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If you aren’t already familiar with Niacinamide, I’m sure you’ve heard of Vitamin B3. Sounds more familiar? Of course, it does! It is an inevitable compound of all fruits and veggies as well as food supplements that are there to give you an extra boost of this vitamin. Today we discuss Niacinamide as a way to treat acne and other skin conditions, as well as a way to a more youthful, glowing look.
Studies confirm: Niacinamide fights acne
There have been many studies, some independent, some connected to a particular product that uses Vitamin B3, which have confirmed that Niacinamide reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion and is able to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. Furthermore, this substance has proven as an effective ingredient for brightening skin tone.
For those of you that want to get into the nitty-gritty of the results the independent studies have proven, I have included two below that explain the process and the results altogether.
Namely, there was one study (link here) which not only examines the effects of topical 4% Niacinamide but it compares it to a widely used topical antibiotic clindamycin for those suffering from inflamed acne. (Note that in the study, Niacinamide is referred to as Nicotinamide, which is practically the same thing) The results are astonishing. While both worked pretty well in removing the acne issues of each patient’s face, Niacinamide was favored both by patients and researchers because it worked without the side effects or antibiotic resistance of clindamycin. Furthermore, this vitamin managed to decrease acne severity in 52% of patients, with a decrease of 60% of acne lesions. Pretty awesome, right?
The second of the studies (link here) was done to determine whether Niacinamide had anti-aging properties. The researchers had 50 women with signs of aging apply a 5% Niacinamide solution to one half of the face, and the placebo to the other half. An extraction of the study as follows:
- Analyses of the data revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical Niacinamide compared to the placebo: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.
All in all, every study that I’ve carefully examined, proved that Niacinamide is an excellent anti-acne solution without the unwanted side-effects. Based on the acquired data, here’s what you can expect when treating your face with Niacinamide or Vitamin B3:
- This vitamin acts as an antioxidant which protects the skin from oxidative damage – acne, aging, and all the other proprietary damages done over time
- Reduction of sebum and excess oil, which is the main cause of acne, blemishes, and blackheads
- Anti-inflammatory – no more red inflamed acne that cannot be hidden by any foundation.
- The skin barrier function is drastically improved
- The skin tone is evened out
- Due to the collagen stimulation properties, your skin will look firmer, and acne scars will be reduced greatly
Now that you know more about Niacinamide and its wonder-work, it’s time to get into the practicalities of how to use it, and when. Thing is, you always have the option of going straight to a pharmacy and getting one with Vitamin B3 added, but here I’m all about homemade, natural and products void of artificial stuff. If you are too, you’re in the right place!
Here’s how you can make your own DIY Niacinamide Moisturizer.
Ingredients:
- 50% carrier oil of choice (you can use more than one carrier oils like almond oil, olive oil and such, up to a total of 50% of the entire mixture) Make sure you choose the right carrier oil for your skin type.
- 50% Aloe Vera Gel. I recommend getting an organic aloe vera gel because that thing pays off when you put into consideration how much it nourishes your skin.
- Niacinamide powder.
Mix these three goodies together in a dropper bottle (dark glass), and practically you are done. The reason why these are used (and only these) is that the aloe soothes your skin and brings in moisture, the oil then locks it in, while the Niacinamide works against any acne, and what more do you need?
How much Niacinamide to add?
When making this concoction, you’ll want to add a Niacinamide concentration of about 5%. So, if your moisturizer is 1 ounce of liquid, you would add a little over 1/4 of a teaspoon.
Later on, when you have more experience with this and you know what brings you best results, you are free to play with different ingredients as an addition to all this. For instance, you can add essential oils for soothing and nourishment as well as nice fragrance, and Vitamin E for additional nourishment. Take it slow, get your skin to get used to it, and soon enough you’ll see results. After all, nature has a way for everything.
Have you ever tried something like this, or have I given you a new DIY challenge for this weekend? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences, as sharing is caring.
To Your Vitaminized Skin,
Monika
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