Here’s Why Niacinamide Is Great for Sensitive-Skin Type

If you haven't been living under the rock, then you will agree that niacinamide is one of the few skincare ingredients that work for most skin types. We love our actives such as vitamin C, retinol or even glycolic acid but we also know how they can strip the barrier of our skin. Enters niacinamide. This is not only gentle but also gives you visible results. This vitamin B derivative supports your skin like no other. Agrees, dermatologist Chytra Anand, Founder of Kosmoderma Skin & Hair Clinics and Chief Formulator at Skin Q. 

What is niacinamide and why is it good for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide is also known as nicotinamide is derived from Vitamin B3. "The niacin derived from Vitamin B3 gets converted into niacinamide" explains Dr Chytra. Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory in nature which makes it good for all skin types particularly the sensitive skin type. "It is great for those who have pustular acne, eczema or even rosacea. It also helps when your skin is at the receiving end of sun damage" she adds.

While it is not an anti-oxidant, it can help reduce the oxidative stress reaction on the skin explains Dr Chytra. Thus, it is great for those who have hyperpigmentation. One of the major reasons for the same is dry skin. Niacinamide works great in maintaining the barrier of your skin while expediting the cell regeneration process. This is because it boosts collagen to make the skin firm and reduce the signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. "However, it is to be noted that niacinamide is not a sure-shot solution alone to improving hyperpigmentation but it certainly helps along the way" she adds.

In fact, in a 2015 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, results declared that there were 23 per cent fewer cases of skin cancer in the group that consumed niacinamide orally.

How to add it to your skincare routine?

Dr Chytra says, "Niacinamide can be consumed orally and applied topically. A percentage of 5 per cent minimum is needed for it delivers visible results over a certain period of time. Anything less than 5 per cent only works for those suffering from eczema but if you are looking for a solution to acne, rosacea or for pigmentation and even tanning, then it has to be 5 per cent or more."

She suggests if you are applying it topically in the form of a serum or a moisturiser, make sure your skin is cleansed. Also, apply it before you go on to apply any other product for maximum absorption.