Table of contents:
- Niacinamide is…
- Examine the properties of niacinamide to get rid of acne scars
- A safe guide to using niacinamide
- Niacinamide side effects to watch out for
One of the ingredients in skin care products that is on the rise is niacinamide. He said, this one compound is effective for dealing with various skin problems, including acne and stubborn acne scars. It is not surprising that skin care products containing niacinamide are widely sought after in the market. However, are these benefits true? Come on, find out the full answer in the following review.
Niacinamide is…
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is an active amidst the derivative of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin. Apart from being produced naturally by the body, this compound can actually be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and wheat.
However, because it dissolves easily in water, a person may not get enough niacinamide intake. If you have this, usually a niacinamide supplement is needed. In the field of dermatology, niacinamide is often used to treat cases of acne, acne scars, rosacea, and skin lightening agents. Dermatologists usually use niacinamide in the form of a gel or cream, with concentrations varying from 2% to 5%.
This compound works by inhibiting the release of chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation. Niacinamide can also slow down the process of moving melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, so it has a skin brightening effect. In general, these compounds can also help build protein in the skin and "lock in" skin moisture so that it is effective in protecting the skin from damage.
Examine the properties of niacinamide to get rid of acne scars
Acne scars that can be treated using niacinamide are reddish or brownish acne scars. Meanwhile, acne scars in the form of scars and pockmarks cannot be treated with niacinamide or other topical drugs. Because, this type of acne scars requires medical action to improve the texture of the skin that is already damaged.
Reddish or brownish spots themselves occur due to an inflammatory reaction that causes damage to the basal keratinocyte cells. This damage causes melanin, the skin coloring pigment, to be overproduced. When produced in excess, melanin can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. As a result, the skin looks red, brown, or even blackish.
The good news is, in vitro studies have shown that niacinamide can significantly reduce excess melanin build-up in cells. That way, niacinamide is a compound that can be used as a complement to treat acne or acne scars.
A safe guide to using niacinamide
Niacinamide is a compound that is safe to use for all skin types. Even so, its use must still be as indicated.
This compound can be used 1-2 times a day. Before using it, make sure you wash your hands first and then dry them with a clean towel. After that, apply a moderate amount of niacinamide on the problem areas. In order to get optimal results, use niacinamide regularly for at least 8-12 weeks. You can also use this compound as a single therapy or in combination with other skin care products.
You should not use skin care products that contain niacinamide on skin areas that have open wounds. In addition to making the wound worse, it may actually trigger other, more dangerous side effects.
Niacinamide side effects to watch out for
Although it is effective in helping to treat acne as well as removing scars, niacinamide also has the potential to cause side effects. However, side effects are usually mild and tend to subside quickly.
Some of the side effects of niacinamide to watch out for are:
- Mild itching reaction
- Red rash
People with sensitive skin should take extra care when using niacinamide. In order to prevent serious side effects, it's best to try a sensitivity test first. It's easy. Apply a small amount of the niacinamide product to your arm for 24 hours. If you don't feel any reaction, then you can use it.
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