Did you know Niacinamide can calm seasonal skin flare-ups?
Seasonal transitions can often wreak havoc on our skin. Whether it's the humidity of monsoon, the dryness of winter, or the pollutants that come with changing weather patterns, our skin is constantly adapting, and not always happily.
Flare-ups such as redness, irritation, breakouts, and uneven tones become more frequent. Enter niacinamide, a skincare ingredient that's increasingly being recommended by dermatologists for its calming and strengthening properties. It deserves a permanent place in your skincare routine, especially during seasonal shifts.
Why Does Skin Flare Up with Weather Changes?
Seasonal changes disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Humidity, heat, or a sudden drop in temperature can affect how our skin retains moisture or reacts to external irritants.
This can lead to inflammation, dullness, sensitivity, or increased oil production- all of which we refer to as flare-ups.
What Is Niacinamide and How Niacinamide Helps Calm Flare-Ups
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a multi-functional skincare ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, barrier-strengthening, and oil-regulating properties. It is suitable for almost all skin types and is especially beneficial during times of transition when skin becomes unpredictable.
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Here's how it helps calm flare-ups:
1. Soothes Inflammation:
Niacinamide has proven anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it extremely useful in calming redness, irritation, and sensitivity, which are common during seasonal transitions.
2. Strengthens Skin Barrier:
A healthy skin barrier is your first defense against environmental stressors. Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides - lipid molecules that keep the skin barrier intact, thus improving resilience.
3. Regulates Oil Production:
During monsoon or humid months, many people struggle with excessive oiliness and breakouts. Niacinamide helps balance sebum levels, reducing the chances of clogged pores and acne.
4. Improves Skin Tone and Texture:
Flare-ups can often leave behind marks or pigmentation. Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and promotes a more even skin tone over time.
How to Use It
Dr. Aparna recommends looking for serums or moisturisers with 5% to 10% niacinamide.
'Start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin and always patch tests before full use. It can be used both morning and night and goes well with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Indian skin is more prone to tanning and pigmentation due to its higher melanin content. This makes niacinamide an essential ingredient in sunscreen formulations.
Known to regulate melanin production and strengthen the skin barrier, niacinamide not only helps reduce tanning but also addresses uneven skin tone - concerns that affect most Indian women.
By including niacinamide, sunscreens go beyond basic protection, offering targeted care tailored to the specific needs of Indian skin.'
A Word of Caution
While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, overuse or layering it incorrectly can cause mild irritation. 'More is not always better,' warns Dr. Santhanam. 'Stick to the recommended dosage and avoid using it alongside too many actives like AHAs or retinol unless advised by a dermatologist.'
Seasonal flare-ups may be inevitable, but with the right ingredients, they can be managed effectively. Niacinamide stands out as a versatile and gentle option that not only soothes the skin but also helps it adapt and thrive through changing conditions. If you're looking to add one product to your monsoon or winter routine, niacinamide could be the skin savior you didn't know you needed.
Inputs by Dr. Aparna Santhanam, Dermatologist and Skin Expert at ITC Dermafique
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