Niacinamide: the skincare ingredient hailed by beauty experts as the ultimate cure for dry, stressed and acne prone skin. But what is it, how does it work and what products should you be using!
Let’s investigate…
What does Niacinamide actually do to your skin?
Mohini Patel, Head of R&D at Bloom & Halo explained; “Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 is an incredibly well studied ingredient and know to offer the following benefits:
- Improves skin barrier function by promoting the synthesis of Ceramides in the skin.
- Helps fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of cells carrying melanin.
- Balances and stabilises oil production in the skin – (making it a particularly good choice for anyone with acne prone skin.)
- Anti-inflammatory benefits which help to reduce redness.
- Helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
But how does it work?
Ok, so let’s look at the science behind this wonder ingredient: it increases cell energy when you apply it to the skin, which in turn triggers cell turnover and microcirculation to give your face better antioxidant protection against free radicals, (these include things like pollutants in the atmosphere that age your skin.)
It’s also really good at strengthening the skin’s barrier function; helping to lock in moisture whilst protecting against bacteria.
As an antibacterial ingredient, it also helps to regulate sebum production, and calm and balance skin breakouts.
How to use niacinamide to get the best results
The way you apply niacinamide will very much depend on the skincare product you’re using – for example, the way you apply a niacinamide serum will differ from the way you apply a toner or cleansing wash – so we recommend that you always read the directions on the bottle before you start.
But, (because that’s not very helpful) let’s talk about how to apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser; the serum will soak into clean and oil-free skin much easier.
- Pat your skin dry with a (clean!) towel.
- Apply a few drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% into the palm of your hand and massage it thoroughly into the skin.
- Gently tap the face with the tips of your fingers – this encourages the formula to sink deeper beneath the skin’s surface.
- Apply first thing in the morning and last thing at night, waiting for a few moments before painting any make-up over the top.
Other top tips
- Start slow, using your niacinamide product 3-4 times a week until your skin can build up a tolerance
- Avoid the thin skin under and around your eyes, particularly if you’re using it for the first time.
- The Ordinary 10% Zinc 1% is water-based, so it should always be first in your skincare routine.
…and is it OK to use every day?
Yes, it can be used to everyday – and many products containing the ingredient suggest using both morning and night.
However, if you’re using a niacinamide serum, apply before heavier creams or oils and avoid mixing with vitamin C skincare as it can minimise its effects.
But are there any side effects?
Niacinamide is usually well tolerated by most skin types, but (as with most beauty ingredients) side effects can occur if used incorrectly, (or overused) and may include itching, redness and slight burning.
However, these side effects should disappear over time as the skin becomes accustomed to the effects.
What is better? Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid?
Finally, we put the burning question on everyone’s lip to Mohini Patel: which should you be using, Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid?
“These are both great in their own rights. Whilst Niacinamide is a great multitasker, Salicylic Acid is targeted and best for acne prone skin and blemishes.”
The best skincare products containing niacinamide tried and tested by our team:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | From £5.60
Leave breakouts in the past, with TikTok’s favourite hero product. This low cost serum helps to tackle the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and combat blemishes. This extra-potent mix of niacinamide and zinc regulates sebum production and blemish-causing bacteria, promising a visibly clearer complexion.
Bloom & Halo AHA Exfoliating Polish Sticks | £28
Unlike physical exfoliation (scrubs or treatments with physical exfoliants) chemical exfoliators using AHAs are much more gentle on the skin, but also penetrate deeper into the skin, ensuring skin glows constantly, rather than just in the hours after a treatment. Gentle for even the most sensitive of skin types and containing niacinamide, Bloom & Halo’s Micro Exfolistick mitigates skin irritation and stress by strengthening the skin barrier and penetrating rapidly into the skin.
Adaptology Break Free Serum | £44
Adaptology’s blemish treating gel serum has been especially desgined for combination skin, and comes packed with actives to reduces the signs of breakouts and blemishes (Bakuchiol a natural Bio Retinol and 4% Niacinamide) while also clarifying congested pores and boosting exfoliation (1% Salicylic Acid.)
Patchology “Serve chilled” bubbly eye patches| From £11
Give your skin a happy hour in just 10 minutes with these bubbly, effervescent and super-cooling eye gels.
Formulated with antioxidants Resveratrol (from grapes) and Orange Extract to help protect from environmental stressors—which can lead to early signs of aging—and Niacinamide to brighten dull undereyes, these easy-to-apply pacthes help to soothe, brighten and refresh those eye bags.
Bloom & Halo Supercharged Mix Mask | £21
This powder-to-gel formula is the ultimate hydrating treatment mask for your face, with a difference – you mix it yourself to activate it and pull it off in just one piece.
This mask boost skin’s hydration by up to 230 percent in just 20 minutes and delivers a high concentration of active ingredients to your skin to reveal a dewier less congested complexion. Boasting a blend of barrier-replenishing ingredients including Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, it clears and hydrates over-parched skin, making it soft and supple.
Jen is our resident wellness and features editor here at The Daily Struggle. You will probably find her on the beach, painting her house or writing about magick and motherhood.
