Niacinamide

Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3.  It is related to Niacin, which people have been taking orally for many years to treat high cholesterol levels.  Only recently have quality studies began to surface that tout the benefits of niacinamide on the skin.  More research is being conducted and we expect the use of this substance to significantly increase over the next few years as companies begin to take notice of this great ingredient.

How can it benefit my skin?

Most of the benefits come from this compounds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  This ingredient has been studied in comparison with clindamycin for acne and was proven to be as effective as clindamycin with fewer side effects.  This is huge because bacteria are becoming more resistant to clindamycin so we need more options to treat acne than just antibiotics.

Niacinamide has also been shown to increase ceramide production in the skin which leads to increased moisturization.  It acts as an antioxidant to decrease oxidative damage (which causes many of the signs of aging).  Finally, niacinamide decreases red blotchiness of the skin- which is my favorite property of this wonder-ingredient.

Are there any side effects?

Unlike most ingredients that actually work, this ingredient has an extremely low side effect profile.  It is tolerated very well in most patients, even in higher concentrations.  There is always a chance that you could be allergic to this ingredient, but even that is very rare.  If you do experience side effects, discontinue use and let your physician know if it is severe.

Which SimplySkin Rx products contain Niacinamide?

Our Prime Day Lotion contains a healthy dose of niacinamide.  We also have niacinamide in some of our professional spa products that can be found at The French Door.