Niacinamide is considered a golden ingredient in skin care because it brings countless benefits, from moisturizing, brightening to soothing the skin. However, side effects of niacinamide are not absent. Therefore, you need to pay attention when using this nutrient for your skin to maximize its effectiveness.
There is no denying the unexpected changes in the skin after using products containing niacinamide. Like any skin-beautifying active ingredient, niacinamide can also cause unwanted side effects. The following information will help you better understand the side effects of niacinamide and how to use niacinamide to avoid this condition.
What is Niacinamide in cosmetics?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is not only an effective moisturizer but also contributes to significantly brightening the skin. However, you need to note that you must use this active ingredient properly because if you use high concentrations of niacinamide in skin care formulas, it can lead to the risk of skin irritation. To avoid any unwanted side effects, choose products containing low concentrations of niacinamide, usually around 1-2%.
The body can absorb niacinamide very well from daily foods such as eggs, milk, beans, fish and green vegetables. In addition, the body can also produce niacinamide from excess niacin or convert tryptophan into this essential vitamin.
In addition to food sources, niacinamide can also be found in many cosmetics and skin care products. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in some product lines that helps to give soft, smooth skin as well as shiny hair.
Niacinamide has many benefits for skin and hair. It not only hydrates the skin but also helps even out skin tone and improve overall texture. With regular use, niacinamide can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, leaving skin looking radiant and youthful.
Notably, niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for all skin types. Whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or eczema, niacinamide can help soothe irritated skin, promoting healthier, brighter skin.
What are the side effects of niacinamide?
Niacinamide has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it has long been a popular ingredient in skin care products, helping to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. Despite its many benefits, niacinamide can sometimes come with some side effects that users need to be aware of.
So what exactly are the side effects of niacinamide? First, the most commonly reported side effect of niacinamide is redness, especially in people with sensitive skin. While many people who use niacinamide report that it reduces redness and inflammation, a small number of people may experience the opposite effect, with redness and irritation becoming worse after use.
In addition to redness, side effects of niacinamide can also include facial redness, especially in sensitive areas such as the cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. Users may experience itching, stinging, or burning sensations, which are signs of atopic dermatitis. If these symptoms occur, it is important to stop using the product immediately and rinse the affected area with clean water.
According to dermatologists, the main cause of side effects when using niacinamide is often due to the high concentration in skin care formulas. Overuse of niacinamide can also contribute to irritation, as the body absorbs high levels of this ingredient, leading to increased histamine levels and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
If you have a history of skin allergies, choosing a vitamin B supplement regimen through food sources or oral supplements may be a safer alternative to topical cosmetics containing niacinamide.
How to use niacinamide in cosmetics
Although the side effects of niacinamide cannot be ignored, this is still a recommended skin care ingredient to help women achieve youthful, radiant skin. Because niacinamide is not only an important nutrient for the overall health of the skin and hair, but also a powerful anti-aging ingredient that can work wonders for our skin. When used in topical skin care products, niacinamide brings countless benefits, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone.
The question is, how do you incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine? Here are some guidelines to help you get started:
Choose the right concentration
Studies have found that niacinamide is most effective in skin care products when used at concentrations between 2 and 5%. Therefore, choose products containing niacinamide within this concentration range to ensure optimal results without the risk of potential side effects. Higher concentrations of niacinamide may provide more nutrients but may also increase the risk of skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Explore different product categories
Niacinamide can be found in a variety of skin care products, including cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, toners, and serums. Depending on your specific skin care needs, you can choose the product that best suits your needs. For example, if you are targeting fine lines and wrinkles, a niacinamide serum may be your best bet, while a moisturizer containing niacinamide can provide hydration and nourishment for overall skin health. Follow the directions for use.
Although niacinamide is generally well tolerated by most skin types, it is important to use products containing this ingredient as directed. If you are new to niacinamide or have particularly sensitive skin, test it on your wrist before applying it to your entire face. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist for further advice.
In short, niacinamide is indeed a necessary beauty ingredient for healthy, radiant skin. Niacinamide brings many benefits to the skin, but the side effects of niacinamide can happen to anyone. Therefore, when using niacinamide, you must not ignore the notes on concentration as well as carefully check for irritation before adding the product to your daily skin care routine.