Welcome to the second installment in my Anti-Aging A-List Series. The A-List is my list of five holy grail anti-aging skincare ingredients that are key to keeping skin youthful looking as we age. If you missed the first installment, you can read all about Retinoids: Retin A vs. Retinol Here. Landing at Number 2 on my list is Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide. While there isn’t a lot of buzz surrounding Niacinamide, there should be. In topical form, it packs a powerful anti-aging punch. And Niacinamide is one of just a handful of ingredients (literally you can count them on your fingers) that have actually been proven through extensive research to work. What exactly is Niacinamide and what benefits can it provide for your Skin? Let’s take a closer look.
WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE & WHO IS IT FOR?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble component of the Vitamin B Complex Group. It is also referred to as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide. When used topically, it works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles and dullness.
Niacinamide has the ability to improve the skin’s barrier and reduce the impact of environmental damage. It also plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage. Our skin barrier is the first line of defense against environmental aggressors. (UV, pollution and irritants) But… here’s a shocker… it weakens as we age. As if we need something else that weakens as we age, right? There is good news though! Niacinamide boosts the skin barrier function by increasing ceramide production. This results in better water-retention and overall skin structure. Yay!
One of the best things about Niacinamide is that it is well tolerated by all skin types. It is even suitable for those with sensitive or rosacea prone skin. You can use multiple Niacinamide products in your routine on both the face & body without any irritation.
NIACINAMIDE BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN
What can Niacinamide do for your Skin? It’s a long list! Here are the many ways this multi-tasker can help your skin.
FIGHTS FREE RADICALS
Niacinamide has been found to protect from free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. It increases the antioxidant capacity of skin after topical application.
REDUCES WRINKLES
Niacinamide stimulates both collagen and elastin, leading to the rebuilding of the supportive foundation of the skin. Skin that once sagged and showed wrinkles is visibly plumped. It fills in those wrinkles from the inside out, leading to an overall younger-looking appearance.
REDUCES REDNESS
If you’re prone to redness, Niacinamide is a superstar! Research has found that it significantly improves red, blotchy skin. It is also a beneficial treatment for Rosacea. The theory is that Niacinamide improves the function of the skin barrier, which means less irritation and less redness.
FADES AGE SPOTS
Niacinamide has proved to be an excellent treatment for pigmentation, age spots and melasma. One study found a significant decrease in hyperpigmentation after just four weeks of treatment.
STRENGTHENS THE SKIN BARRIER AND REDUCES DRYNESS
Niacinamide improves skin texture and strengthens the protective barrier function of the skin. This helps to reduce inflammation and improve the condition of dry, irritated or flaky skin. It does so by increasing natural lipids found on the skin’s surface and reducing water loss.
PROTECTS FROM UV DAMAGE
Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
SHRINKS PORES & SMOOTHS TEXTURE OF THE SKIN
Niacinamide has been clinically proven to reduce pore size, and improve skin texture. A 12 week study found that Niacinamide significantly reduced pore size and bumpy skin texture. This happens because of Niacinamide’s ability to reduce sebum production. Pores always look larger when they are trapped with sebum and dead skin. So with less oil, the pores will appear smaller and the skin’s texture looks softer and smoother.
REGULATES OIL PRODUCTION
Niacinimide isn’t just for those with dry skin. It can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
Did I mention the Niacinamide Benefits are quite impressive?
As if all of the above isn’t enough! There’s one more thing that makes this ingredient a superstar. It has virtually no side effects. Niacinamide can be used at high doses topically and is generally well tolerated by all skin types.
Ready to reap the benefits of Niacinamide? Here’s what to look for…
Look for products containing 5-10% Niacinamide or products that list Niacinamide in the Top 5 Ingredients.WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Niacinamide concentration can vary across products. Studies have shown formulas containing 5-10% to be the most effective. Many products will not share the actual percentage. As a result, you’ll need to look for it in the ingredient list. As a general rule of thumb, Niacinamide should be listed in the Top 5 ingredients, to be considered effective. Otherwise, the percentage is probably not high enough to make a difference.
To make sure you receive the maximum Niacinamide Benefits…
- Look for products containing 5-10% Niacinamide.
- OR products that have Niacinamide listed in the Top 5 Ingredients.
- May also be listed in the Ingredients as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide.
Now that you know how Niacinamide works wonders on your skin, here are some great product choices. I’ve included a couple of options for the Body as well!
BEST BETS FOR THE FACE:
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Contains 10% Niacinamide & antioxidants to naturally calm, hydrate & restore skin’s youthful radiance & glow. This formula can be used alone as a serum or added to your moisurizer to give it a Niacinamide boost!
$41.80 USD for 0.67 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum
This is a lightweight, creamy serum with skin-plumping amino-peptides and Niacinamide. The formula is designed to regenerate surface cells and deliver anti-aging ingredients 10 layers deep into the skin.
$28.99 USD for 1.7 oz. BUY IT HERE
$9.00 USD for 0.5 oz BUY IT HERE
Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB Sunscreen
A lightweight, non-greasy lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 that absorbs instantly into skin. Provides UVA/UVB protection while helping to repair and build a stronger skin barrier.
$49.00 USD for 2.5 oz.
BUY IT HERE
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
An ultra lightweight formula that moisturizes throughout the night. It helps to restore the protective skin barrier with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. (1700+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$23.52 for Two 3 oz Bottles.
BUY IT HERE
InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Face Serum
Provides protection from external factors that can cause breakouts, irritation and aging concerns. This serum promises to sooth, firm and replenish the skin. With Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil & Rosemary Extract. (1000+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$15.17 USD for 2 oz.
BUY IT HERE
EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
This facial moisturizer works to moisturize, restore and repair skin while you sleep. With Niacinamide and antioxidants, EltaMD PM Therapy is oil-free and fragrance-free.
$34.00 USD for 1.7 oz.
BUY IT HERE
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This mineral-based face sunscreen is lightweight and silky and excellent for sensitive skin. I love this cream because it does double duty during the day providing both SPF protection AND Niacinamide!
$35.00 USD for 1.7 oz.
BUY IT HERE
10 Actives Skin Serum by Eva Naturals
This serum is made with a combination of Niacinamide and Vitamins C and E. It is a light serum that absorbs quickly into the skin. (500+ 4 1/2 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$14.20 USD for 2 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Skin Daily Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream Serum for Face 5%
With Niacinamide 5% and Hyaluronic Acid, this Serum promises to visibly beautify pores & wrinkles and brighten the skin. (1500+ 4 Star Reviews on Amazon!)
$12.30 USD for 1 oz.
BUY IT HERE
BEST BETS FOR THE BODY:
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion
This body lotion is lightweight & great for dry skin. The formula contains Niacinamide, Shea Butter & Glycerin and provides all day hydration.
$17.99 USD for 13.52 oz.
BUY IT HERE
Olay Quench Age Defying Body Lotion
This is the Body Lotion that I’m currently using and I love it! Niacinamide is the third ingredient! This lotion has a slight floral scent but is not overpowering. Amazon has a great deal on 2 bottles (below).
$13.98 USD for 2 – 11.8 oz bottles.
BUY IT HERE
I hope you enjoyed this article on Niacinamide Benefits. I would love for you to take a moment and subscribe to my Beauty Buzz Newsletter . When you subscribe, you will ensure that you never miss a post. And I will notify you as soon as I post the next installment in my Anti-aging A-List.
Have you tried Niacinamide? If so, what product are you using? As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below!
Until next time…
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Great information! I’ll start looking for it in products!!
Yay! It’s in a lot of products so it should be pretty easy to find! Thank you for stopping by & reading!💕💕
Susie, this was so interesting! I’ve heard of Niacinamide, but had no idea about the science behind it or the benefits offered.I’m going to look at my skin products labels now! Thank you!
Thank you Andy!🙏 I’m glad you found it helpful & I bet you’ve got a product with niacinamide in your cabinet right now!💕💕
Such great information, Susie! I don’t know why, but I tend to get that blank stare in my eyes when looking at all the massive amounts of skin care products, thanks for breaking it down into easy to read bites!
Thank you so much Tina! I know the feeling! 🙄That’s exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with this A-list Series. To narrow it down to just 5 ingredients that we know for certain work! I’m all for trying the latest “thing” but these are the basics that won’t disappoint!💕💕
This was a very informative post! I’ve been using Cerave moisturizers on my face because someone recommended them to me, but until now I haven’t understood how their ingredients were benefiting my skin (other than the obvious overall moisturizing). Plus you just opened my eyes to the idea that I should pay more attention to what’s in my body moisturizers. As careful as I usually am in picking out facial products, I tend to grab whatever’s affordable/accessible for body moisturizing. Going to make a point of picking up one of the products you recommended!
Yes! There are so many good body lotions that have anti-aging benefits. Why not take advantage of it, right? Let me know if you try one of them! Thank you so much for stopping by & reading!🙏
Oh, this sounds great! Will be checking out some of these products. I haven’t taken a lot of time or paid much attention to the products I use. That’s what I love about reading a variety of blogs – I learn so much!
Yes I agree. I’ve learned so much as well by reading other blogs. Thank you so much for stopping by & reading. Let me know if you try any of the products!💕💕
I never knew any of this. Thanks for the information, there is so much choice on the market….
You’re welcome! I agree, there are so many choices! I’m hoping my Anti-aging A-list series on ingredients will help people know what to look for. Thanks so much for stopping by & reading.💕💕
Havent heard of some of these, will be checking them out next time I’m shopping!
Yay! Let me know if you try! Thank you for stopping by & reading.💕💕
You’re right because I’ve never heard of it! Very very very interesting!
Yes, It’s the superstar ingredient nobody has heard of! Thank you for stopping by & reading!💕💕
I hadn’t heard of this before. I’m willing to try them out. My skin could use the help.
It’s such a wonderful ingredient but isn’t one of the “sexy” ones. Let me know if you try!💕💕
I didn’t know Niacinamide has so many benefits. I would particularly love to use it as sun screen especially during summer. Thank you Susie for this post.
Yes! I agree! I love using the Elat MD UV Clear because you get double bang for your buck!🙋♀️ Thank you for stopping by & reading!💕💕
Oh this is so interesting! I have never heard of this before but looks like I need to look into it. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re very welcome! Thank you for stopping by & reading!💕💕
Very interesting, I didn’t hear about Niacinamide before but I don’t really read labels in such detail. It’s good to know that some of the popular brands have products that include Niacinamide.
Yes! So many of them do. Cerave & a lot of the Olay products have it! Thank you so much for stopping by.💕💕
I need to try these creams. I like the sound of how it can help prevent wrinkles
Right? Anything to help prevent & treat those pesky wrinkles is a good thing! Thank you so much for reading.💕💕
This is such an informative post. I didn’t know about Niacinamide benefits…I am going to look for products that includes it.
Yay! You’ll be happy with the results! Let me know if you try & thanks so much for reading.💕💕
It is great to know that there other items that’s good for your skin apart from vitamin C. I don’t recall hearing of vitamin B3 before but I will look out for it the next time I shop for skin products.
Yes! It’s the superstar nobody has heard of! Keep an eye out for it. A lot of Olay products have Niacinamide. Thank you for stopping by!💕💕
There is definitely a buzz starting around Niacinamide and I can see why. It offers so many skin benefits. I’m looking forward to adding it to my skincare routine.
Yes I agree, recently it’s finally starting to get some attention. It’s so underrated. Let me know if you try & thank you for stopping by & reading.💕💕
I haven’t heard of this Beaty ingredient. Thanks for sharing which products are recommended.
You’re very welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by & reading.💕💕
Fights free radicals? Ohhhhh I want that. I will check my beauty products if any of them has niacinamide.
Yay! You’ll probably find that some of them do! Thank you for stopping by & reading!💕💕
I am over 40 now and I am in the process of changing my beauty items to anti aging products.This article is helpful for me to find more relevant products.Thanks for sharing.
I’m happy you found it helpful Amila. Let me know if you try Niacinamide! Thank you so much for stopping by & reading!
I am always searching for great anti-aging products. I have never heard of Niacinamide . It sounds great…thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! It’s so underrated! Let me know if you give it a try. Thanks so much for stopping by & reading!💕💕
This article is really interesting and helpful, I didn’t know that concentration should be between 5 and 10%. I’ll try Cerave!
Cerave is a good choice! Let me know how you like it. Thanks so much for stopping by & reading.💕💕