Category: Skincare

While niacinamide is not exactly a new emerging innovation in the world of skincare, it has sprung up in a wide range of products and is now touted as the ‘it’ ingredient. Its ease of use and versatility for almost any skin type and skincare issue cannot go unnoticed. 

What does niacinamide do? What is niacinamide good for? Does this largely-considered holy grail solution have a place in your skincare regimen? Should you expect smoother, hydrated skin? Here’s what you should know about the industry darling first. 

What is niacinamide? 

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is one of the two major compound forms of vitamin B3. The other is nicotinic acid.

It is a water-soluble B vitamin meaning it’s not stored in the body hence needs to be replenished to reap its benefits. It helps maintain healthy cells in your body. 

Niacin vs niacinamide

Your body needs niacin (vitamin B3) to help convert nutrients into energy, exert antioxidant effects, create cholesterol and fats and create and repair DNA. 

When taken in greater amounts than what is required by the body, niacin is converted to niacinamide. 

Niacinamide works best with the natural substances in your skin when applied topically. This is not to say the oral intake of vitamin B3 (found naturally in certain foods, added to foods or sold as supplements) isn’t effective for your skin. 

Scan your ingredient lists and don’t assume that niacin is still the same ingredient despite the lack of “amide.” 

What does niacinamide do for skin? 

This wonder ingredient keeps popping in some moisturising products and serums. So what’s the secret to its overall success when you smooth it into your skin? 

Niacinamide has a multitude of ways it benefits the skin. Ongoing research is only now showing that the cosmetic properties niacinamide has to offer were largely unexplored. 

Niacinamide skin benefits are: 

• It boosts hydration ability. Niacinamide promotes the production of ceramides and elastin that are both vital in supporting the skin barrier. This leads to a more hydrated, healthy skin that can better handle moisture loss and potential external irritants. Also, it makes other moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin perform better. 
• Acts as an antioxidant, fighting off harmful stressors. It converts into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which has free-radical fighting antioxidant properties. This protects your skin from cellular damage or even reverses some of it.
• It soothes your skin and limits irritation caused by exfoliants. This helps quell any redness or inflammation, calming down acne spots. Thus it’s an attractive option for people with sensitive skin.
• It treats hyperpigmentation and improves even skin tone. If you have dark patches or freckles from the sun, niacinamide can block excess melanin from showing on the skin surface. Aside from fading the hyperpigmentation, it also keeps new discolourations from appearing. This makes your skin tone look more even. 
• It’s shown to reverse and prevent signs of skin ageing. It boosts collagen production to smooth wrinkles and reduces discolourations. 
• A clear complexion. It helps balance oil and sebum production, which is beneficial if you have oily skin or are breakout prone. 
• Routine usage reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and visibly tightens pores. Niacinamide normalises the pore lining. This plays a role in keeping off debris and oil that may lead to clogs forming and pores stretching to compensate. 
• Safe for every skin type and for all ages. Even those who suffer from inflammatory conditions due to its calming properties. 

Does niacinamide actually lighten skin? 

Clinical studies have shown that a decrease in hyperpigmentation can lead to an increase in skin lightness. The brightening properties of niacinamide promote a balanced and even skin tone. 

How to use niacinamide in your skincare routine 

Do I need niacinamide in my skincare routine? If you have the skin issues mentioned above, then absolutely. Niacinamide is versatile and addresses many skincare concerns. 

It works well with most ingredients. Look for a product that will stay in contact with your skin for plenty of time for maximum absorption. This may be a serum, moisturiser, sunscreen or even overnight cream. Opt for less than 5% concentration; high concentrations can cause skin irritation.

Once you’ve decided on the best niacinamide product to place your trust in, perform a spot test to determine whether your skin agrees with it. Apply a small amount of the product to a small section on your neck or inner wrist before your entire face and watch for any adverse reaction within the first few days. 

Mild irritation will likely go away with repeated use but check in with your dermatologist to ensure it’s nothing serious. Niacinamide doesn’t affect the skin in a way that triggers skin purging, a flare-like reaction triggered by active ingredients like retinoids and acids. 

Is it safe to use it every day? Niacinamide is well-tolerated, so yes. You can use it one to two times daily depending on the formulation and in combination with other products without issue. Apply regularly for an extended period for long-lasting and visible results.

Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C? 

It’s best to apply them alternatively so as not to reduce vitamin C effectiveness—one in the morning and the other at night. 

Conclusion 

It’s not just hype. Niacinamide can make a difference for various skin concerns and types. To reap maximum benefits, choose wisely a product with scientific studies to back it up and not just appealing ingredient lists. Get the most effective ways to build it into your regimen.

Disclaimer: All content found on our website related to skincare, including text, images, audio, videos, or other formats, has been created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. Reliance on any information provided on our website is solely at your own risk. Links to informational/educational content not created by the author are taken at your own risk and VALUESPOT is not responsible for the claims of external websites.

UV rays are your worst enemy when it comes to skin care. UV radiation, while invisible, they are constantly attacking your skin when you are out in the sun, which damages the skin and can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. Sunscreen is your best protection and must be used religiously if you are going to be outside and should be reapplied every two to three hours. No matter which skincare ingredients you put on your skin and how good they are, you will not have the best results if you are not protecting your skin from UV.

There are several things to consider when considering a sunscreen to use. First, you should make sure you use the best sunscreen depending on your skin type and skin condition you have. There are two types of sunscreen – chemical and mineral sunscreen. Most people would do well with chemical sunscreens, which form the vast majority of sunscreens found in stores. But if you have skin conditions (e.g., hyperpigmentation, melasma, eczema, etc.) or have sensitive skin, it is best to use mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens tend to be mostly formulated with Zinc Oxide, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient, hence it would soothe a sensitive skin and offer anti-inflammatory benefits if you have a skin condition. It is also noteworthy that mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin to enter the bloodstream which happens in the case chemical sunscreen. While there isn’t enough research data on what happens when chemical sunscreen enters the blood stream, mineral sunscreens are usually recommended for pregnant mothers. Second, always wear sunscreens that are NAFE-safe (No Alcohol (denatured), Fragrance, and Essential Oils). This should ideally be the principle you use when selecting your skincare. Finally, always wear a sunscreen with broad spectrum – that is, it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least SPF 30. If you have sensitive skin or usually suffer from melasma, hyperpigmentation, etc., always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50, which would give you the best protection against UBV rays.

One downside of mineral sunscreen that deter people (especially those with darker skin color) from using it, is it leaves a white cast on the skin. However, if you find a good mineral sunscreen and rub it in the skin well, the white cast should disappear after a while. This should also not be a problem if you are wearing makeup. There are also several tinted mineral sunscreens, which would reduce the white cast and one can use it as a primer when wearing makeup. Since Zinc Oxide is usually an expensive ingredient, most mineral sunscreens are more expensive than chemical sunscreens. This is another reason why some people lean towards chemical sunscreen.

Disclaimer: all content found on our website related to skincare, including text, images, audio, videos, or other formats, has been created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. Reliance on any information provided on our website is solely at your own risk. Links to informational/educational content not created by the author are taken at your own risk and VALUESPOT is not responsible for the claims of external websites.

In South Korea and Japan, there has been a long tradition of using cleansing oils in skin care routine. This is used as part of “double cleansing” routine – first starting with an oil-based cleanser and finishing with a water-based cleanser.

Why you need cleansing oils…

Most people wear several products on their face every day – moisturizers, sunscreens (which is advisable you apply several times during the day, especially if you spend a lot of time outside), and make-up (which sometimes causes excessive sebum production). On top of that, your skin is likely to collect dirt from the air if you spend time outside. This means cleansing your skin properly is paramount to avoid clogging of the pores, bacteria building up under your skin, and eventually breaking out. If you do not properly remove all the makeup and dirt, it is unlikely that the ingredients in your skincare will penetrate the skin and work as they are supposed to.

Water and oil don’t mix well, hence trying to use a water-based cleanser to remove all the oils that have been building up during the day would not be effective. Using oil cleansers as the first step in the process of cleansing your face can help you do the job effectively because they are the best at breaking up oils and dirt on the surface of your skin. Using cleansing oils usually leaves your skin very nourished, soft, and moisturized before you go in with water cleanser, since cleansing can be harsh on your skin. Finally, you have been using makeup wipes, abandoning them and using the more effective cleansing oils is also great for the environment.

Now that you know the benefits of cleansing oils, how should you use them?

The important thing to ensure the oil cleanser does the job well is NOT to wet your face since water and oils don’t mix well.

• • Step 1: Put the cleansing oil on the palm of your hand and spread it across your fingers.
  • Step 2: Start to gently rub it into every area your facial skin and preferably your neck and gently massage the skin (for about one to two minute). This can be your moment of meditation and relaxation.
  • Step 3: Rinse your hands and then wash the face with water which will emulsify the oil. You can also use a face towel – wet the towel with water and use it to wipe your face. Rinse and repeat the process several times until no more dirt is remaining on the face towel.
  • Step 4: Immediately use a water-based cleanser to remove the rest of the dirt for the skin. This is important since cleansing oils are not supposed to replace water cleansers. While oil cleansers are the best at removing make up and dirt, using them alone can clog the pores. For the same reason, you shouldn’t wait a long time, e.g., for half an hour or more before washing off the rest of the dirt with a water cleanser.

Disclaimer: all content found on our website related to skincare, including text, images, audio, videos, or other formats, has been created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. Reliance on any information provided on our website is solely at your own risk. Links to informational/educational content not created by the author are taken at your own risk and VALUESPOT is not responsible for the claims of external websites.

What is hyperpigmentation and why does it happen?

Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a serious problem for many people. People with non-Caucasian (brown/darker) skins are more prone to hyperpigmentation due their larger and more active melanocytes (melanin pigments-producing cells).

So why does pigmentation happen? This is a much more complex process, but to simplify, it starts with irritation or inflammation of the skin, which can be caused by hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or puberty) or external factors such as sun damage, irritants present in some of the skincare, burns, and other irritations. When inflammation occurs, the melanocytes are triggered to overproduce melanin, and you end up with hyperpigmentation, which manifests as skin discolorations that range from light to very dark spots or patches, depending on the size of your melanocytes. Understanding this can go a long way in helping to avoid things that will irritate your skin.

Now you know. What should you do?

Serious hyperpigmentation needs to be treated by a doctor, who would be best placed to assess the problem and provide the right cause of action. However, there are things you can do to avoid hyperpigmentation or address it when it occurs.

First, you should always avoid putting irritants on your skin. This means you need to educate yourself about the ingredients used in skincare you are using and whether they are good or bad for you. For example, some of the treatments used such as glycolic acids or facial peels that contain glycolic acid, can cause further irritation because it tends to quickly penetrate deep into the skin and can cause further burns and increased hyperpigmentation. With the help of your doctor, you should be able to make the right decisions. You should also avoid fragrance/perfume/aromatic essential oils, and drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients are not good for you – fragrance will irritate and strip your skin of its natural moisture, which you want to retain.

What you need to do is to use active ingredients that would not irritate your skin. These include acids such as Ferulic acid, Azelaic acid, and octadecanoic acid; Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and several other ingredients that are effective with the least irritation. When using Vitamin A, it is important to note that, if you are susceptible to hyperpigmentation, it is wise to use a much lower percentage, preferably 0.5% and below in order to avoid burns. It is also important to know that treatment of hyperpigmentation takes time but using the right ingredients will give you better results in the end.

If you are interested in scientific research on different ingredients of skin products you can learn more here https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary.

Your skin routine matters a lot.

You should never wear active ingredients during the day because they will react with the sun, since most of the active ingredients are UV-unstable and irritate the skin. Your morning routine should be simple – make sure you properly wash off all the ingredients you applied the previous night, then tone and moisturize the skin. People (especially with oily skin) forget that moisturizing the skin properly is so important to the healing process of the skin. You can have an oily skin but still have dryness, which is another source of skin irritation. So always wear a good moisturizer that goes well with your skin type and is packed with good emollients, including ceramides, which are lipid barriers that are very essential for the skin to retain moisture. You should note that our skin is generally made of 50% ceramides, and they are naturally produced by the skin to provide a natural skin barrier. However, we lose ceramides as we get older, so you do not want to leave them out of your skin care routine.

Lastly, but not least, sunscreen should be your best friend and you should make sure you are applying it every two hours during the day in order to get the best protection. Physical or mineral-based sunscreens would do the best job for you as they are formulated with a high percentage of Zinc oxide, which have a white cast that better reflects the UV rays and is also an anti-inflammatory. You read our blog on sunscreens here.

Disclaimer: all content found on our website related to skincare, including text, images, audio, videos, or other formats, has been created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. Reliance on any information provided on our website is solely at your own risk. Links to informational/educational content not created by author are taken at your own risk and VALUESPOT is not responsible for the claims of external websites.