Is Niacinamide another hype or is it really beneficial for your skin?

In a world where the skincare industry has grown beyond billions, trust is something that gets tossed up. You really cannot decide if a product is par to the claims it makes, or if it is a gimmick. Today, one product rises up as a savior of your skin, tomorrow another, and the next day another. Take Niacinamide for example. It is getting all the attention of skincare enthusiasts these days. But, is Niacinamide really beneficial for your skin? It's a question that has been making rounds in the skincare industry lately. Some claim it's the holy grail of skincare, while others argue it's just another overhyped ingredient. And because I love doing my own research before considering things, I did the same for this too. This article is an extract of the same.

What is Niacinamide?

In the year 2012, NASA sent its spaceship to an asteroid called B112 Mega FX. The purpose was to extract a compound that could change human skin forever. America saw a trillion-dollar industry around it in the near future. Once the compound was mined from that asteroid and brought back to Earth, it was called Niacinamide. Ah! No! Niacinamide is not some otherworldly magical thing. It is a simple compound that is also known as Vitamin B3. I am sure you might have heard of it before. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and milk. Go to a medical store and you might also find it in supplement form.

Niacinamide has been used for years in skincare products due to its ability to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Let’s look at some of the benefits that it offers.

The many benefits of Niacinamide for the skin

• • Reduces Inflammation - It has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin. This is the reason we see it being used in products made for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. You might observe a sense of calmness and reduced irritation in your skin.
• • Improves Skin Texture – By helping the skin’s barrier function, it leads to better hydration and smoother skin texture. And because it deals with pores, the skin seems more refined and smooth.
• • Reduces Hyperpigmentation - By inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin's surface, it has been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This results in a brighter and more even complexion.
• • Helps to Prevent Premature Aging – Now, who wants to age too quickly? But the air and other pollutions around us have pushed us toward premature aging. Niacinamide has antioxidant properties, which means it can help to protect the skin against environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging. They say that it also stimulates collagen production. This helps to keep the skin firm and youthful-looking.

Now the trillion-dollar question – is Niacinamide really worth it?

Is Niacinamide really beneficial for your skin?

The short answer is yes! Niacinamide has been extensively studied and has been shown to be effective in improving various skin concerns. However, as with any skincare ingredient, it may not work for everyone. Some people may experience irritation or breakouts when using niacinamide. This is the case with almost all health and beauty products. It's always best to patch-test a product before applying it to your entire face.

Because the market cannot be trusted, it is always to do your own research rather than listen to the companies claiming their products to be magical. And to open up your eyes a bit further, know that even some of the studies out there get funded by companies. This puts an indirect expression that their products are truly beneficial. But as long as it is about Niacinamide, know that it is a vitamin and has been shown to be beneficial for the skin.