By Natasha Silva-Jelly
To help, we spoke with dermatologists and cosmetic aestheticians to unpack the myths and hype around niacinamide.
Keep reading to learn more.
Navigating the skincare world in search of the best-performing products and deciphering the buzzy new ingredients can be a minefield.
Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative and it’s not new, it’s been around a long time according to dermatologist Carole Hazan, M.D.: “The buzz surrounding it could be down to a new focus on the skin’s biome.
Niacinamide is unlikely to cause skin purging, which is a reaction to an active ingredient causing it to speed up the cell turnover resulting in the skin shedding faster, says Monica Watters, a New York-based skincare aesthetician.
MYTH #3: NIACINAMIDE CAN’T BE COMBINED WITH VITAMIN C OR OTHER INGREDIENTS
"Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that also has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are important in protecting the skin from the damage caused by the sun and environmental stressors so both work well together," says Dr. Hazan.
On the contrary, studies have shown that niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation, like dark spots and discoloration, after 4 weeks of consistent use. “Data suggests niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening compound,” says Watters.
As with all skincare ingredients and treatments, there is no overnight miracle cure. That said, our dermatologists agree regular daily use (a.m. and p.m.) of a niacinamide-based serum or moisturizer will improve the overall health and appearance of your skin within weeks.
“Niacinamide has been shown to work as a prebiotic on the skin, balancing and promoting the good bacteria and diminishing the bad, which also helps decrease and regulate sebum production, the oils that cause acne,” says Dr. Hazan.
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