You may have seen a “new” hero ingredient floating around the skincare space over the past few years. And, although niacinamide is having a definite ‘moment’ in trending skincare, the knowledge of its enduring effects goes back many decades.
Niacinamide – also known as niacin or nicotinamide – is a form of Vitamin B3 that does not occur naturally in the body. Usually, niacinamide is supplemented through diet, with the ingredient found in foods like meat, fish, milk, eggs, and leafy greens.
Like other Vitamin Bs, niacin helps convert food and nutrients into energy. Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, helps to stimulate and repair DNA and exerts antioxidant effects.
Benefits of Topical Niacinamide
Although the nutritional value of niacin is well-documented, discoveries of its skincare benefits when applied topically are fairly recent.
When applied topically, niacinamide helps overall skin health in many different ways, hence earning the title of a “hero ingredient”. Beyond its well-loved cosmetic effects, niacinamide plays a much more important role in repairing the skin and protecting against future damage.
1. Reduces the appearance of sun damage
Thanks to its reparative, antioxidant properties, Niacinamide used topically can help reduce the appearance of sun damage by improving associated skin concerns. From hyperpigmentation, brown spots, blotchiness, and redness, topical niacinamide works to soothe, hydrate, and regenerate all skin types, including skin conditions and sun-damaged skin.
2. Protects against the elements
From harsh winds in winter to the beating sun of summer, our skin isn’t really made for the harsh Australian conditions. Protecting the skin is key to avoiding damage, and niacinamide applied topically helps to repair and regenerate damaged skin cells, while hydrating and protecting the skin’s barrier.
3. Great for inflammation and rosacea
Niacinamide is touted for its ability to soothe redness and reduce the effects of skin conditions like rosacea. Niacinamide works to regulate the immune response associated with rosacea, while at the same time strengthening and hydrating the skin.
4. Strengthens skin’s barrier
While repairing and regenerating damaged skin cells, using niacinamide topically can strengthen the overall structure of the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. Studies have shown niacinamide can improve the skin’s elasticity and integrity, while simultaneously locking in hydration for protection against damage or signs of aging.
5. Soft and supple
Niacinamide plays an important role when applied topically to maintain the skin’s barrier by regulating the production of lipids like collagen and ceramides to deeply hydrate and prevent water loss. Niacinamide assists with cell regeneration for fresher, softer, and healthier skin.
6. Helps acne
Niacinamide contains anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to help ease the effects of acne. Topical application of niacinamide helps regulate the skin’s production of oils, helping reduce proneness to acne.
Our Products Containing Topical Niacinamide
Bernier Pharmaceuticals carries a range of face and body care products featuring niacinamide. Suitable for all skin types, Bernier Pharmaceuticals’ topical niacinamide skincare range is paraben and cruelty-free. Learn more about our products below.
SOLARCAREB3 MOISTURISER
Our signature SolarCare B3 moisturiser is specifically formulated with 5% Vitamin B3 to help reduce the effects of sun damage.
How to Use
Suitable for the whole family, you can use our signature moisturiser on the body and face – including under makeup – in conjunction with a daily SPF sunscreen.
SOLARCAREB3 SPF 15 MOISTURISER
Lightweight and easy to apply, this fast-absorbing moisturiser with SPF15 is low odour and will help protect skin from further sun damage and premature ageing.
How to Use
It is perfect for use in the cooler months in a low UV environment and for short intervals outdoors.
SOLARCAREB3 INTENSIVE B3
SolarCareB3 Intensive B3 is a concentrated moisturiser with twice the regular concentration of Vitamin B3 (10% Niacinamide).
How to Use
Apply topically to target specific areas of sun-damaged skin. Perfect for everyday use, including under makeup.
SOLARCAREB3 SUPER B3 SERUM
This serum is our powerful tool for repairing sun-damaged skin with twice the regular concentration of Vitamin B3 (10% Niacinamide), plus the power of 2.3% Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which hydrates and plumps for healthier-looking skin.
How to Use
Apply topically to the face, neck, decolletage, and on the back of hands morning and night before moisturising with the signature SolarCareB3.
Oral Niacinamide
We’re excited to announce a brand new product unlike any in our current range. Introducing: our new high-dose Vitamin B3 tablets.
Learn about the benefits of Oral Niacinamide here.