As you may already know, vitamins play an important role in skin health. That is why they are often used as ingredients in cosmetic products. In the previous blog, we already talked about vitamin A and vitamin C , but what benefits does vitamin B3 have for your skin? Let's take a closer look at niacinamide, better known as vitamin B3.
What is Vitamin B3 and where can I find it?
Niacinamide , also nicotinamide or vitamin B3 , is an essential building block for the human body. Vitamin B3 can be found in all kinds of foods: meat and fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and grain products. In addition, the body can partly produce vitamin B3 itself from the amino acid tryptophan (a building block of proteins). Vitamin B3 plays an important role in the energy supply of the cells and is important for healthy skin.
What benefits can niacinamide provide for my skin?
Niacinamide is a truly multifunctional ingredient for the skin. It can be used for various reasons.
1.Pigmentation and melasma
Niacinamide has been shown in several clinical studies to help reduce facial hyperpigmentation, particularly melasma spots. The effect of niacinamide is already visible after four weeks of treatment.
In addition, niacinamide acts on different biological processes than other depigmenting ingredients do. Most of the ingredients, such as hydroquinone and vitamin C, act as tyrosinase inhibitors, slowing down the rate of pigment production. Vitamin B3 acts downstream of the tyrosinase step and helps prevent pigment transfer. This means that niacinamide can complement and work alongside the other ingredients, rather than competing with them. It results in greater effectiveness and better results.
2. Restoration of the barrier
Another application of niacinamide is that it has a stabilizing effect on the skin's barrier function. As a result, less water can escape from the skin and the moisture content of the upper skin layer improves.
3. UV damage
UV radiation leads to the formation of free radicals that can damage DNA and other cell structures and are responsible for the development of (skin) cancer. Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals, resulting in better prevention and protection against sun damage.
4. Calming
In addition, niacinamide also has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. It is therefore an ideal ingredient for sensitive and reactive skin.
A stable molecule with proven effectiveness
Unlike most ingredients used in cosmetics, niacinamide is a very stable molecule and easy to formulate because it is highly soluble in water. Niacinamide has proven effectiveness already at a concentration of only 2%, although most studies are at 4%. You can start with a low concentration and build up gradually. But because niacinamide hardly causes any irritation, you can suddenly opt for the higher concentrations.
