As the latest buzz ingredient, you’ll have been hearing about Niacinamide everywhere. But what actually is this powerhouse ingredient, and how does it benefit our skin?  

Niacinamide is a specific form of Vitamin B3.  An essential nutrient and water-soluble vitamin, and  one of the most sought after,  much loved skincare ingredients because of its many multitasking benefits when topically applied to the skin.    

What can it do?  

One of the most noted benefits of Niacinamide is its ability to support the skin’s protective barrier function.  Our skin barrier, which includes the skin’s naturally occurring slightly acidic acid mantle, is a protective shield made up of sebum, amino acids and sweat. It sits on the Epidermis, the top layer of our skin, and helps to keep moisture in and environmental aggressors out. This barrier plays a vital role in protecting the skin’s surface and lower layers from external threats that lead to concerns such as premature ageing or bacterial infection.  

Niacinamide also has superior moisturising ability, assisting in increasing the skin’s natural moisturising factors, ceramides, and fat molecules that are a component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture. With our vital organs receiving most vitamins and water we consume and considering the daily environmental factors of the sun, air conditioning and pollution that cause stress to the skin, it’s a constant battle to maintain adequate levels of moisture for proper cell functioning. Enter Niacinamide, to help boost and maintain skin’s moisture.   

Interestingly, while it supports ceramide production and increases moisturisation, Niacinamide simultaneously balances sebaceous oils making it extremely suitable for oily and problematic skin types. Clinically proven to reduce the production rate of sebum, Niacinamide works to increase the skin’s own antioxidant response and prevent the occurrence of breakouts whilst also having a calming action on existing problematic skin.  

And why are these benefits so important to our skin health?  

When a barrier is impaired, it can often lead to redness, inflammation, breakouts, and reactive skin conditions. By maintaining a healthy skin barrier, we ensure that skin remains resilient and can tolerate active skincare.   

Overall skin clarity and a reduction in the appearance of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation is seen with regular application of Niacinamide, with its potent brightening properties helping to inhibit the transfer of melanin (pigment) to the Epidermis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Niacinamide also protect the skin from UV damage and the stimulation of free radicals which cause unnecessary pigment in the skin.  

In addition, Niacinamide helps to boost collagen and elastin production and enhances the skin’s ability to fight back against factors that contribute to skin ageing such as glycation and oxidative stress.  

This multitasking, multifunctional ingredient really does tick all the boxes.   

Add Niacinamide to your routine:   

Thanks to its long list of benefits and suitability for all skin types, incorporating Niacinamide into your daily skincare regime has never been easier.    

Morning or evening be sure to start your regime with a pH balanced cleanser. This helps to optimise absorption of topically applied serums and works to amplify your skincare goals. Balancing Cleanser respects the skin’s naturally occurring acid mantle and is suitable for all skin types. If you’re a little more on the oily side, try Triple Action Cleanser. 

Next, apply 3 – 4 drops of Niacinamide rich Vitamin B Serum to the face, neck, and decolletage avoiding the delicate lip and eye areas, and allow a minute to dry before following with your daily SPF or evening moisturiser. We suggest Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+for your daily broad-spectrum UV protection, or Essential Hydration Cream to boost moisture levels while you sleep.