Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Vitamin B3 – niacinamide is one of the cosmetic ingredients that are diverse in their ability to improve the skin. It has been studied in hundreds of clinical studies, both when taken orally and when applied topically. It is a proven anti-aging and lightening ingredient, which also corrects several damaged skin functions. Let’s get to know it more deeply.

A – Niacinamide is a strong antioxidant.

It has shown the ability to effectively scavenge a variety of free radicals. Free radicals are a decisive factor in skin aging (and also in known aging diseases). They damage all areas of the skin – the cell membranes, inside the cells and the DNA as well as the intercellular matrix. They are involved in aggravating inflammation processes, damaging the skin’s vital functions as well as its structure. Counteracting free radicals is one of the most important forms of anti-aging.

B – Niacinamide repairs the epidermal barrier.

The epidermal barrier is in the outermost layer of the skin. It protects us from losing moisture and invading bacteria, pollutants, viruses and more. Its dysfunction is linked to diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Even in healthy skin – damage to the epidermal barrier will result in dry, lifeless and sensitive skin. Niacinamide repairs the barrier in at least two ways: one – it affects the production of ceramides and lipids that make up the epidermal barrier, and second – it stimulates the differentiation of skin cells and constant regeneration at a normal rate of the skin, one of the results of which is the construction of a healthy epidermal barrier.

C – delay in the yellowing process of the skin

With age – our skin, which was pinkish and vital, turns yellowish to a certain extent. An important factor related to this yellowing is glycation – binding of sugar to proteins. Glycation products multiply in our skin over the years, up to a 2-fold increase from age 20 to age 80. Niacinamide inhibits glycation, thus contributing to vital and younger skin.

D – delay in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

This is because niacinamide encourages collagen production. It turns out that it encourages the production of other important skin proteins such as keratin and filaggrin. The last two are part of the epidermal barrier and are an important moisturizing factor in the skin. Indeed, niacinamide is also known to contribute to skin moisture. Studies have shown that applying the vitamin contributes to the softness and elasticity of the skin.

E – pigmentation treatment.

Niacinamide also contributes to the lightening of spots. Studies in many types of population, and in a variety of types of spots, showed that its use (depending on the dose) showed a lightening of spots and a more uniform skin tone.

An improvement in skin texture was also demonstrated.

Many studies have demonstrated an improvement in skin texture with the use of niacinamide. One of the explanations put forward is – its effect on cell turnover. When the cell turnover is accelerated, a kind of light peeling is generated, which allows the removal of dead skin cells and reveals younger cells.

G – Niacinamide balances sebum secretion in the skin.

Therefore, it is one of the preferred ingredients for acne treatment. And if we are dealing with the treatment of acne, vitamin B3 – niacinamide – contributes both to the fight against the acne bacteria and is an anti-inflammatory component. As you know, acne is an inflammatory skin disease.