Niacinamide is your skincare regime’s secret weapon against excess oil and breakouts

You’ve heard of vitamin A (aka retinol), you’ve heard of vitamin C, but have you heard of vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide)?

Just as we’ve all got our heads around hyaluronic and salicylic acid, another ingredient has landed swiftly onto our radar. Better known by it’s other name, niacinamide, vitamin B3 is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in skincare. But what’s really remarkable about it is its ability to multi-task. The single ingredient can gently tackle an impressive stack of skin complaints in one hit – which sounds exactly like our kind of bag.

“Our bodies require niacinamide for healthy digestion, improved circulation and brain function,” explains Victoria Health’s pharmacist, Shabir Daya. “Our skin also greatly benefits from its inclusion due to its multi-faceted properties in helping all skin types whether dry or oily.” So what precisely can it help with?

Oil regulation and spot zapping

“Niacinamide has been shown to regulate oil secretion making it very useful for oily and combination skin types,” explains Shabir. “The diverse ingredient even has antibacterial effects,” adds clinical facialist, Kate Kerr. “This improves congestion and calms breakouts.” Though not necessarily a spot treatment in the same way that salicylic acid zaps active spots, the inclusion of a niacinamide serum, will help to keep skin balanced and oil regulated in order to prevent spots appearing in the first place. It essentially offers a more gentle approach to keeping skin on track.

Barrier function

“Niacinamide has been shown to strengthen the skin barrier function, making it especially beneficial for skin prone to dehydration,” says Shabir. An improved barrier prevents trans-epidermal water loss as well as environmental damage. In practical terms a strong skin barrier will keep the good stuff (like moisture) in and the bad stuff (like pollution) out. Additionally, “it helps enhance ceramide production which are tiny lipids that moisturise skin,” says Shabir. This means a double whammy boost for healthy complexions. 

Ageing

“Niacinamide increases cellular energy, improving cell turnover, microcirculation and antioxidant protection – all of this helps slow skin ageing,” says Kate. It’s also required for collagen synthesis, explains Shabir, and since collagen is the essential building block for plump, youthful looking skin, that’s good news for fresh-looking skin.

Hyperpigmentation

According to world renowned plastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor Dr Maryam Zamani, niacinamide is one of the most effective skincare ingredients to incorporate into your regime (after prescription formulas). “It will help to brighten the skin as well as reduce the production of melanin, which is what causes dark spots,” she says. “It’s anti-inflammatory, too, so can be used to treat a number of other skin conditions.”

How do I use it?

Any skin type and age can benefit from using niacinamide in their skincare routine. Ideally you should use it twice a day, both morning and evening. For the most beneficial results, opt for formulas (like serums and moisturisers) that can be left on the skin for maximum absorption.

So, if you’re after plump, hydrated skin as well as a reduction in sensitivity, acne and visible pores, niacinamide may just be the answer.

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