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NIACINAMIDE

What does Niacinamide do for your skin?

Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is important for several body functions, but when it comes to your skin, it’s an important antioxidant that aids in cell repair. Niacinamide is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). These co-enzymes are essential in the creation and regeneration of healthy cells—and your body can’t make them without niacinamide. Scientists theorize that by giving your skin niacinamide, your body will be able to in turn make more NAD+, thereby in turn helping to lead to healthier- and younger-looking skin.

What is Niacinamide?

One of the hottest ingredients in anti-aging skincare, niacinamide might seem of-the-moment, but in fact, it’s been around in one form or another since the beginning of human life. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is an essential nutrient found in foods like meat, fish, nuts, poultry, and legumes. You can also find niacinamide as a dietary supplement, and in topical products to be absorbed through the skin.

Niacinamide has been shown to have a number of different benefits for the skin. Niacinamide is most often associated with: 

  • Minimizing the appearance of pigmentation. Double-blind studies in which one half of participants’ faces were treated with niacinamide and the other half a bland moisturizer showed a decrease in the look of pigmentation for the niacinamide-treated side. 
  • Reducing the look of aging skin, including fine lines and wrinkles. In a similar trial, patients observed a decrease in the appearance of aging on the face (including the look of wrinkles and yellowing) over the course of four weeks.   
  • Helping to promote clear, even skin. One study from the International Journal of Dermatology found that topical niacinamide improved the look of moderate acne within eight weeks of treatment, while another report noted a reduction in sebum over six weeks.,

Yes. Many dermatologists recommend using niacinamide alongside other active ingredients, including retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and others. Because niacinamide is generally not irritating to skin (when formulated correctly at lower concentrations), it works well with others.

Apply products formulated with niacinamide directly on skin, gently using your fingertips, once or twice a day as tolerated. When layering skincare, the general rule of thumb is to go from the lightest to heaviest weight formulation. Always make sunscreen the last step in your morning routine. 

Science shows that niacinamide is generally well tolerated, even when ingested in relatively high doses. However, everyone’s skin is different, and some people do experience irritation if they have a sensitivity or allergy, so it’s best to do a spot test on the neck right under the ear.

There’s no research linking niacinamide with issues during pregnancy, however, it’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before introducing any new skincare product while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Niacinamide is formulated in products to provide anti-aging benefits. You can find niacinamide in: 

Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology®

Helps combat the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging, brightening the look of the  complexion and lifting the skin for a more youthful glow.

Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology®

Designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

A-LUMINATE BRIGHTENING Serum™ 

Helps reduce the appearance of surface pigmentation, minimize recurrence and protect against future damage - through a clinically proven, non-irritating formula.

Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology® 

A next-generation skin-tightener, clinically proven to improve the appearance of skin texture, pigmentation and wrinkles on the neck/décolleté area.

Renewal Retinol .25 and .5

Specifically designed to support smoother skin texture, improve skin tone, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.