How Often and When to Use Niacinamide in Your Routine?

Vitamin B3 consists of three molecules: niacin, niacinamide and nicotinamide riboside. These substances are essential to the proper functioning of the body, they play an important role in the regulation of the production of sex hormones, in the production of energy or in the blood circulation.

Even though niacinamide is naturally present in our daily diet, the quantity present in the body is far from being sufficient to have a significant impact on the skin's appearance. In order to see a before and after, there is a need for an additional contribution of niacinamide  in the form of topical care.

Widely used in cosmetics, niacinamide helps prevent the damaging effects of free radicals caused by the sun's rays, tobacco, and pollution. This active ingredient also regulates sebum production, inhibits the proliferation of bacteria and stimulates collagen synthesis. Moreover, it is a stable antioxidant that tolerates light and heat very well.

When can you start to use niacinamide in your beauty routine? Find answers:

From adolescence onwards, if you have problems with blemishes and pimples due to hormonal or other fluctuations, a niacinamide-based treatment can be of great help. Indeed, its sebum-regulating properties help prevent the clogging of pores that cause blackheads and comedones. Moreover, niacinamide has an effective antibacterial function against the microorganisms responsible for inflammatory reactions of acne such as P. Acnes. This active ingredient is also recommended for reducing adult acne.

From the age of 30, niacinamide can be used to prevent skin aging. Its antioxidant power will protect the epidermis from the harmful effects of free radicals generated by various factors (UV rays, pollution, stress, etc.). This vitamin slows down the appearance of the first signs of aging such as fine lines at the corner of the eyes and on the forehead.

After 45/50 years, the niacinamide will act by attenuating the wrinkles and fine lines already present on the surface of the skin. Indeed, this vitamin stimulates the synthesis of collagen, a protein in the dermis that is essential for maintaining the skin's elasticity.

In addition to all these actions, niacinamide is an active ingredient that promotes lipidic cohesion, as well as the skin barrier function. It thus limits the transepidermal water loss and makes it possible for the skin to remain hydrated longer, avoiding the appearance of fine wrinkles of dehydration.

When to use niacinamide in your routine? 

Unlike vitamin A, niacinamide is not a photosensitizing substance. It does not cause increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun's rays. You can therefore apply a niacinamide-based care product in your morning and evening beauty routine, before your face cream. This active ingredient is gentle and generally very well tolerated by all skin types. Using it twice a day should not cause any significant skin reactions.

Note: Before using an active ingredient for the first time, test the product in question on the hollow of the arm or on the back of the hand. Wait 24 hours. If you do not observe any reaction, you can then apply it to your face.