Niacinamide

Between deciphering tongue-twisting scientific ingredients and interpreting concentration percentages, reading a skincare product label is intimidating enough to make you panic-buy whichever product is currently at the top of Sephora's best-seller list. If just the idea of examining the back of your moisturizer gives you anxiety, we're here to assure you it's not completely impossible to figure out what it is you're putting on your face. What Is Niacinamide? Niacinamide is a multi-tasking vitamin, and when used topically, it may help alleviate skin sensitivities, build healthy skin cells, and help skin retain moisture, according to Herrmann. "Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that's used in dermatology for everything from helping to prevent skin cancer to decreasing redness associated with inflammatory conditions like rosacea and acne," she explains. Skincare Benefits The benefits depend on the form of niacinamide you decide to add to your skincare regimen, explains Herrmann: "Orally, this very safe and well-tolerated vitamin has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of both basal and squamous cell skin cancers by boosting DNA repair, finally giving us an option for skin cancer prevention beyond sunscreen and sun-protective clothing." "Topically, niacinamide helps clear acne, fade discoloration, and prevent aging and skin water loss," she explains. If your skincare concern is acne, niacinamide's anti-inflammatory and anti-sebum production prope...