Skin problems. Most of us know the struggle, and if you don’t, consider yourself lucky! I struggled with acne as a teenager and once I turned 21 I thought I was in the clear. My skin still wasn’t where I wanted it to be, I still had acne scars that irritated me but at least I didn’t have pimples anymore, right? Up until about two months ago that is. As a teenager I had the normal white heads and black heads, they’re irritating but they’re manageable. Now I’m getting painful, cystic acne that I’ve never had before, don’t know how to deal with, and are straight up annoying. Enter: niacinamide.
Niacinamide is a vitamin that has so many benefits I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before. While it technically isn’t said to treat acne, it targets a lot of the problems that cause acne. It helps reduce the sight of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and brighten dull complexions. It also acts as a barrier to protect the skin from the environment, and can help repair past damage on the skin. All of these combined makes for radiant, glowing skin.
I’ve been using niacinamide in my toner, and in a serum. Right now I’m using the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum. Both of these products have worked wonders for my skin. I’m definitely still breaking out here and there, but they are few and far between. My pores are visibly smaller and less clogged, the unevenness in my skin tone is lightening more than with any other products, and there is a radiance and glow to my skin that I’ve never had before.
Skincare is definitely not one size fits all. Although this worked for me, it may not work for you. The most important step you can take for clearer, brighter skin is to do your research! Test different products, look up the benefits of what you’re using, and read ingredient lists on products you own or are looking to buy. And the most important tip of all, be confident in your skin!