Niacinamide 101

What is it? What is its true purpose for our skin? Lets talk about it.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is most commonly found in serums and moisturizers. It works to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels by boosting ceramide production. The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient also help to soothe skin while promoting microcirculation. It is essential for all cells to maintain cellular metabolism (the creation of energy nesscary for individual cells to perform their functions.

At my clinic, we work with the line iS Clinical, and we recently brought in the Poly Vitamin Serum to our backbar and retail shelves so that you are able to experience this ingredient. The Poly Vitamin Serum has 40% Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), 4% of Glycolic Acid, and other powerful skin ingredients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and Retinol (.5%).

Who Can Use It?

 In general, anyone who wants their skin to be brighter or prevent aging can benefit from this ingredient, and it can safely be used morning and evening.

Anyone dealing with oily skin and mild acne can benefit from the ingredient’s ability to calm breakouts. Regular use may also lead to tighter-looking pores. Niacinamide reduces sebum production in the skin, which may help to reduce the appearance of pore size.

Ordinary Brand Niacinamide

I couldn’t NOT bring up niacinaminde without mentioning the Ordinary Brand… In my skin consults, it’s one of the most popular products that clients tell me they are using. I get asked ALL the time on my opinion of Ordinary, and honestly, I don’t hate it (but I also don’t LOVE it lol). I’m pretty neutral ground when it comes to Ordinary. I would much rather people use Ordinary over other drug store products like St.Ives, Clean & Clear, etc… most of their products don’t have artificial fragrances or essential oils, and I think it is a good starting point for introductory skincare, BUT… I also think the price point is a bit too cheap, at the ability to sell their products at such a low price, they have to have a reasonable markup cost… so the ingredients being put into the serums are not at much value money-wise, and contain more filler ingredients than pure active ingredients, so I don’t think you are getting the truest and most potent form of the vitamin in the Ordinary serum.

You can use niacinamide-containing products around your eyes, too. Some might find applying a moisturizer or eye cream with niacinamide helps improve the look of under eye circles, helps soften the appearance of crow’s feet, not to mention allows this delicate area to retain skin-smoothing moisture and resist loss of firmness.

All in all, it’s a great ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine, and if your budget allows it, I STRONGLY recommend the Poly Vitamin Serum from iS Clinical to not only give you the niacinamide, but also the 40% hyaluronic acid and other helpful benefits. But, if your budget only allows for the Ordinary serum, its totally okay to use that to give your skin some of the benefits ❤

Until Next Time,

Your Fave Local Estie<3

PS: Wear your damn SPF!!