Used in cosmetic formulations, niacinamide, or vitamin B3 , is a renowned ingredient for fighting the signs of aging, acne, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. But can this rejuvenating active ingredient really work for all skin types? Discover the before-and-after benefits of niacinamide and how to effectively incorporate it into your beauty routine for beautiful, flawless skin.
Niacinamide Before/After: Visible Results Proven by Science
Niacinamide is one of the most studied cosmetic active ingredients. Scientific research highlights the benefits of vitamin B3 as a cosmetic treatment for many skin problems, such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, inflammatory acne, skin aging, and dehydration.
Scientific studies: what results can be expected before/after using niacinamide?
- Niacinamide improves skin barrier function by increasing the synthesis of ceramides and other lipid barrier components. This results in better hydration, less sensitive skin, and greater resistance to external aggressions.
Source : “Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier” O Tanno & al. (2000). British Journal of Dermatology
- Studies show that vitamin B3 is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation by stopping the transfer of melanin that causes the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
Source : “ The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer” T Hakozaki & al. (2002). British Journal of Dermatology
- Niacinamide stimulates collagen production, promotes cell renewal and prevents skin aging , thus limiting the appearance of wrinkles.
Source : “Niacinamide: AB vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance” Donald L Bissett & al. (2005). American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Vitamin B3 has also been shown to improve skin texture and reduce pore size. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it very effective in treating acne pimples.
Source : “Double-blind clinical assessment of the efficacy of a 4% nicotinamide gel (Exfoliac® NC Gel) versus a 4% erythromycin gel in the treatment of moderate acne with a predominant inflammatory component” F Girard & al. (2004). Dermatological News
How long does it take to see results from niacinamide?
It typically takes 6 to 12 weeks of regular niacinamide use to see noticeable results on skin. However, these results can vary depending on the concentration and frequency of use.
Among the first effects of niacinamide, visible after only 4 weeks of use, we find in particular:
- 20% reduction in the appearance of pores
- More radiant complexion
- Firm and elastic skin
- Soothing action
After approximately 6 to 12 weeks of regular use, here is an overview of the results observed:
- Wrinkle reduction
- Deeply hydrated skin
- Reduction of pigment spots
What are the benefits of vitamin B3 for the skin?
Niacinamide is a versatile cosmetic active ingredient that addresses several skin conditions. Here are its main benefits for the skin.
Sebum regulation
Niacinamide helps control sebum production, helping to limit the appearance of shine and imperfections without stripping or drying out the skin. It is therefore ideal for combination to oily skin.
Anti-blemish
The anti-inflammatory action of vitamin B3 makes it particularly effective in preventing acne breakouts, reducing the appearance of spots and redness and promoting their healing.
Strengthening the skin barrier
By stimulating the production of ceramides and lipids essential for cell regeneration, niacinamide strengthens the skin's protective barrier. The skin is therefore more resistant to external aggressions and less prone to irritation.
Reduction of dark spots
Niacinamide is known for its lightening action on pigment spots. It helps fade marks caused by sun damage, acne, or skin aging (age spots), while evening out skin tone.
Fight against the signs of aging
Vitamin B3 stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining good skin elasticity. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and the first visible signs of skin aging. Skin also feels firmer and more supple.
Natural healthy glow effect
Niacinamide reduces redness, smooths skin texture, and diminishes the appearance of pores. It repairs skin by slowing the oxidation of cells attacked by free radicals. Thanks to its overall radiance-boosting action, it restores a fresh, luminous appearance to the skin, even without makeup.
How to use niacinamide properly for real results?
NOOĀNCE Paris offers you some best practices for obtaining visible and lasting results thanks to facial treatments based on niacinamide.
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Choosing an optimal concentration
Always check the vitamin B3 concentration in your skincare products. Present in many skincare products , it is however essential to maintain a concentration between 2 and 5%. Only formulas intended for skin with severe imperfections contain more than 10% niacinamide.
Frequency of use
Consistency is key to enjoying the long-term before-and-after benefits of niacinamide. Use your facial products daily, once or twice a day:
- In the morning, to protect the skin from external aggressions and deeply hydrate it.
- In the evening, as a regenerating night treatment, to target imperfections, dull complexion, pigmentation spots or signs of aging.
Which assets should it be combined with?
Niacinamide is easy to integrate into your beauty routine. Depending on your skin concerns, it can be combined with:
- Retinol: for powerful anti-aging action.
- Hyaluronic acid: for intense hydration.
- Vitamin C: for antioxidant action and a formidable lightening effect on dark spots.
Side effects and precautions for use
- Always start with a gradual introduction of your niacinamide treatments, once a day at first on clean skin, for a smooth adaptation.
- There are no contraindications for using vitamin B3 on all skin types. However, sensitive skin may experience mild reactions during the first few days of use: redness, irritation, and tingling.
- Use sunscreen every morning: Although niacinamide helps repair skin, it does not replace UV sun protection, which remains the best anti-aging beauty routine.
How does niacinamide work on the skin?
Niacinamide is originally a water-soluble B vitamin and a derivative of nicotinic acid. While less well-known than other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid, it is nonetheless essential for maintaining healthy skin.
The biochemical process behind skin regeneration
With its small molecular size, this form of vitamin B3 easily acts on the upper layers of the epidermis. In its cosmetic use, nicotinic acid is synthesized to ensure good cutaneous bioavailability, allowing it to cross the skin barrier to reach epidermal cells.
The benefits of niacinamide are thus visible more quickly: deep hydration of the skin, soothing action, reduction of pigment spots, antioxidant protection.
Its targeted and deep action improves visible surface aesthetic defects but also the overall health of the skin, by stimulating the production of proteins such as collagen and ceramides. This is also what makes vitamin B3 so effective in preventing and reducing wrinkles naturally .
Vitamin B3: for what skin type?
Niacinamide is generally tolerated by all skin types. It is naturally well absorbed into the epidermis, providing effective care without damaging or weakening the skin.
Dry skin
Vitamin B3 helps maintain good hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Oily skin or combination skin with imperfections
Pores are tightened, skin is less shiny and the anti-inflammatory effect limits the appearance of spots.
Sensitive skin
Niacinamide helps calm redness and irritation and protects the skin from external aggressions.
Mature skin
By stimulating collagen production, niacinamide reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark spots, and improves skin elasticity and firmness, while preventing the appearance of signs of aging.
Niacinamide: Practical tips for incorporating it into your beauty routine
- Apply your niacinamide skincare products morning and evening to clean skin . It can be combined with other powerful active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, provided you choose concentrated and complete formulas.
Nooance-Paris Multi-Active Moisturizing Serum effectively targets the signs of aging and strengthens the skin barrier thanks to its patented complex composed of 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, combined with the effectiveness of Ceramides and 5% concentrated vitamin B3.
- Gradually integrate this active ingredient into your skincare routine, depending on your skin's tolerance, starting with a low concentration of niacinamide.
The Hydration Bubble Serum combines bisabolol with 2% vitamin B3, providing intense hydration and a gentle formula suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Niacinamide is a valuable ally for your skin: versatile and effective, it guarantees fast, deep, and long-lasting action. Whatever your skin type, vitamin B3 adapts to your specific needs, while respecting the natural balance of the epidermis, to reveal a healthier and more radiant complexion.
