If you have been dabbling in skincare, you’ve probably heard of niacinamide. It’s an ingredient that has been popping up in serums, moisturizers and other skincare products. But why all this hype? The short answer? Absolutely worth it. The long answer? Let’s dive in!
What Exactly is this Superstar?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, while it does not sound like a superstar just yet, the benefits it provides definitely are superstar quality. Think of it as being a well-rounded overachiever in your skincare routine. Niacinamide works on all of your concerns from dullness to fine lines without being high-maintenance or irritating on the skin.
Why Should You Add This to Your Routine
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It’s Like a Reset Button for Your Skin – if your skin feels tired, dull, stressed or just… meh, niacinamide can help to quickly brighten things up and even out your complexion.
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Keeps Oil in Check – Whether the mid-day shine is hitting or you’re just naturally oily, niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production in the skin without leaving you out to dry.
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Supports Your Skin Barrier – Your skin barrier acts as your personal security guard. Keeping moisture in while giving environmental stressors the boot. Niacinamide helps strengthen this barrier to keep your skin resilient. Hey, even your personal security guard needs a little boost sometimes!
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Pairs Well With Others – Unlike some actives on the market (*cough* retinol I’m looking at you), niacinamide plays nice with most ingredients, making this active easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
How to Use It
Luckily niacinamide is very beginner friendly, so you can find it in many products on the market ranging from cleansers to moisturizers. Find a product that works well for your routine. If you are just starting out, a concentration of 5% or less is a good place to begin. Use it in the morning or night – whichever works best for your personal routine.
The Bottom Line
If your skincare lineup is missing this superstar quarterback, it might be time to change that. It is truly one of those rare ingredients that dabbles in a little bit of everything. Making niacinamide a great addition if you’re looking for a low maintenance and effective multi-tasking ingredient in your routine.