Immunity. Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as spots and hyperpigmentation.

While we might be used to seeing niacinamide in our beauty products now, this hyped-up ingredient actually has a host of other reported benefits too.

Skin Type

A 2016 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology examined a product that contained skin brighteners, including retinol, the antioxidant, resveratrol, as well as niacinamide. Niacinamide does a little bit of everything with minimum to potentially no irritation, making it a very inclusive ingredient,” says Elyse Love M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This powerhouse ingredient soothes the skin barrier, decreases overall irritation for a slew of skin issues, helps enhance skin’s overall moisture, reduces oiliness, and promotes more even skin tones,” she explains. Still not sure what all the fuss is about? Don’t worry – we’ve pulled together 5 key benefits of niacinamide just for you. This way, the next time you’re indulging in a night of self-care and encounter this powerhouse ingredient you’ll no longer have to wonder ‘what is niacinamide?’… PROMOTE GROWTH – NIACINAMIDE FOR HAIR GROWTH

Most cosmetic products featuring niacinamide in them have a certain concentration. Most are 5% or less, and this is usually all that is needed. However, sensitive skins and scalps may need to start with a 2% formula. Hyaluronic acid is supposedly a good secondary ingredient, as it helps increase this vitamin’s absorption. Niacinamide Down-Regulates the Expression of DKK-1 and Protects Cells from Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells https://www.dovepress.com/niacinamide-down-regulates-the-expression-of-dkk-1-and-protects-cells--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID Your body actually makes niacinamide from niacin. However, it only usually does this when there is an excessive amount of niacin in the body. Your body also takes something called tryptophan and converts it into niacinamide. What’s more, in specific concentrations, it’s believed to be able to interfere with the enzyme responsible for producing pigmentation, or melanin, and improve skin tone. 17

A final few words about niacinamide….

Dealing with, well, pretty much any kind of complexion concern? Odds are good that niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a solution—it can do pretty much anything and everything. “Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that’s beneficial for a wide range of skin conditions,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez of Riverchase Dermatology, adding that it helps the skin produce more ceramides, ingredients that are essential for maintaining a strong and healthy skin barrier. On the flipside, too much niacinamide can have nasty consequences of its own as well. Some people are allergic to niacinamide in concentrated amounts or applying too directly. Most who react to this vitamin have some other allergy, and the niacinamide can then cause your body to release histamine. It confirmed there are potential benefits to using oral nicotinamide as an alternative approach to managing inflammatory lesions associated with acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. 11 Niacinamide also helps ceramide synthesis, which is the glue between protein scales and helps to mend brittle hair. It reinforces hair resistance, thus making it stronger. Read more about its hair-strengthening properties in this PMID study. If it’s ok, work your way up to using a higher concentration (most products tend to go from 2 to 10%). 19 How to use niacinamide

Niacinamide is a very long word, and one that you might not have heard about. However, you probably do actually know what niacinamide is, or at least a little about it. You probably also already know that it is good for your hair. Niacinamide is found in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs, green vegetables, beans and cereal grains, so getting enough dietary niacinamide should be easy if you follow a well-balanced diet. It’s also found in B complex supplements along with other vitamins. Reduces scalp inflammation:"Nicotinamide has anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits," Camp says. These properties help to calm and soothe the skin and scalp, reducing irritation and inflammation.

AT A GLANCE – WHICH GROW GORGEOUS PRODUCTS CONTAIN NIACINAMIDE?

You can buy niacinamide serums, such as the Oleus Niacinamide & Zinc Serum, as well as niacinamide powder, niacinamide toners and niacinamide cream, such as Clear Skin Days Mattifying Barrier Moisturiser, which contains niacinamide alongside numerous other ingredients. Another thing about niacinamide that you should know is that it is water-soluble. This means that Vitamin B3 is one of the vitamins that your body can’t store. This is why niacinamide is important to intake on a daily basis to make sure that you get enough Vitamin B3. The solution also contains 2% niacinamide, our showcase ingredient this month, which is proven to rebuild keratin proteins, reduce inflammation, and improve hair growth and circulation. Niacinamide is thought to be safe for most healthy adults, although it’s always worth proceeding with caution. 23

Niacinamide is also used sometimes to help with inflammation – yet another big help for hair. But this combined is why niacinamide is sometimes used to help treat certain skin conditions. Some of these are eczema or simply redness and blotchiness on your skin. It thus decreases the possible itching and regulates the appearance of fatty films. It helps to prevent the obstruction of the hair follicles and to maintain a healthy scalp. Regulates oil. The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types. Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive. Protects against oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.Niacinamide is probably something you know of as Vitamin B3. Also sometimes called nicotinamide, this vitamin is one that everyone knows that they need. That is why so many vitamins have a B-complex that has all of the B vitamins in it, including Vitamin B3. There are numerous niacinamide benefits. However, they do depend on whether your chosen product is taken orally or used as a topical aid.