Vitamin B / Niacinamide

Vitamin B is a group of water-soluble vitamins that play essential roles in various bodily functions, and they can also be beneficial for skin health when incorporated into skincare products. The B-vitamin group includes several individual vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). Each of these vitamins contributes to different aspects of skin health.

In skincare products, particularly in moisturisers, serums, and other topical formulations, you may find specific forms of B vitamins used for their potential benefits. Some common B-vitamins used in skincare include:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, pigment fading and barrier repairing abilities, niacinamide is the most common form of Vitamin B found in skin care products and the highest concentration in B3 Plus. Niacinamide skincare can help reduce redness, improve the skin's barrier function, and manage conditions like acne, rosacea and pigmentation.

• Panthenol (Provitamin B5) - Converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, panthenol found in our Pure Age Defiance Serum is known for its moisturising and would healing properties. This Vitamin B skin care helps to hydrate and improve skin elasticity, making it a common ingredient in moisturisers and skincare products for dry or irritated skin.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) – Our Pure Age Defiance Serum contains biotin which is often associated with hair, skin and nail health.

These B-vitamins are chosen for skincare formulations due to their potential to nourish and support the skin's barrier function, improve hydration, and address specific skin concerns.

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the vitamin B complex. It has gained popularity in skincare due to its numerous benefits for the skin. Niacinamide can be found in various Vitamin B skin care products, including cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. Here are some key benefits of niacinamide for the skin:

• Improves Skin Barrier Function - Niacinamide skin care products helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is beneficial for maintaining optimal skin hydration and preventing moisture loss.

• Improves Skin Immunity – Strengthens the skin’s immune system helping it fight off bacteria, pathogens and other harmful organisms that can contribute to acne.

• Reduces Redness and Inflammation – Vitamin B skin care products possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing redness and inflammation associated with various skin conditions, including acne and rosacea.

• Minimises Pore Appearance - Regular use of Vitamin B skin care can help minimise the appearance of enlarged pores by regulating sebum production and improving skin texture.

• Brightens and Evens Skin Tone - Niacinamide is known to inhibit the transfer of melanosomes (pigment-containing cells) from melanocytes to skin cells, making it effective in addressing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

• Boosts Collagen Production - Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Niacinamide skin care products stimulate collagen synthesis, promoting a more youthful and resilient skin appearance.

• Regulates Oil Production - For individuals with oily or combination skin, Vitamin B skin care can help regulate sebum production, reducing excess oiliness without causing dryness.

• Improves Texture and Fine Lines – Niacinamide skincare can contribute to smoother skin texture by promoting cell turnover. It may help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide skincare is beneficial for a wide range of individuals and skin types due to their versatile and well-tolerated nature. One of the non-negotiable vitamins for optimum skin health, it is generally suitable for all skin types, especially skins concerned with redness, inflammation, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles and acne. Due to its brightening nature, individuals with uneven skin tone, dark spots and hyperpigmentation can also benefit from Vitamin B3 skin care products.

If you're new to niacinamide skincare and other Vitamin B skin care products, start with application once per day and increase to morning and night if required. Perform a patch test before introducing new skin care products to your routine to ensure that your skin tolerates it well.

For personalised guidance on incorporating niacinamide skincare and other Vitamin B skin care products into your routine, visit your nearest O skin clinic or start a live chat on our website with an O Skin Expert.

Yes, niacinamide and other Vitamin B derivatives are known to pair well with many other skincare actives, making it a versatile ingredient that can be integrated into a comprehensive skincare routine. Here are some common skincare actives that generally work well with niacinamide:

• Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps retain moisture in the skin. Apply hyaluronic acid before niacinamide skin care products to provide a hydrating base.

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage. Vitamin C and Vitamin B skin care products play nicely and can be used together or layered.

• Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A) - Retinoids promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and enhance overall skin texture. Our formulations of retinols are paired with niacinamide for greater skin tolerance. Niacinamide skincare can be used in the same application.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the skin's surface, promoting a smoother texture. You can use AHAs and Vitamin B skin care layered on in the same formulation.

• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) - BHAs, like salicylic acid, are effective for treating acne and unclogging pores when layered on in the same formulation.

Yes, niacinamide is generally considered safe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.