If you are curious what skincare ingredients the French love to use, then you’ve definitely come across this one before. One of the rising skincare star ingredients is Niacinamide. If you like to keep up with the latest skincare trends, you’ve likely come across this powerhouse ingredient.
But what exactly is niacinamide, and why is it creating such a buzz in the French beauty community? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. I live part-time in France and today I’m going to share the ins and outs of niacinamide, its incredible benefits for your skin, and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine like French women do for a healthy, radiant complexion. So, let’s get started and uncover the secrets of this skincare superhero – niacinamide!
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It’s an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce it, so it must be obtained from your diet.
In terms of skincare, niacinamide is a popular ingredient because it offers numerous benefits. It has been found to improve the skin’s barrier function, help skin make more collagen and hyaluronic acid, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s suitable for almost all skin types because it’s not usually irritating, even at high concentrations.
Niacinamide also has medical applications. It is used orally for conditions like niacin deficiency (pellagra), and research has suggested that it may have potential benefits in treating other conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.
What does Niacinamide do to your skin?
Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, provides several benefits for the skin:
Strengthens the skin barrier: Niacinamide can help build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy. It also increases the production of ceramides, lipids that play a significant role in maintaining the strength of the skin’s protective barrier. This helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Minimizes pore appearance and regulates oil: By improving the skin’s elasticity and helping to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, niacinamide can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. It also regulates the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent them from going into overdrive.
Soothes redness and inflammation: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, inflammation, and swelling. It’s often used in topical treatments for conditions like acne and rosacea for this reason.
Improves uneven skin tone: It’s believed to be beneficial in reducing pigmentation by slowing down the transfer of melanin to your skin’s surface, which can help fade dark spots and lead to a more even complexion.
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles: Some research suggests that niacinamide can help the skin produce more collagen, a protein that decreases with age. More collagen can lead to firmer skin with less visible lines and wrinkles.
Protects against oxidative stress: Niacinamide helps to build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Using Niacinamide Daily
Can you use Niacinamide everyday? Yes, niacinamide can be used every day. In fact, it’s often recommended to use niacinamide daily for the best results.
Niacinamide is generally well tolerated and non-irritating for most people, even at higher concentrations. It’s stable in the presence of heat and light, so it doesn’t have the same stability concerns as some other skincare ingredients.
It’s often found in various types of skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and toners. You can apply it in the morning or evening based on your preference and the specific product instructions.
However, like any skincare product, you should always conduct a patch test to see how your skin reacts before fully incorporating it into your routine. If you have a negative reaction or if you’re under a dermatologist’s care for a skin condition, it’s a good idea to check with them before starting a new product.
In terms of concentration, studies have shown that niacinamide can be effective in concentrations as low as 2%, with many benefits seen at 4-5%. Higher concentrations can be used, but they don’t necessarily offer more benefits and might increase the chance of skin irritation.
Niacinamide Benefits
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, offers a variety of benefits for the skin.
It improves skin barrier function: Niacinamide helps to build proteins in the skin such as keratin, and it supports the production of ceramides, which are lipids that form a protective layer to retain moisture.
Regulates oil production: Niacinamide can help balance oil production in the skin, potentially helping to manage conditions like acne.
Minimizes pore appearance: By improving skin elasticity and promoting healthy skin cell turnover, niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Reduces skin inflammation: As an anti-inflammatory, niacinamide can help reduce redness and inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea.
Evens out skin tone: It can lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface.
Smooths wrinkles and fine lines: Niacinamide can boost collagen production, which may help to reduce the signs of aging.
Protects against oxidative stress: Niacinamide helps protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
French Niacinamide Products
The 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum by La Roche-Posay is one of the best products to buy from France. This French serum was created for people who want to improve discoloration on the face. It contains phe-resorcinol, which works with Niacinamide to reduce dark spots and blemishes on the face. Fans report that it gives them a brighter complexion overall and a more rebalanced look. Results can be achieved in as little as one week’s use.
