From Acne to Anti-Aging: How Niacinamide Can Transform Your Skin

If you’re someone who likes to read the ingredients list on skincare products, then you’ve likely heard of niacinamide. Koreans are particularly fond of using Niacinamide in their skincare products due to its effectiveness in skin brightening and achieving that youthful glow. However, niacinamide can do much more than just skin brightening. Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing ingredient.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many foods such as meat, fish, and legumes. In skincare, it is commonly used in toner, serum or creams. Niacinamide has been a popular ingredient in Korean and Western skincare products due to a few reasons: it is relatively inexpensive, highly effective at low concentrations, sensitive skin friendly and delivers a range of skincare benefits.

How can niacinamide help with skin brightening?

Niacinamide is an active ingredient for brightening the skin by reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone. Niacinamide can inhibit the transfer of melanin (the pigment that gives colour to the skin) from the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) to the skin’s surface. By reducing the production of melanin, niacinamide can help to prevent the formation of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Over time, the existing dark spots and hyperpigmentation is lightened with skin’s natural turnover process.

How can niacinamide help with acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, and niacinamide has been shown to be an effective treatment for it. Niacinamide has a slight exfoliating effect that can help to unclog the pores and regulate sebum production, which is a major contributor to acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Additionally, niacinamide has been shown to improve the skin barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides (lipids that help to maintain the skin barrier), which can help to prevent future breakouts.

How can niacinamide help with anti-aging?

As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and firmness, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide can help to combat these signs of aging by boosting collagen production, which can help to firm and plump the skin. It also has antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage, which can accelerate the aging process.

Who can use niacinamide?

One of the great things about niacinamide is that it is suitable for all skin types. It is non-irritating and gentle, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, it can be used in conjunction with other skincare ingredients, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

How to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine?

You can find niacinamide in a range of skincare products. Niacinamide can work effectively at relatively low concentrations such as 2%~5%. It can also be used with other active ingredients to enhance the desired skincare benefit. For example, niacinamide can be used alongside Vitamin C for stronger effects in skin brightening and boosting collagen production. Here are some of our favourite niacinamide products.

Niacinamide + Vitamin C: Missha’s Vita C Plus series is formulated with Vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten the skin, lighten hyperpigmentation and firm the skin.

Niacinamide + Tea Tree: Some by Mi’s best selling AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle series combines the power of niacinamide, AHA, BHA, PHA and Tea Tree Extract to alleviate acne and reduce acne scarring.

Niacinamide + Yujia: Another staple from Some by Mi is their Yujia Niacin series, which uses Yujia Extract, a Vitamin C rich natural fruit extract, and Niacinamide for brightening the skin and lightening dark spots.

Niacinamide+Arbutin: Our favourite high concentration niacinamide from Tia’m which contains 10% niacinamide and 2% arbutin for maximised skin brightening effects.