You might know it as nicotinamide, niacinamide, or even as the “antipellagra vitamin,” but no matter what you call it, this powerhouse ingredient is a form of vitamin B3. It first gained attention back in 1937 when American biochemist Conrad Arnold Elvehjem discovered that a deficiency in niacinamide could lead to pellagra, a disease with symptoms like dermatitis and dementia.
Since then, niacinamide has been studied extensively, and we’ve learned just how much it contributes to important bodily functions—like cellular energy production, cell repair, and even helping us handle stress. But what’s really exciting is how well it works for the skin!
How Niacinamide Works in the Body
Our bodies naturally produce niacinamide from tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in foods like fish, meat, nuts, and even corn and wheat. So, when you eat these foods, your body can create niacinamide to help keep things running smoothly.
But what about the niacinamide in your skincare products? And how does it get there? Let’s take a closer look!
Why Niacinamide Is So Good for Your Skin
Thanks to tons of research, we know that niacinamide is a true “all-rounder” when it comes to skin care. If you’re not already using it, you might want to add it to your routine. Here is what scientific literature has shown about niacinamide, and what it potentially can do:
- Brightens and Evens Skin Tone: Niacinamide helps reduce pigmentation irregularities, leading to a more even skin tone and a natural glow.
- Refines Pores and Smooths Skin: It has a pore-reducing effect, making the skin appear more refined and even.
- Supports Collagen and Elastin: Niacinamide can support the production of collagen and elastin, helping to smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness.
- Strengthens the Skin Barrier: A strong skin barrier helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the skin hydrated, which can reduce dryness and wrinkles. It also provides better protection against environmental stressors.
- Balances Oil Production: Niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, making it particularly beneficial for oily skin by providing a mattifying effect.
- Soothes the Skin: It has properties that make it great for calming sensitive or acne-prone skin and reducing redness.
- Antioxidant Protection: Niacinamide is also an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals, preventing damage to skin cells. (For more on antioxidants, check out my blog post Why Antioxidants Are Amazing.)
How Niacinamide Is Made
The niacinamide used at Doctor Eckstein isn’t taken directly from food—it’s made in a lab to match the natural form found in the body. This not only ensures a high level of purity and quality, but also conserves natural resources since there’s no need for harvesting. The result is a fine, white powder that’s added to formulas in various concentrations to give your skin all the benefits just mentioned.
For Best Results
If you’re using niacinamide to lighten pigmentation or smooth out skin texture, remember that consistency is key. You’ll start seeing the best results after about 8 to 12 weeks of regular use.
To sum it up, niacinamide is a versatile, skin-loving ingredient that can benefit many skin conditions. Whether you're looking to reduce pigmentation, refine pores, or improve hydration, it might be worth adding this multi-tasking vitamin to your skincare routine. We love this ingredient so much, that we include niacinamide in our Active Concentrate Brightening Complex, which is designed to promote a more even and radiant complexion.
Wishing you happy skin,
Dr. Verena Eckstein, ND
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to share interesting scientific literature and skin care tips. This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this blog should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
