Active ingredient niacinamide
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is the biologically active form of vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is involved in the formation of important coenzymes from the NAD+ group and is thus the precursor of a metabolic chain that culminates in NAD+. NAD+ supports cellular energy supply and is involved in various cellular protective mechanisms. However, due to its large molecular size, NAD+ cannot easily penetrate the skin barrier into the cells. The skin can, however, produce NAD+ itself from niacinamide. Niacinamide is therefore a precursor and offers further benefits for the skin, which have been proven in various studies.
Niacinamide, the all-rounder: What are the benefits for our skin?
Strengthens the skin barrier
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier by promoting the formation of specific lipids and ceramides in the stratum corneum. A strong skin barrier helps the skin retain moisture and protects it from harmful environmental influences. This is particularly essential for dry or sensitive skin.
Lightening of pigment spots and hyperpigmentation
Pigmentation spots are caused, among other things, by an uneven distribution of the skin pigment melanin. Niacinamide can inhibit the transport of melanosomes—the structures that contain melanin—to the skin cells. This lightens the affected areas and makes the skin tone appear more even.
Regulation of sebum production & refinement of pores
Niacinamide is also of interest to anyone struggling with impure skin and acne. In a clinical study, a gentle reduction in sebum production was observed after four weeks of using 2% niacinamide. Due to its regulating effect on sebum production, pores appear visually refined.
Calms the skin and relieves redness
Niacinamide possesses anti-inflammatory properties because it can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines). Furthermore, it alleviates redness, irritation, and pimples, making it ideal for acne or rosacea.
Promotion of collagen formation
Niacinamide is also used in the care of mature skin. A clinical study with a 5% niacinamide formulation showed improvements in various visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and uneven skin texture. Niacinamide can thus contribute to a smoother and more even-looking complexion.
Products with niacinamide
Who is niacinamide suitable for?
Oily or combination skin often suffers from redness, pimples, and enlarged pores. Niacinamide has the ability to minimize enlarged pores, making the skin appear more even. Niacinamide helps to balance the skin's sebum production. At the same time, vitamin B3 has an antibacterial effect and inhibits inflammation. Niacinamide has also proven effective for skin issues such as rosacea.
Niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help reduce redness. This makes the active ingredient particularly interesting for rosacea. At the same time, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Thus, it can help to soothe sensitive, irritation-prone skin in rosacea and make it more resilient.
Niacinamide stimulates the production of the skin's own lipids (ceramides), which form the skin's protective layer. This strengthens the skin barrier and improves the skin's ability to retain moisture. The result: the complexion no longer looks dull or tired, the feeling of tightness subsides, and the skin appears suppler, more radiant, and smoother.
For mature skin, niacinamide slows down the aging process by stimulating the production of collagen fibers in the connective tissue. This smoothes out wrinkles and keeps the skin elastic. Initial signs of aging, such as fine lines around the eyes or on the forehead, can also be successfully combated.