Well-tolerated by the skin, niacinamide hydrates, repairs, protects, and deeply nourishes. It is a versatile natural active ingredient, found in many skincare products and suitable for all skin types. It is particularly effective in preventing irritations and allergies. Here are our tips to help you take full advantage of its multiple benefits according to your skin type.
For which skin type is niacinamide suitable?
Summary
Published on February 16, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min of reading
Themes:
How does niacinamide interact with the skin?
Rich in antioxidants, niacinamide slows down the skin ageing process. In the European database of cosmetic ingredients (Cosing), vitamin B3 is also considered a smoothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredient. To be incorporated into creams and serums, niacinamide is extracted through natural biosynthesis. Upon contact with the skin, the PP vitamin interacts with the skin to stimulate the coenzymes necessary for better protection of the epidermis against external aggressions. Niacinamide increases the ability of dermal cells to heal, to improve the structure of the various layers of the skin, to hydrate effectively and to regulate the overproduction of sebum.
The effects of niacinamide on different skin types.
A potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, niacinamide offers numerous benefits. This is why this ingredient is used as a base in facial and skin care products. However, because each targeted issue requires specific care, here is a reminder of the actions of this water-soluble vitamin on different skin types:
Niacinamide and Oily Skin:
An oily skin is characterised by a shiny T-zone, enlarged pores, and various imperfections such as pimples and blackheads. On this skin type, niacinamide acts by regulating sebum production and fighting bacteria. Over time, the skin becomes smoother, shiny areas disappear, and the skin texture refines.
Dark circles and bags under the eyes:
Do you often wake up with tired eyes? To help you understand this phenomenon, it's important to know that dark circles form due to poor blood and lymphatic microcirculation. The tissues are not properly drained, leading to the appearance of watery bags and bluish circles. To effectively eliminate them, the niacinamide-based treatments, such as our eye serum, work to decongest, soothe and reduce the appearance and volume of dark circles and bags. It also acts on brown circles thanks to its lightening virtues. This active ingredient is also part of our concealer alongside cornflower hydrosol and caffeine.
Niacinamide and Blemished Skin:
On a blemish-prone skin, due to a slowed cellular renewal, dead skin cells can block the pilosebaceous canals, leading to the formation of microcysts and comedones. The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes can then take advantage of this to proliferate and cause sometimes painful spots, due to a localised micro-inflammation. To remedy this, niacinamide acts as an anti-inflammatory and purifying agent, balancing sebum production and preventing the appearance of new blemishes. You can therefore use the unifying cleansing gel.
Niacinamide for dry skin and skin ageing:
When applied to a dry skin, niacinamide helps to strengthen the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis. Given that skin is dry and dehydrated, skincare products enriched with niacinamide also prevent the appearance of certain signs of ageing. Due to its numerous benefits, niacinamide is one of the essential ingredients in a natural skincare routine to be adopted daily.
Sources:
BOISSY R.E. & al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology (2002).
BERGE C. A. & al. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatological Surgery (2005).
KREFT D. & al. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2014).
