How Niacinamide Serum Benefits The Skin

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has antioxidant properties. A derivative of niacin, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin praised for its hydrating role in skincare and is often used topically to support the skin moisture barrier. With its skin-brightening prowess and ability to complement many other skincare ingredients and skin types, it’s no wonder why niacinamide is trending.

What are the Benefits of Using Niacinamide On Your Skin?

All skin types can benefit from using niacinamide, including those with sensitive skin and ageing skin. It helps with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sebum production and a more even, radiant complexion. More on the specific benefits of niacinamide for skin below:

Does niacinamide help with hyperpigmentation?

Niacinamide is a potent brightening ingredient that reduces hyperpigmentation, evens skin tone and helps with dark spots and discolouration. For targeted concerns, we recommend using a more concentrated formula such as the Bright Reveal Dark Spot Serum with 10% Niacinamide + Amino-Sulfonic Acid, which is scientifically-proven to reduce -77% of dark spots*, including post-acne marks, age spots and sunspots.

*Cosmeto-clinical study, 63 women, after 8 weeks.

Does niacinamide reduce inflammation?

If you have sensitive skin you may benefit from using niacinamide for its comforting, hydrating properties. When used as a topical, this ingredient can comfort skin and reduce any visible redness brought on by pre-existing skin concerns, or when using harsher acids like retinol.

Supports the skin moisture barrier

Niacinamide can help support the natural production of ceramides – fatty acid ingredients that help the skin retain moisture. It is also capable of neutralising environmental pollutants to support a super strong skin moisture barrier. This is an ingredient that can be layered to improve, enhance and support the integrity of the skin’s moisture barrier by locking in hydration.

Targets visible signs of ageing

Niacinamide has also been known to help stimulate collagen production which is instrumental in targeting visible signs of ageing.¹ Thanks to its antioxidant properties, this hero ingredient helps to neutralise free radicals – external stressors that can eventually lead to discolouration and wrinkles.

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/
*in a clinical study over 12 weeks, expert grading of dark spots (age & sunspots) & post-acne marks.

Suitable for all skin types

Niacinamide works well for all skin types, including mature and sensitive skin (but it’s still important to patch-test a new product before you add it to your daily rotation). Those with post-blemish marks, age spots, sunspots and dull skin can particularly benefit from a niacinamide-infused dark spot serum. Not only does the ingredient help to smooth the texture of the skin, but it also minimises the appearance of large pores, which is common for those with oily skin types.

Compatible with other skincare ingredients

The benefits of niacinamide go beyond skin-deep. As a bonus, niacinamide is beloved for its ability to play nicely with many other common skincare ingredients. Some revered skincare ingredients to pair it with include:

Niacinamide and retinol

Wondering how to slot niacinamide and retinol into your skincare routine? If new to Retinol, the Revitalift Laser X3 Retinol and Niacinamide Night Cream is the perfect entry Retinol product to show you how it’s done. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this night cream is suitable for all skin types and is formulated to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

If layering the two ingredients together in concentrated serums, such as the Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum and Bright Reveal Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, apply your retinol first and follow up with niacinamide once it’s settled into the skin.

Niacinamide and vitamin C

Vitamin C and niacinamide work well together. Both have antioxidant and skin-brightening benefits, while niacinamide also works to comfort the skin and visibly reduce the appearance of redness. If applying this combination, we recommend applying the Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum to freshly cleansed, dry skin, followed by niacinamide.

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

Since niacinamide and hyaluronic acid both have skin-hydrating properties, they work well together to support the skin moisture barrier. When using the two together, we recommend applying the Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum first to hydrate the skin’s outer layers, followed by niacinamide to protect the skin’s surface and reduce moisture loss.

How to apply niacinamide serum

As a general skincare rule, it’s recommended to start with lightweight formulas, and work your way up to the thicker creams. Niacinamide Serum benefits work best when applied to clean skin. For this reason, you can apply them post-cleanse.

As with any skin care ingredient, you’ll want to consistently use niacinamide to reap its benefits. You’ll know niacinamide is working when your skin starts to improve physically — with the reduction of dark spots and dry patches as well as smoother and refined skin texture.

How often should I use niacinamide?

We recommend using a concentrated niacinamide serum, such as the Bright Reveal niacinamide serum, twice a day to target dark spots and pigmentation concerns. As part of your morning routine, follow with your usual moisturiser and a minimum broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

As with any skincare ingredient, pay attention to its effect on your complexion to determine if you need to change its use in your regime.

If your skin is tolerating niacinamide well you should notice reduced visible redness, minimised pores and faded dark spots. Some flushing may occur with excessive application and may prompt you to reduce niacinamide use to once a day. 

Now that you know the benefits of applying niacinamide serum on the face, discover how to layer skincare serums.