Topical niacinamide reduces fine lines and wrinkles after prolonged use. A 12-week clinical study of a topical 5% niacinamide emulsion demonstrated a 21% improvement in fine lines along with a 14% skin tone clarity and 15% radiance improvement.
Background: In multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentated spots and red blotchiness).
Niacinamide can also help with fine lines, pigmentation, and wrinkles. A few studies published a couple of years ago show significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Higher concentrations of niacinamide can help visibly tighten pores by shoring up skin's supportive elements.
The bottom line. Niacinamide is a gentle skin care ingredient that helps diminish the signs of aging, discoloration, and blemishes. Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin.
As it's well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day everyday. It works at any time of the year although it comes in particularly handy in winter during cold, dry weather and frequent use of central heating. Use it in the run-up before starting your retinol treatment and alongside it, too.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide:
When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate the sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.
Niacinamide boosts the production of collagen in the skin by up to 54%; while it also increases the production of elastin and skin proteins by up to 20% and 100%. A clinical study showed that niacinamide reduced the signs of ageing in the skin.
Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production. Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.
-Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion, visibly brightens skin tone. -Zinc PCA: Visibly regulates excess sebum activity.
Niacinamide may help prevent acne breakouts and improve the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Concentrations of topical niacinamide products go up to 10%, but studies have shown effects with strengths as low as 2%.
One reason dermatologists recommend niacinamide is that it benefits a wide range of skin conditions, says Annie Gonzalez, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. It repairs skin barriers damaged by sunlight and pollution.
Using niacinamide before retinol works well. So does combining them into one product. A 2016 study found that a product containing retinol, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and resveratrol improved fine lines, sallowness, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone.
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier (the outer surface of skin), increases its resiliency, and improves texture by making pores look smaller. It also helps balance oil production, and—bonus! —it's good for all skin types.
You can absolutely use vitamin C and niacinamide together, Singh goes on to emphasize. That said, if you ever have any doubts as to whether it's safe to mix two skin care ingredients, a dermatologist can always offer advice.
Zinc as an anti-inflammatory agent
Inflammation is important in the role of skin recovery, but too much can lead to free radicals that cause damage. Zinc reduces inflammation, healing tissues and smoothing skin. It's great for treating rosacea, eczema and melasma, among other skin conditions.
"It helps with dark circles and wrinkles, two of the major complaints of the skin around the eyes." Because there's a low risk of irritation or inflammation from using it, you can apply it to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes without worry.
How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.
Niacinamide can be used morning and night. Because it plays well with other skincare ingredients (even potentially tricky actives such as exfoliating acids and vitamin C) it will sit happily alongside anything else you're using.
Most niacinamide products also contain a variety of other ingredients. If any of these ingredients increase skin cell turnover then they may be behind any 'purging'. Some ingredients can also be 'comedogenic' which means that they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.