Getting started with skincare can seem overwhelming, not only for first-timers:
Which products are best for me & my skin and what do all these ingredients actually mean?
This blog highlights products & ingredients to simply explain the basics as well as hot topics of face creams, lotions and the like.
One of the ingredients that everyone is talking about right now is niacinamide (INCI: Niacinamide), also known as vitamin B3. This ingredient offers numerous benefits for the skin, making it a favourite among skincare enthusiasts and newcomers. This article looks at the properties of niacinamide, potential benefits for the skin and what to look out for when using it.
What are niacinamides?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that occurs naturally in the human body and can also be found in many foods such as yeast, meat, fish and milk. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is easily absorbed by the skin with many beneficial properties, making it popular for many skin care products such as face creams, lotions as well as sunscreens.
What are the skincare benefits of niacinamide?
Niacinamide offers a wide range of benefits for the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for anyone looking to improve the appearance and even the health of their skin. We've highlighted some of the ingredient's properties for you:
Hydration: Niacinamide helps to improve the skin's barrier function. The skin's barrier is important for keeping moisture in and protecting the skin from environmental stresses (such as pollution). In addition to moisturising, niacinamide has even managed to show in studies to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - usually seen as signs of ageing.
Smoothing skin tone: Niacinamide is known to improve overall complexion and it helps even out skin tone by reducing pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. This can help keep skin looking youthful and radiant.
Acne-prone skin: Niacinamide is also known to be an effective ingredient for acne-prone skin. Niacinamide can help to reduce acne-related inflammation and prevent the formation of new acne. By regulating the body's production of sebum (or oil), clogged pores (usually a major cause of acne) become less frequent.
Anti-ageing properties: In combination with moisturising and smoothing skin tone, niacinamide stimulates the collagen production, leading to what is often referred to in skincare as an "anti-ageing effect". Collagen occurs naturally in our skin and provides elasticity and firmness - feel free to check out our separate blog article about the protein which gives our skin structure.
Skin health: Niacinamide has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, working not only on the surface of the skin (epidermis) but also at the mid- and base layers (dermis & subcutis). This not only improves the overall appearance of the skin, but also the underlying health.
What is there to consider when using niacinamide?
Although niacinamide are considered safe for all skin types, it is always important to be aware of how the individual skin react to an ingredient. Some people are sensitive to niacinamide itself and may experience irritation or redness when using products containing niacinamide, especially for the first times, others might react to the combination of niacinamides other ingredients.
When applying new skin care products, Kluuf always recommends trying it out on a small area of the skin to see how it reacts (e.g. on the inside of the forearm), before applying the product to the whole face. This way the skin has a chance to test the compatibility and potential redness in the face is avoided.
Finally, it should also be noted that not all products containing niacinamide are the same. Some products use niacinamide as the exclusive active ingredient (i.e. a niacinamide serum), while others choose a combination of active ingredients (i.e. Kluuf's face cream). The concentration also differs from product to product. Both are important factors that can influence the individual reaction to niacinamide.
In summary, niacinamide is a real superstar in the skincare field and can provide a wide range of benefits to the skin. The ingredient helps to improve the skin's barrier function, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and reduce acne. At the same time, niacinamide works not only on the surface (epidermis) but also in the dermis and subcutis.
Niacinamide is an excellent ingredient for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. However, it's important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to niacinamide and choose products with the right concentration of the ingredient to get the best results.
Niacinamide is a great addition to any skincare routine, not just Kluuf's. However, if you are looking for an uncomplicated skincare routine that is not only effective & sustainable, but also does good with every application, you will find Niacinamide in the following Kluuf products:
Kluuf's face cream - buy here
Kluuf's after shave - buy here
