First of all, let's introduce "What is nicotinamide?"
Niacinamide is the bioactive form of niacin (vitamin B3), a water-soluble vitamin with a white crystalline powder that is widely present in a variety of animals and plants.
After years of research and experimentation, it has been confirmed that niacinamide not only has a whitening effect, but also has other skin beautifying functions.
According to the "network", its functions are roughly as follows:
1. Whitening, reduce stains
2. Oil control, reduce pores
3. Enhance skin barrier function
4. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
5. Anti-inflammatory, control the severity of acne
6. Moisturize
In fact, is the effect of niacinamide really as described above?
(Image from the Internet, for reference only)
1. The concentration of niacinamide is in the range of 2%-5%, which can inhibit the transfer of melanin to the stratum corneum, so as to achieve the effect of whitening the skin and improving the pigmentation.
2. Topical niacinamide (2%) can reduce the production of fatty acids and triglycerides in sebum, and has the effect of controlling oil secretion. It is said to have a synergistic effect with sodium dehydroacetate. The reduction of oil secretion will also make the pores of the skin look less large.
3. Topical niacinamide can improve the level of free fatty acids and ceramides in the skin, stimulate the microcirculation of the dermis layer, and prevent skin moisture loss.
4. Niacinamide can promote the synthesis of proteins in the epidermis, increase the skin's own defense ability, increase the skin's moisture content, and reduce the wrinkles, dullness and pigmentation of the skin.
5. The gel containing 4% niacinamide is as effective as the gel containing 1% clindamycin (the main topical prescription drug for acne treatment).
6. Niacinamide can improve the skin barrier function means that niacinamide has a moisturizing function. One small study showed that topical 2% niacinamide worked better than vaseline in reducing skin dehydration and increasing hydration.
Each person has a different degree of tolerance to niacinamide and may "bad face" after use
Each person has a different degree of tolerance to niacinamide, some stratum corneum is relatively thin, or prone to allergies to the skin, in the sebaceous membrane is not sound or the skin tolerance is not enough, the irritation of niacinamide itself is likely to lead to redness allergy, and even ... Swollen up.
Therefore, when using niacinamide products, be sure to test your own tolerance, do not blindly use.
For more questions about "nicotinamide", you can pay attention to the headline number: Plastic Surgeon Zhu Dongsheng.