What is niacinamide? And what can it do for your skin? Editor Trudi Brewer shares the virtues of an ingredient we know as a true multi-tasker.
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Ask any skincare expert to nominate the ingredients that will guarantee selfie-perfect-looking skin. They will include AHA and BHA, (alpha and beta hydroxy acids), hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol or vitamin A, and niacinamide - or vitamin B3. In the spotlight for all the right reasons, the skin-loving benefits of this vitamin, are endless. First up it strengthens the lipid barrier or the outside layer of your skin that thins with age. Why is this important? When your skin's barrier is strong it keeps moisture in and irritants out. Niacinamide also boosts the naturally occurring ceramides or lipids that help form the skin's barrier and help the skin retain moisture. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant, it helps to minimise breakout and soothe sensitivities. Finally, this water-soluble vitamin ticks every beauty box for us for any age or any skin type and right now serums, eye creams and moisturisers are packed with it. Read on to learn more.
Serum
The easiest way to reap the benefits of niacinamide is through a targeted serum, small molecules, and the liquid-like formulation of serums, which means they penetrate faster and deeper.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $13
Their top-selling serum, boosted with zinc, it’s also oil, alcohol, and silicone-free. The formula is gentle on the skin and designed to improve skin texture and smoothness; we use it both morning and night under moisturiser.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $13.
Eye cream
Dry, fragile skin under the eyes or dark circles, can be corrected by niacinamide. To apply eye cream: Use your ring finger to pat on the cream, on and around the orbital bone, so it doesn’t seep into the eyes and cause puffiness.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream, $75.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream, $75.
This age erasing eye cream targets all the issues we try to hide on the daily. Dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, while brightening the skin under the eyes. The peach-coloured micro-pearls give skin an instant glow, while the sodium hyaluronate and vitamin B3 hydrate and firm. It’s brilliantly blended with your under-eye concealer.
Mask
Summer is a great time to boost moisture levels in the skin with a vitamin B3-fuelled face mask. Apply to clean dry skin and leave it on for 10 minutes, or sleep wearing one.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, $92.
While you’re sleeping this overnight mask with its barrier-replenishing ingredients including vitamins B3, and F (this vitamin has anti-inflammatory benefits, that also and restoring the skin's barrier). Plant oils and omega fatty acids work together to boost moisture levels in parched, dry skin.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, $92.
Night cream
The cream you sleep in needs to address your skincare concerns. Once it’s charged with niacinamide you can rest assured you will have all the bases covered.
A’kin Replenishing Antioxidant Night Cream, $46.
For natural skincare lovers, this cream is charged hydrating organic coconut water, the potent antioxidant green tea and vitamins B3 and E. Your skin will feel smooth and look energised when you wake.
Moisturiser
What you do every day makes a big difference in how your skin looks long term. Invest in an antioxidant-rich day cream, and wear it under your sunscreen. It’s your back up for the sunscreen in stopping those free radicals from damaging your complexion.
Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel, $119.
An oil-free water gel with clever ‘cumulative hydration-release technology’ and sodium hyaluronate that instantly lock moisture to the skin. That hydrating formula is boosted with peptides, (protein) amino acids and vitamin B3 to strengthen the skin’s barrier keeping it smooth and calm. Also, the gel texture is ideal in the heat of summer.
