What is Niacinamide for Facial Skin?
Niacinamide has become a valuable discovery for cosmetologists. It is suitable for almost any skin type and addresses a wide range of issues, from acne to signs of aging.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is one of the forms of Vitamin B3. In cosmetology, the liquid form of this vitamin is used. Because it participates in numerous biochemical processes, its impact on the skin is multifaceted. It does not change the pH or chemical composition of the skin but rather activates natural processes, encouraging skin renewal and the restoration of protective functions.
How Does Niacinamide Work?
Niacinamide is part of coenzymes that activate and accelerate many biochemical reactions. Without their influence, chemical processes would proceed slowly and ineffectively.
The versatility of niacinamide is due to its role in various skin processes. Specifically, niacinamide participates in:
- Hydrogen transport, maintaining moisture within the cells, increasing moisture in the stratum corneum, and stabilizing the skin barrier.
- Enhancing protein synthesis.
- Stimulating ceramide synthesis, a key lipid component of cell membranes.
- Accelerating the differentiation of keratinocytes, the primary building material of the skin’s surface.
The last point deserves special attention because the influence on keratinocytes is crucial for skin quality and its protective functions.
Keratinocytes form the basis of all skin layers, each layer serving a specific role:
- In the basal layer, they are responsible for regenerating the epidermis and protecting against UV radiation.
- In the spinous layer, they synthesize keratin for hair and nails.
- In the granular layer, keratinocytes prevent water loss and produce protein cells.
- In the lucidum layer, keratinocytes break down into individual cell components, which, when interacting with other substances, form a continuous, shining layer that provides strength to the skin.
- In the stratum corneum, dead keratinocytes become scales, forming the outer protective layer.
Keratinocytes also play an active role in wound healing. When the skin is damaged, these elements begin to divide and move to the wound site. In this area, a new epithelium is formed, and the skin begins to heal.
Niacinamide affects all these processes, essentially accelerating skin renewal and rejuvenation.
In summary, without delving into complex biological details, here’s what niacinamide does for the skin:
- Maintains well-hydrated skin.
- Regulates sebum production.
- Reduces pore size.
- Increases collagen and elastin production.
- Strengthens the natural skin barrier.
- Addresses pigmentation issues, lightening the skin.
- Helps with the treatment of acne, rosacea, couperose, and various inflammations.
- Provides antioxidant effects.
- Speeds up skin renewal and wound healing after acne.
- Evens out skin texture and tone.
- Reduces sensitivity.
- Fights signs of aging.
Is Niacinamide Suitable for Dry, Oily, and Sensitive Skin?
Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, except for those with individual intolerance. However, it has different effects on different skin types:
- On dry skin, it helps restore the water balance and retain moisture in skin cells, enhancing the effectiveness of moisturizing products.
- On oily skin, it helps regulate sebum production.
- On sensitive skin, it strengthens the skin’s barrier and stops inflammatory processes.
In all cases, niacinamide works to improve skin condition.
Compatibility of Niacinamide with Other Cosmetic Ingredients
Niacinamide generally works well with most cosmetic ingredients, with few exceptions. Below are examples of both incompatible and successful ingredient combinations that enhance each other’s effects:
Incompatible:
- With Vitamin C. Both of these components are antioxidants, but when mixed, they reduce each other’s effectiveness.
Compatible:
- With retinol. Niacinamide significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects when using retinol.
- With zinc. In this combination, zinc has an antibacterial effect, while niacinamide strengthens the skin’s protective layer.
- With panthenol, pantothenic acid (provitamin B5). Their interaction enhances the anti-inflammatory effect, calming the skin and evening out its tone.
- With glycerin. The combination enhances the ability to retain moisture within cells, resulting in better hydration.
- With hyaluronic acid and squalane. This combination ensures optimal hydration.
- With ceramides. Together, they enhance the skin’s protective functions.
The most convenient packaging for niacinamide is one that allows you to easily dispense a few drops and add them to other skincare products.
