Niacinamide - a power vitamin for skin health

Skincare is our concern, skin health our mission. If you're a little familiar with the articles on this blog, you know that we - the members of the editorial team - take a close look at: Which ingredients make skincare truly effective, which products reduce wrinkles, and which formulas alleviate skin conditions. We want to be both sound advisors and light-hearted entertainers, because the world of natural skincare can sometimes be overwhelming. That's where easy-to-understand guiding is needed. In this context, it is our concern today to write about the substance niacinamide. It is a real power vitamin and has been a big topic for some time: It helps against pimples, large pores and redness. Above all, however, niacinamide keeps the tissue elastic. If that's not a reason for a detailed reporting!

Wrinkles, acne and anti-aging

For a better understanding first a question: What happens when plants - let's say roses - are not fertilized and then not watered? We all know the answer: the juicy red changes to a gray-brown tone, the even flowers become wrinkled. Soon it will be too late. Essentially, it's much the same with facial skin. If you don't take care of it, you'll soon see it in the mirror. Some later, but most sooner. At least when we talk about wrinkles and furrows caused by lack of moisture. However, skin diseases (e.g. rosacea or neurodermatitis) occur at any age - and acne is (mostly) a problem of the younger ones.

Niacinamide is vitamin B3

In this sense niacinamide is a kind of general fertilizer for all the aforementioned problems. The water-soluble substance belongs to the vitamin B family, is also known as vitamin B3. This means that the substance can only be stored by the body to a limited extent - even though it is so urgently needed. Basically, we consume B3 when eating meat, fish and eggs. But first, the amount is manageable - and vegetarians or vegans go completely empty. Dietary supplements will help to some extend or ... coffee. No kidding. The dark beans are an excellent B3 supplier.

Formation of collagen and elastin

Of course, the metabolism leads to the skin being healthier. But for those who already have problems, several liters of coffee a day won't help. That is why researchers integrated niacinamide into skin care products some time ago. The result has been proven in numerous studies. To put it scientifically: the synthesis of ceramides, keratin or proteins with the skin is stimulated. The result: the body forms more collagen and elastin. The skin becomes firmer, the elasticity of the tissue increases. Wrinkles and dry cracks disappear. By the way, this principle also applies to the healing of acne.

B3, the plus for the skin's protective barrier

The term power vitamin is supported by further evidence: B3 stimulates lipid production - thus promoting the health of the skin's protective barrier. If this is intact, the tissue loses less moisture and is more resistant to harmful external influences. Regular use of skin care products containing niacinamide also has an effect on the pores: They contract, become smaller. This results in a smoother, finer surface. And not just on the face. The cleavage also regains its glow - if it has been lost over the years. That's why we at 48grams have incorporated niacinamide into the formula for our new décolleté mask.

B3 - the stuff TikTok dreams are made of

B3 is a gift for the skin. No question the vitamin has recently become a trending topic for the TikTok generation. Countless accounts are dedicated to creams and serums with the stuff... of which (also) social media dreams are made of. The application possibilities are shown there and the modes of action are named. The TikTok claim that the skin's appearance improves after just 31 days is not substantiated. But in fact, the permanent niacinamide application is of greatest benefit.

Even hyperpigmentation is alleviated

Because even those who suffer from hyperpigmentation - the discoloration that mainly affects the cheeks and forehead - will soon experience success. B3 inhibits the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin. The complexion glows more uniformly again. We at the 48grams blog are overjoyed with this.

Interaction with vitamin C care

With so much praise... two (small) warnings must not be omitted. There is an interaction with vitamin C-containing care substances and quite basically a quantity restriction at the initial use. By the way, the result is the same in both cases: short-term reddening of the skin occurs. So if you don't want to take any risks, let 15 to 30 minutes pass between the use of B3 and C care. In addition, the concentration of the active ingredient should also be taken into account during the first applications. The less-is-more principle simply applies here.

Niacinamide - the skincare superstar

Finally, a little explanation - for all those who are wondering: Vitamin B3 ... why should that be something new? In fact, the substance named niacinamide has long been part of many skincare products. However, recent scientific findings have only led to skincare researchers being able to assess what relevance the vitamin actually has. And since then, it has been impossible to imagine the cosmetics world without the super active ingredient.