Here’s Why You Should Be Using A Niacinamide Serum

From smoothing wrinkles to fighting dark spots, niacinamide's benefits are proven to help your skin.

When it comes to anti-aging skin care, the truth is, it’s a no-nonsense business that just needs to get the job done. So when we’re told to use retinol creams and vitamin C serums, as well as a whole host of complicated nutrients that we’re not sure exactly work for our skin, we put our foot down. Less fluff and more action please!

That’s why we’re here to discuss niacinamide. It’s a vitamin that’s been proven to improve the appearance of aging skin. If anti-aging is one of your chief beauty focuses (it’s not vanity, your skin naturally needs more support as it ages!), a niacinamide serum is a must-have for your bathroom cabinet.

What’s niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It’s naturally found in food, and is primarily used as a supplement or medicine. But it turns out that researchers have been discovering its potent benefits for skin too! The reason why you should be paying more attention to this vitamin is that studies have been steadily showing its powerful benefits for aging skin.

Niacinamide benefits for skin

1. Improve moisture content

Youthful skin remains strong and elastic thanks to its high water content. That’s evidenced by the fact that dry skin can appear extra dull too. As we age, our skin begins to lose its ability to retain water. That’s where anti-aging skin care comes in to provide the extra support. The topical application of niacinamide has actually been found to reduce water loss from skin and improve moisture retention!

2. Protect against damage

Ceramides are naturally found in your skin, and they’re lipid molecules that hold your skin cells together. They’re necessary for the healthy functioning of your skin’s protective barrier, which keeps pollutants and other unwanted invaders that can damage important skin cells outside of your body. Niacinamide has actually been found to increase ceramide levels in skin, helping your skin better protect itself against damage from the sun, pollution, and harsh chemicals.

3. Plump skin

Ceramides also keep your skin plump and glowing! After all, they’re the fatty components of your skin that keep it firm and strong.

4. Smooth wrinkles and fine lines

Wrinkles are caused by exposure to environmental elements such as the sun and pollution over the course of our lives. Of course, it doesn’t help that our collagen production, elastin, and moisture (all the nutrients that keep our skin youthful!) levels plummet over the years. That’s where niacinamide comes in. It’s been shown to smooth out wrinkles when applied to skin.

5. Fight dark spots

There’s a reason why dark spots (AKA sun spots, or liver spots) are also referred to as age spots. They’re more common in mature skin because they form from long term exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that applying niacinamide can result in the reduction of hyperpigmented spots.  

Best niacinamide serums

So you might be wondering whether a niacinamide serum is actually worth your investment. Sure, our glow is important, but it’s not worth getting more wrinkles over just stressing over the costs of your entire beauty routine. When looking for the best niacinamide serum to add to your nightly pamper ritual (hey, anti-aging skin care isn’t always a chore!), we recommend looking for high quality, stable ingredients and natural formulas that are free of harsh synthetic ingredients. That’s because you don’t want to accidentally do more harm than good to your skin!

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum from 100% Pure
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
This potent serum really packs a punch. It contains all the essential vitamins for an anti-aging routine, from brightening vitamin C and niacinamide, to firming CoQ10 and vegan retinol too. This highly stable serum is safe to use even around your eyelids, and is ideal for a range of skin types. It contains hyaluronic acid too to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Anti-Aging Serum 10 Actives from Eva Naturals
Cruelty-free
Anti-aging formulas don’t have to be terribly boring. This serum packs in the latest in skin care technology, with savvy ingredients like wakame bioferment and astaxanthin that’s a powerful antioxidant, as well as turmeric and alpha arbutin to help promote the radiance of your complexion.

Soothing B3 Serum from Marie Veronique
Cruelty-free
Dislike the icky feeling that some serums leave on your face? This gel formula doesn’t leave any topical residue on skin, and is ideal to use on all skin types in any climate (even sensitive or allergy-prone skin!). The gel absorbs quickly, and is particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, since it’s been shown to reduce breakouts.

Nutritive Molecule Serum from African Botanics
Cruelty-free, vegan
Usually we’re not a fan of extensive ingredient lists with lengthy chemical names that we can’t even pronounce. This cutting-edge serum is jam packed with essential nutrients to support aging skin and protect against further damage. Even so, it still manages to be a lightweight formula!

Hawaiian Hydration from Mahalo Skin Care
Cruelty-free
Organic ingredients, luxurious texture, elegant packaging…what else is there? This supercharged serum also boasts a sophisticated nutrient delivery system that helps ensure ingredients like niacinamide, glucosamine, and ceramides are delivered to your skin where its needed. We told you anti-aging skin care isn’t as drab as it seems!

Hyaluronic Intensive Facial Serum from Lotus Moon
Cruelty-free
There are so many skin care no-nos out there…not putting on sunscreen, picking at pimples, going to bed with makeup…but truth is, it’s easy to forget sometimes! You’ll want to follow up with this antioxidant-packed face serum to help reduce the damage done to your skin, and give your complexion a much-needed boost.

How to use a niacinamide serum

• We generally recommend to use anti-aging products during the night. This gives your skin room to absorb the nutrients and repair itself, without having to juggle the task of protecting you from the outside elements! Some anti-aging ingredients may cause photosensitivity too.
• Wash your face thoroughly with a cleanser, and follow up with a facial toner if desired.
• Pat a few drops of the niacinamide serum into your face in slight upward motions. Feel free to apply some to your neck as well.
• Follow up with a moisturizer to seal in the serum and promote absorption.
• Apply a natural sunscreen the next day as according to the product instructions.
• Always store your serum in a cool, dark, and dry place. This helps maintain the stability and potency of your product!

What do you think? Will you be adding this skin care gem to your anti-aging routine? As the largest organ in our body, our skin deserves only the finest nutrients to keep it in top shape. We’re excited to see what other beauty wonders researchers will discover about niacinamide!