It can help fade sun damage, smooth away lines and calm redness, so isn’t it time you introduced Vitamin B3 to your bathroom cabinet? 

When it comes to skincare superstars, they don’t come much brighter or shinier than Vitamin B3. Also known as niacinamide, nicotinamide and niacin, this water-soluble vitamin offers multiple benefits when it comes to skin health. For everything from blemishes and redness to pigmentation and premature lines, Vitamin B3 is quite frankly, a bit of a miracle worker. Here’s why. 

1. Locks in moisture 

Used daily, Vitamin B3 has a stabilising effect on skin barrier function, which means skin is better able to retain moisture. Those increased hydration levels make for glowing, healthy-looking skin. Vitamin B3 is particularly beneficial for mature skin, which is prone to dryness. 

2. Reduces hyperpigmentation 

Worried about dark spots and patches? A daily application of Vitamin B3 can help by slowing the transportation of melanin (natural pigment) to the skin’s surface, resulting in a clearer complexion. Research has shown that Vitamin B3 can lighten dark spots in as little as four weeks. Just remember that sunscreen is essential, even when it’s raining outside, to prevent further darkening. 

3. Minimises lines

Evidence suggests that topical Vitamin B3 can increase production of ceramides. And that’s a mighty good thing. Ceramides are lipids (fats) in the uppermost layers of skin that maintain the skin barrier, rather like mortar between bricks, if bricks are skin cells. A stronger skin barrier means skin is less prone to water loss, so is better hydrated, firmer to the touch, with fewer lines. 

4. Fights inflammation 

Vitamin B3’s legendary anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for conditions where redness and inflammation are a concern, such as rosacea, eczema and acne. In fact, several studies have documented niacin’s positive effect on acne, and in regulating oil production – the overproduction of which goes hand in hand with acne, blemishes and breakouts. Vitamin B3 is also a non-irritating option for those with dry or sensitive skin, or who cannot tolerate oral antibiotics. 

5. Protects from harmful rays 

While sunscreen remains the gold standard defence against UVA and UVB rays, Vitamin B3 aids by shielding skin from infrared heat from the sun and repairing skin from the effects of UVA and UVB rays. 

But what you might not realise is Vitamin B3 can also help protect skin from blue light. Also known as high-energy visible light (HEV), blue light comes from the sun and the screens of electronic devices. Too much blue light exposure can cause pigmentation in skin and skin cells to shrink, or even die, all of which can lead to premature ageing. Your best defence? Limiting screen time and factoring Vitamin B3, along with protective Vitamin C and sunscreen, into your daily skincare regime. 

Are you ready to see a real difference in your skin? Make the change with Mx Skincare Cosmeceutical Serum Vitamin B+.