Over the years, your skin goes through many changes. It’s exposed to a variety of conditions like harsh UV rays, temperature changes, and even just simple aging. A common skincare issue that many people struggle with is the development of dark spots. Similar to age spots, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, is essentially an overproduction of melanin that makes the skin appear darker in certain spots.
Although dark spots are not a cause for concern and do not necessarily require treatment, many people may choose to try to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. Experts like Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, highly recommends adding niacinamide to your skincare routine. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B that can be taken as a pill or gummy and used topically as a serum or moisturizer ingredient. It’s a super moisturizing ingredient that works on all skin types—even sensitive skin. Below, Dr. Marcus explains why people who add niacinamide to their skincare routine maintain healthy, even-toned, glowing complexions.
Niacinamide Is The Best Ingredient To Reduce Dark Spots
Niacinamide is a water soluble vitamin that has several benefits in skincare. Marcus explains that this ingredient is particularly useful for clearer skin because it’s both an anti-inflammatory and a source of hydration for the skin. So, if you're struggling with dark spots, she says that this is perhaps one of the best ingredients to be using.
"It helps to soothe irritated skin by fighting inflammation as well as strengthening the skin barrier," Dr. Marcus says. "It is also known for its ability to help regulate oil production and improve the appearance of visible pores. Niacinamide can also help fight excess pigmentation."
"When applied to the skin, this powerful antioxidant helps to minimize enlarged pores, brighten skin tone, minimize hyperpigmentation, reduce sebum, and strengthen the skin barrier," Dr. Marcus explains. This ingredient is also ideal for people with sensitive skin, especially when it's used in a serum.
Serums have a light texture while still containing a potent amount of active ingredients. They are best used on clean skin, right after cleansing and before applying creams or sunscreen, Dr. Marcus suggests. She also adds that it's essential to choose a concentration that compliments your skin type. Dr. Marcus says that niacinamide’s effective concentration is between 2-5%. She stresses that any higher than that can cause irritation, and lower will be ineffective. If you suffer from sensitive skin, however, she recommends considering a lower concentration.
Niacinamide also works well with many other ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides. So it's very easy to add to your skincare routine without complication. "For example, Serum 6 by Maei MD contains an effective concentration of niacinamide, paired with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, plant based stem cells and probiotics," Dr. Marcus says.
Not only is niacinamide helpful with fading hyperpigmentation on the skin, but it's also a multitasker, Dr. Marcus says. Apparently, all age groups can benefit from niacinamide. "Infants and children will benefit from skin barrier strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties, adolescents will likely appreciate niacinamide's ability to regulate oil production, and adults benefit from brightening and improved appearance of pores, as well as the other benefits previously mentioned," Dr. Marcus raves.
"As a hydrating, skin barrier boosting ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide can help to improve acne without some of the negative side effects that may accompany other traditional acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, which can be irritating to those with sensitive skin," Dr. Marcus says. "I think of niacinamide as a helpful and beneficial add on ingredient for those with acne. However, niacinamide alone may not be sufficient to fully treat acne."
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, if you're looking for an ingredient to help reduce dark spots and lessen hyperpigmentation, terms like Dr. Marcus highly recommend adding niacinamide to your every day skincare routine. It works on multiple fronts to improve the appearance of your skin while reducing the severity of dark spots. Of course, it is also essential to use a good SPF and moisturizer in your anti-aging and hyperpigmentation-reducing routine. And, if you're still struggling with dark spots, check out these makeup-artist-approved tips for covering them up!
