WHAT DOES NIACINAMIDE DO?
Are you wondering what is niacinamide serum good for? Well, Niacinamide offers various benefits for the skin. Here are some of its key niacinamide benefits for the skin.
Oil control: If you have extremely oily skin, Niacinamide is the way to go. It does help control excess sebum and thereby prevent acne breakouts.
Brightness: With acne comes blemishes which ruin the self-esteem in most of us. Using niacinamide in a careful and conscious way helps fade away dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, leaving behind clear and even-toned skin.
Soothing: Believe it or not, naiacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties which is why it helps soothe irritated skin and redness related to it. When it comes to sensitive skin, I may be an expert on the topic, definitely had to learn it the hard way.
Collagen Synthesis: How does niacinamide work in preventing the 7 signs of aging? Well, It makes perfect sense since niacinamide encourages collagen production and helps keep our skin youthful and plump.
Pore minimizer: Just like how niacinamide can control excess oil, it also performs well in minimizing the pore size albeit temporarily. These go hand in hand together and keep your skin flawless.
Improves Texture: It has been repeatedly shown that niacinamide helps get rid of rough, dull, bumpy skin and at the end of the day, reveals a much softer and smooth complexion.
Hydration: What does your skin need despite all of the above? Hydration guys. Niacinamide works exceptionally well in that regard too. It helps retain moisture levels keeping our skin moist and plump.
HOW TO USE NIACINAMIDE SERUM?
To maximize the effectiveness of your niacinamide serum, follow these steps:
1. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities.
2. If you like toners, use one that is best suited for your skin type. They are usually good for hydration and pH balance.
3. Now, apply the niacinamide serum to your fingertips or directly onto your face. Wait until the serum is fully absorbed into your skin.
4. If you are using more than one serum in your routine, apply the lighter, water-based ones after your niacinamide serum. This way all the ingredients get absorbed better.
5. Apply your moisturizer and sunscreen .
NOTE
The way you use niacinamide does affect its efficiency. Here is a simple and easy way to understand how to use niacinamide in your skincare routine.
Always remember, oil-based products come after niacinamide, or else our skin will not be able to absorb niacinamide properly. It is best to apply niacinamide serum after a toner/essence. But, if the brand has specified how to use it on the packaging, follow it to the last word.
WHEN TO USE NIACINAMIDE SERUM
Niacinamide serum can be used in both your morning and evening skincare routines. After cleansing and toning, apply niacinamide serum to your face. Follow with lighter serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Niacinamide is generally compatible with many skincare ingredients. If you’re using other active ingredients like retinol or AHAs/BHAs, you can alternate their use. For example, use niacinamide serum in your morning routine and retinol or acids in your evening routine.
WHAT IS THE BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM
Determining the “best” niacinamide serum depends on personal preferences and individual skin needs. Nevertheless, there are numerous well-regarded options to consider. Here are 10 such popular niacinamide serums for you:
THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE SERUM
The Ordinary Niacinamide serum has impressive effects, including oil control in the T-zone, reduced breakouts, smaller pores, and fewer blackheads. It feels pleasant on the skin, helps with acne, and prevents breakouts and clogged pores. It is also effective against whiteheads and blackheads. The serum absorbs quickly without any discomfort, burning, or allergies. Your skin feels remarkably smooth and irresistibly soft after use. The serum is best used within 12 months after opening.
Some users have experienced issues with pilling when using The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc serum on their skin.
GOOD MOLECULES NIACINAMIDE SERUM
This product is a cult favourite and one of the best serum available in the market. Good molecules serum is non-sticky and smoothing on the skin without causing breakouts. It doubles as a great makeup primer for a flawless base, and is gentle, moisturizing, and brightening. It effectively minimizes pores, fades sunspots, and helps with acne scars and skin texture. Hydration is a plus without breakouts. The serum addresses concerns like acne scars, dryness, pores, texture, and even fine lines, reducing their visibility.
When trying out this product, it is advisable to start with the small size first. It is also recommended to perform a patch test beforehand, especially for those with sensitive skin, as it may not be suitable for everyone. At the time of publishing this article, This product is available only via Instagram sellers.
INKEY LIST NIACINAMIDE SERUM
The Inkey List Niacinamide serum has a lightweight texture like that of an emulsion rather than a serum. It absorbs quickly into the skin, without any pilling, and can be easily layered with other skincare products. It is a convenient all in one solution for hydration and brightness.
The serum is gentle on the skin and so It will not cause tingling, redness, or sensitivity, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The presence of squalene and hyaluronic acid enhances its hydrating and soothing effects, leaving the skin feeling moisturized and calm.
MINIMALIST 5% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
The serum is effective in controlling oil production and preventing breakouts. It is gentle and does not lead to irritation or allergies, which is a notable advantage. Also, it helps soothe breakouts and has shown some improvement in fading acne marks and reducing redness. The Minimalist 5% Niacinamide serum contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which might leave your skin feeling dry if not followed by a moisturizer. The serum has a slightly sticky texture and takes some time to fully absorb into the skin, largely due to the HA. To reduce the stickiness, you can spritz some rose water or plain water a minute after applying the serum.
DECONSTRUCT BRIGHTENING/CLEARING FACE SERUM(5%, 10%)
Loved by many for its efficiency and affordable price, The Deconstruct Niacinamide serum is great for controlling oil and reducing acne marks, making it a top choice for oily skin. It has a watery texture which makes it easy to apply and absorbs quickly. It also helps with hyperpigmentation, but it works gradually. If you want faster results, there is a 10% concentration version of the serum. But be mindful that this formulation tends to pill during application, which can be a hassle.
AXIS-Y DARK SPOT CORRECTING GLOW SERUM
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The Axis-Y dark spot correcting glow serum may not perform instant miracles, but it effectively fades acne scars, brightens the skin, and prevents new pimples from causing hyperpigmentation with consistent use. It has a non-sticky, non-greasy formula and a lightweight texture that absorbs well and layers with other skincare products. While it takes around 4-5 months for complete spot fading, it is an excellent choice for hydrating and minimizing acne hyperpigmentation.
PURITO GALACTO NIACIN 97 POWER ESSENCE
The PURITO Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence is an outstanding product with 5% Niacinamide, known for its acne and anti-aging benefits. It brightens the complexion, has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, and leaves a temporary oily layer. Fragrance free and packed with potent ingredients, it evens skin tone, reduces fine lines, and controls sebum. It provides excellent hydration without pilling, also helping with blackheads, whiteheads, visible pores, and redness.
GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON NIACINAMIDE DEW DROPS
The Glow Recipe watermelon glow niacinamide dew drops is a serum with a pleasant watermelon scent and a slightly thicker texture. The lightweight formula absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. It provides a beautiful glow to the skin but may fade when layered with other products. It effectively moisturizes, soothes, and reduces pore size. However, the fragrance might not suit everyone. It works well as a moisturizer, primer, or highlighter, consistently delivering impressive results. If you’re experiencing breakouts or have sensitive skin, the fragrance may be a factor to consider.
LA ROCHE-POSAY PURE NIACINAMIDE 10% SERUM
The La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10% Serum is a non-irritating niacinamide serum that helps minimize the appearance of pores, provides a dewy and radiant glow, and evens out skin tone. It has a milky texture that absorbs quickly, offering hydration and lightening dark spots. It helps make the skin look more youthful and rejuvenated. While the serum doesn’t sting the skin, it can pill if not fully dried, and the artificial fragrance and presence of denatured alcohol may be off-putting for some. The packaging with the dropper component can be messy and difficult to use. It’s not recommended for sensitive skin due to its high niacinamide concentration.
COSRX NIACINAMIDE 15% FACE SERUM
This serum contains 15% niacinamide and a mix of other helpful ingredients for acne-prone skin that it controls oil, smooths skin, and fades acne scars. The cosrx niacinamide serum also has N-acetylglucosamine to exfoliate and reduce hyperpigmentation, zinc PCA to balance skin, and allantoin for collagen production. It minimizes visible pores, clears clogged ones, and is easy to apply without feeling greasy. It improves skin texture, reduces blackheads, whiteheads, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, all while keeping your skin hydrated. You might feel a slight tingle when applying it, but it’s gentle and non-irritating, despite the high niacinamide content.
SUMMARY
These carefully selected products are chosen for their effectiveness, quality, and ability to improve skin health. By adding them to your routine, you can confidently address acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and signs of aging. Use this article as your go-to guide for reliable recommendations to make informed choices for a healthier, more beautiful complexion. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unlock the power of niacinamide and achieve your best skin ever!
