HOW TO USE NIACINAMIDE IN skincare

Niacinamide and other B vitamins can treat several skin issues. We explain why you should be adding them to your treatment kit.

What does vitamin B3 do for skin?

Vitamin B3 helps to improve the skin’s barrier function, helping to maintain moisture, reduce hyperpigmentation and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. When topically applied, grapeseed and hemp seed oil have numerous benefits for the skin.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is the water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and is used in skincare because it improves the skin’s barrier function, preventing environmental damage, and minimising sensitivity and transepidermal water loss.

“This ingredient’s ability to increase cellular energy ensures improved cell turnover, microcirculation, and antioxidant protection, having a beneficial effect on many cell processes,” explains leading UK facialist Kate Kerr.

“It also improves skin congestion and acne breakout with its antibiotic effect and sebum-regulating benefits; helps prevent and treat hyperpigmentation by slowing the transport of melanin to the skin’s surface; and slows skin ageing by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.”

How does niacinamide work on the skin?

It’s effective in skincare because “it’s a precursor to two super-important co-enzymes within the cells – nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+),” says Martine Jarman, founder of SkinGenius Clinic. “These co-enzymes play an essential role in cell metabolism, meaning they give our cells the energy to carry out important functions such as DNA repair, reproduction and cell turnover.”

Niacinamide is suitable for most skin types and works best when used with other supporting ingredients such as retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, and BHAs.

Is niacinamide good for acne?

“It’s anti-inflammatory property makes it a popular ingredient for skin conditions marked by inflammation, such as acne, rosacea and those with a compromised barrier,” adds Jarman.

What concentration of niacinamide is best for skin?

Dr Raquel Amado, who runs an eponymous skin clinic in Kent, emphasises the importance of ‘’discerning the concentration suited to individual needs. Lower concentrations offer anti-aging benefits, while higher concentrations target pigmentation.’’

She adds, “Pay attention to the concentration levels. While niacinamide is generally safe, higher concentrations can sometimes cause irritation or redness in sensitive individuals.”

Why the hype around vitamin B12 for skin?

Vitamin B12 is extremely beneficial for skin health for several reasons – it is necessary for cell production, reducing inflammation and dryness, and for overall heathy hair, skin, and nails.

“A deficiency in vitamin B12 levels can cause various dermatologic symptoms, including nail discolouration, hyperpigmentation, hair changes, vitiligo, and angular stomatitis (inflamed and cracked mouth corners),” explains Jarman.

It is also a key factor when aiming for skin radiance as it minimises the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone, making it an ideal go-to for mature clients. “It boosts the fibroblast to increase collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, improving texture, elasticity, and hydration,” adds Kerr.

“Vitamin B12 has also been shown in studies to help minimise erythema and improve inflammation.”

Cole agrees that the vitamin is ideal for older clients, as it “enhances the radiance of a dull and mature skin. It also helps in skin tone and helps diminish the look of dark spots.”

What does vitamin B12 do for skin?

“Cyanocobalamin is the form used in skincare and it is produced via the fermentation of selected microorganisms. It is quite an uncommon ingredient in the skincare world, but it does herald some impressive results,” explains Kerr. “It’s a very stable and gentle vitamin, so it can be used daily, and it increases cellular energy to boost multiple cell processes – in particular regeneration and repair.”

It can also be applied topically to reduce dryness, inflammation, and acne, and can be helpful when treating issues like eczema and dermatitis. “However, applying B12 to the skin alone isn’t as beneficial as consuming the ingredient,” advises Jarman. “I recommend including a vitamin B complex into customers’ daily diet for more inflammatory and severe skin concerns.”

Recommended products

VITA B3 cream

The VITA B3 cream from pHformula is a multifunctional moisturising cream that prevents and reverses visible signs of redness, pigment changes, and skin ageing. It contains high-concentrated niacinamide, which improves skin barrier function, reduces trans epidermal water loss, and boosts collagen production. Niacinamide slows down pigment transfer, reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting even-toned complexion. The 24-hour Moisturising complex helps maintain skin hydration and protection.

Niacinamide key benefits include:

• Protection from UV and blue light damage for healthylooking skin.

• Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improvement of the elasticity of the skin.

• Rebalancing of uneven skin tone.

• Reduction discoloration.

• Protection against damage from urban pollutants.

• Blemish-free, shine-free, refined skin appearance.

• Resilience to external damage and reduced skin sensitivity.

• Well moisturised skin, comfortable skin feeling.

DermaFix MD Skin Clear, B3 Boost and MD Mandelic Retexturising Wipes

DermaFix MD Skin Clear, B3 Boost and MD Mandelic Retexturising Wipes are powerful products formulated with niacinamide, a versatile ingredient known for its skinsoothing and brightening properties.

• DermaFix MD Skin Clear targets blemishes, reduces inflammation, and balances excess oil production, making it ideal for individuals with acne-prone skin. Niacinamide works to minimise the appearance of pores, even out skin tone, and improve the skin’s barrier function, leaving your complexion clearer and more refined.

• DermaFix B3 Boost focuses on enhancing overall skin health by providing a concentrated dose of Niacinamide to reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is perfect for those looking to boost hydration, improve texture, and achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

• DermaFix MD Mandelic Retexturising Wipes combine Niacinamide, Evodia Rutaecarpa extract, Mandelic Acid, and Rumex extract to gently exfoliate, brighten, and refine your skin. These wipes aid in reducing hyperpigmentation, enhancing silky texture, and enhancing radiance, all while supporting your skin’s barrier for a clearer, more even complexion. Perfect for a fresh, glowing look.