WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE?

Niacinamide is the physiologically active form of niacin or vitamin B3. In other words, niacin is converted to niacinamide in the body. It can be found as one of the ingredients in some skincare products, especially in facial products.

HOW DOES NIACINAMIDE WORK?

Niacinamide is the precursor to important cofactors niacinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD), and its phosphate derivative, niacinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). These co-factors and their reduced forms (NADH and NADPH) serve as reduction-oxidation coenzymes in more than 40 cellular biochemical reactions. 

As a result, niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, by increasing the reduced form of NADPH which has potent antioxidant effects thereby preventing photoaging.

 It improves the skin barrier function by reducing water loss from the surface of the skin and stimulating keratinocyte differentiation which results in greater hydration retention capacity of the skin and therefore reduced irritation of the skin.

 It helps with skin lightening by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes in the skin. It also inhibits the yellowing of the skin.

Niacinamide also improves production of collagen and protein in the dermis, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

“WHY” IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

It is useful in combating photoaging, hyperpigmentation as well as in acne, rosacea and melasma. It is also useful for atopic dermatitis which we will be going over next month.