What does Vitamin B3 do for your skin?
Niacinamide (or nicotinamide) is an active, water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, and is increasingly used in cosmetics, topical creams and supplements for its aid in fading age spots and hyper-pigmentation, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving elasticity. It occurs naturally in small quantities in foods such as yeast, lean meats, fish, legumes, mushrooms, and leafy, green vegetables. It is a converted form of niacin (or nicotinic acid), and although they share identical vitamin functions (both can be called Vitamin B3), niacinamide doesn’t have the same pharmacological and toxic effects.
The levels of niacinamide converted in our bodies decrease as we get older, but through regular application, we can increase these levels to a healthy amount. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology states that niacinamide aids in increasing protein synthesis (useful for skin strengthening and flexibility), stimulates ceramide production, improves the skin’s surface structure and inhibits photocarcinogenesis. Niacinamide acts as a precursor of the co-enzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NAPD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are vital for converting dietary proteins and animal fats into energy that can be used.
Long ignored and underrated, this super-vitamin has recently taken the skincare world by storm for its simplistic, yet highly promising, results. These include clinical trials on patients suffering from rosacea, melasma and blistering diseases. It inhibits melanin, which is naturally occurring and aids in protection from the sun. Too much melanin causes age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide also helps to control acne inflammation and scarring, as well as reducing sebum production that causes oily skin. If you suffer from such problems, acne, uneven skin tone, or would like to keep the moisture in your skin, then we highly recommend incorporating niacinamide-rich products into your daily skin routine. This is because niacinamide increases the skin’s production of ceramides, which are natural skin protectants, and help keep the moisture in your skin.
HydroSkin uses niacinamide to stimulate micro-circulation in the dermis and promote the production of collagen, leaving your skin taut, moist and even. We have researched and evaluated the clinical trial (Link to Trial) amounts that states 4% niacinamide solution is effective in clearing acne. We use at least 4% or more in our products. Another study by Proctor & Gamble concluded that 5% niacinamide applied to the face for a period of 12 weeks resulted in less fine lines, wrinkles and red blotchiness, and a reduction of skin sallowness. Clinical trials have also shown that niacinamide is much safer and just as effective as hydroquinone for skin lightening and fading age spots, a chemical that is often used in cosmetics but is now banned or restricted in Europe and the USA.
HydroSkinCare Products with Niacinamide Vitamin B3:
B Mist, C Moisturiser, Moisturiser Light
