating action, effective against imperfections thanks to the formula enriched with a combination of LHA and salicylic acid. After a week of application, inflammation becomes noticeably less.

Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment, Kiehl’s suitable for emergency and spot application. Spot imperfections are reduced thanks to the composition with exfoliating AHA acid, sulfur, long used in the fight against acne, and soothing niacinamide.

For sensitive skin

Light cream Toleriane Sensitive, La Roche-Posay contains a prebiotic formula that helps regulate the microbiome of sensitive skin. The composition, in addition to soothing vitamin B3, includes ceramides, vegetable glycerin and thermal water in high concentration.

For all skin types

Moisturizing Cleansing Micellar Water, CeraVe suitable for cleansing all skin types and for the sensitive area around the eyes. Contains three barrier-repairing ceramides, hydrating glycerin & soothing niacinamide.

Mineral soothing mask with vitamin B3 Mineral Masks, Vichy rich in thermal water, as well as niacinamide, which is known for its ability to reduce irritation. The mask is recommended to be done 1-2 times a week. The product does not require rinsing with water – the residue can be removed with a cotton pad.

Night restorative care Idéalia, Vichy helps the skin “sleep”. Hyaluronic acid saturates it with moisture, apricot kernel oil and niacinamide restore the hydrolipidic layer. After each application, the skin looks smooth and becomes more elastic and resistant to negative environmental influences.

For the skin around the eyes

Eye contour care Idéalia, Vichy can also serve as a concealer. Contains vitamins C and B3, hides dark circles, moisturizes and smoothes wrinkles, restores natural radiance to the skin.

Moisturizing eye care gel Énergie de Vie, Lancôme contains a cocktail of energizing extracts of ginseng, lemon balm and cranberry, as well as caffeine and arginine. Niacinamide in the composition of the gel has soothing and regenerating properties. The massage applicator helps fight dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

For hair

Strengthening shampoo and conditioner Fructis “Strength and Shine”, Garnier designed for normal hair. Formulas with grapefruit extract and a complex of vitamins B3 and B6 help strengthen hair and give strands a healthy shine.

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Safety measures

Vitamin B3 belongs to the category of the most mild and hypoallergenic components. But if you have sensitive skin, each new product must be tested before use. Use cosmetics for their intended purpose and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, no matter how great ingredients a cleanser contains, it should not be left on the skin – it must be washed off.

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