Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a Vitamin B3 derivative, widely used in skincare is a multifunctional and versatile ingredient for skin concerns like acne, oily skin and pigmentation. It effectively controls oil, reduces acne, minimises the appearance of pores,fights sign of early aging and improves overall skin texture.
One of its notable benefit is that it reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the skin barrier and increases hydration in the skin uppermost layer epidermis. Transepidermal water loss is a condition where your skin naturally looses its moisture. This makes the skin dry, patchy and dehydrated. Having higher TEWL causes damage to your skin barrier. Niacinamide is an effective ingredient to solve all these problems.
If you are a skincare enthusiast or a beginner, this blog will answer all your questions about niacinamide, how to use it, when to use it, how to incorporate it into your skincare routine and what percentage of niacinamide to use.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide also known as nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a very crucial role in maintaining healthy and moisturised skin. As it is a water soluble vitamin it works easily on the skin. It does not leave a greasy feeling on your skin and does not clog your pores.
It is a multifunctional ingredient and in skin care it is an essential to improve overall skin function and feel. With regular and consistent use, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulates your oil production, reduce inflammation and improve skin texture significantly.
As it is gentle yet effective in nature, it suits sensitive skin as well and niacinamide is now used in serums, moisturisers, acne treatments and in hair products as well.
How Niacinamide Works on Skin?
Niacinamide supports key skin functions like repairing the barrier, oil regulation and inflammation control. These functions are direct influencers to common concerns like acne, dehydration and pigmentation in Indian skin.
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier:
It boosts ceramide production which helps in the repair of the skin barrier and reduces the moisture loss by limiting the transepidermal water loss which keeps the skin hydrated and reduces the irritation.
Niacinamide controls excess oil:
It helps in regulating the activity of sebaceous glands which produce oil. By balancing the sebum production, it reduces excess shine and lowers the chances of clogged pores.
Niacinamide reduces acne:
It mainly targets two key causes of acne. Excess oil and inflammation. As it controls sebum production, it calms down the skin which prevents breakouts and supports faster healing of active acne.
Niacinamide helps soothe inflammation:
It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce redness, sensitivity and irritation. This property especially helps people with acne prone and sensitive skin.
Niacinamide improves pigmentation:
It inhibits the transfer of melanin from the pigment producing cells to the skin's surface. This will eventually help in reducing dark spots, post acne marks and uneven skin tone over time, given you use it regularly.
What percentage of niacinamide should you use?
When we go online, we find so many options for serums and creams having niacinamide. But all products have different amount of niacinamide present, and what percentage you should use depends on your skin concern, sensitivity and what other actives do you use.
The effectiveness does depend on concentration but it is not important to use higher concentration to get good results. It really does depend on your skin concern.
For example:-
2-5% - This concentration is suitable for beginners and people with sensitive skin. This concentration of niacinamide will help you with hydrating your skin, strengthen skin barrier and reduce mild level of oil in your skin but not cause irritation at the same time.
5-10% - This concentration is ideal for people with oily, combination and acne prone skin. It gives a better oil control, reduces breakouts and improves the appearance of pores and skin texture.
10% or higher - Often used for targeted concerns like stubborn pigmentation and acne marks. This can be effective but it will cause irritation if you are using an active for the first time or your skin is sensitive.
It is best to start with a lower or moderate concentration and gradually increase based on how your skin responds.Using the right concentration consistently is more important than using a very high percentage occasionally.
How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine?
Niacinamide is a very versatile and easy ingredient to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Follow these simple steps:
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Cleanse: Wash off all the dirt ,oil and impurities with a cleanser suitable to your skin type to prepare your skin for better absorption of the active ingredients.
(You can use Lely’s cleansing face wash)
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Treat : You can apply a serum that will help you fight your skin concern.
(For people with acne prone skin, use Lely’s Acne Censor Gel control serum)
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Target: For active acne, use a spot treatment to help address the breakouts directly. Niacinamide works perfectly for this and apply it on targeted areas.
(You can use Lely’s spot treatment gel)
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Moisturise : Follow up with a moisturiser to ensure that the hydration is locked.
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Protect : Do not skip sunscreen the next morning to protect your skin from sun damage and pigmentation. (You can use Lely’s acne control sunscreen if you have oily skin, Lely’s mineral sunscreen if you have normal skin)
And remember, consistency is key. Skincare works if you use it daily. And niacinamide works gradually to improve oil balance, reduce breakouts, and enhance overall skin clarity. Always give your skincare some time if you are just beginning to use it. It does take your skin a while to get used to it and for the ingredients to show its magic.
Additional Tip:
For people who have acne prone skin, remember niacinamide works even better when it is combined with targeted treatments. Whilst the niacinamide serum will help in overall oil production, Targeted solutions like Lely’s Acne Spot Treatment Gel will help you target active acne.
Remember:
Niacinamide is a well balanced and versatile ingredient that helps with multiple skin concerns from oil control to acne reduction to improving hydration and skin texture. It is one of the most reliable additions to your routines. However, the key is to use the right concentration, along with consistency. If used correctly, niacinamide can help create a more stable, clear, and healthy-looking skin over time.
