Minty Gal

Innovations in skincare have been all the rave. As someone who considers myself a skin-intellectual, (courtesy of Cassandra Bankson on YouTube), I pride myself on learning about ingredients that would work the best for my skin. One of those ingredients is niacinamide, which boasts a multitude of skin-boosting benefits. Whether it is hyperpigmentation, support for a compromised skin barrier, or helping the appearance of large pores and acne, this gentle yet effective ingredient should be in your skincare routine ASAP. 

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is commonly found in meats, nuts, and grains. In skin care, niacin is slightly different from niacinamide, which both are different types of vitamin B3 that are necessary for the body to function correctly. In skincare, niacinamide is great for the skin barrier, as the proteins help make the skin more resilient to stressors. It also helps with anti-aging, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated while working on other visible signs of aging. It minimizes the appearance of pores, helps fade hyperpigmentation, and helps calm rednesses. What makes niacinamide so special is that it works for all skin types and is fantastic for acne-prone skin. It is also an ingredient that is easy to incorporate into your routine, in that it doesn’t react with other products in your skincare routine. I recommend using it topically, as a serum or cream to lock in the skin-boosting benefits. Remember if using a product with niacinamide in the daytime, always follow it with sunscreen. Here are two I have been enjoying as of late:

Glossier Super Pure – $29

I have been using this serum for years. When I say I absolutely love this stuff, that is an understatement. This serum is super lightweight, non-sticky, and works well with sunscreen or base products. It contains 5% niacinamide and zinc PCA which works beautifully on the skin, addressing all my skin concerns like large pores, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration. I have always been a Glossier girl from the beginning, but I have to say this is the best product they dropped in their skincare line. If you have yet to try this, I suggest you do. It tends to be sold out and for the homies that have acne-prone skin like myself, this helps calm everything and clear breakouts faster. Glossier takes all my money!

Cosrx The Niacinimide 15 -$25

This product is new to my skincare lineup. I purchased it to try something new considering I have been loyal to my Glossier Super Pure. I absolutely love this stuff! The ingredients are very similar but have acetylglucosamine with zinc to make this concoction even more of a powerhouse. The acetyl glucosamine exfoliates while allantoin helps soothe any inflammation. The combination of ingredients helps combat acne and the marks those pesky blemishes leave behind. At $25 this product is well worth the money and the results speak for themselves. 

Remember when using a serum, it is best to use it on damp skin, as it gets absorbed better. Let me know if you guys have tried these products or if there are other niacinamide products you enjoy!