Nicotinic acid for the face is used in home cosmetics to maintain the skin in a youthful state. It helps fight acne and slows down the aging process. What is this remedy? Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP, vitamin B3, niacin) is a vitamin that takes part in many redox reactions and processes occurring in the body. It comes from outside with food (yeast, nuts, milk, fish, buckwheat, legumes, green vegetables) and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. However, it is not enough for a person’s daily requirement.
This drug is prescribed for diseases of the digestive tract, exhaustion, and vitamin deficiency. Cosmetologists recommend including the drug in masks. It can be purchased inexpensively at the pharmacy in the form of tablets or ampoules.
Difference between Nicotine and Nicotinic Acid
Nicotine and nicotinic acid are completely different substances that have one or another effect on the human body. The primary source of raw materials is nicotine, a tobacco derivative, the named part of Tabacco Nico (he once brought tobacco to France). Nicotinic acid is obtained through the process of purification and oxidation of nicotine. Initially, it was considered a completely useless substance until its positive effect on the body was discovered in the treatment of pellagra. At the moment, acid is widely used in cosmetology and medicine.
What are the benefits of nicotinic acid for hair?
Nicotinic acid activates blood microcirculation in the upper layers of the epidermis.
This is where the follicles from which hair grows are located. The appearance of the hair as a whole depends on their condition. Activation of blood flow leads to vasodilatation. This provides the follicles with an influx of vital substances and stimulation of metabolism. They begin to receive more nutrition, as a result of which they “wake up” and begin to more actively produce cells, thanks to which hair grows. Nicotinic acid promotes:
- activation of blood circulation in the scalp;
- enhanced nutrition of follicles;
- volume and rapid hair growth;
- eliminating dandruff;
- strengthening, shine, moisturizing and elasticity of hair;
- slowing down the appearance of gray hair;
- stopping hair loss.
Nicotinic acid is produced in the form of tablets and solution. Its effectiveness does not decrease depending on the form of release, but for hair it is recommended to use the solution in ampoules. It is more convenient to apply, it does not leave marks after use and is absorbed into the skin faster.
Beneficial features
Vitamin PP has a complex beneficial effect on the skin:
- dilates small vessels;
- improves complexion;
- refreshes the skin;
- accelerates metabolic processes, removes toxins;
- activates cellular metabolism;
- stops inflammation.
Nicotinic acid is an indispensable remedy in the treatment of a number of diseases. It normalizes the condition of gastrointestinal pathologies, reduces the content of harmful cholesterol in the blood, and accelerates recovery from anorexia.
You can buy acid for the face in tablets or ampoules. One unit contains a large amount of vitamins B3, PP. The cost of a unit of medicine (ampoule or tablet) is affordable. It is also worth learning about masks with acetylsalicylic acid, recipes for which are collected here.
How does facial acid work?
Acid in tablets is prescribed for oral administration, in the form of ampoules - for injection intramuscularly, subcutaneously, for preparing homemade skin care products (foam for washing, lotions, creams, masks). The substance works as follows:
- expands pores;
- heals cracks and wounds;
- treats rashes;
- removes age spots, freckles;
- removes excess fluid and, accordingly, eliminates swelling and bags in the eyelid area;
- tightens, improves elasticity, firmness, smoothes wrinkles, folds;
- protects against the negative effects of UV, prolongs youth.
Vitamin B contained in nicotinic acid is necessary to maintain healthy skin. But its overdose is just as harmful as its deficiency.
Nicotinic acid for skin: properties, application
- The drug maintains the hydration of the epidermis.
- Activates recovery processes.
- Improves blood flow in blood vessels.
- Nicotinic acid saturates the skin with vitamins and oxygen.
- Helps improve complexion.
- Acts as a light peeling, lightens age spots and freckles.
- Removes excess water from tissues, relieves puffiness, eliminates bags and puffiness under the eyes.
- Nicotinic acid has a lifting effect and models the oval of the face.
- Reduces sagging skin, resists aging.
- Protects the epidermis from ultraviolet radiation.
The effect of nicotinic acid on the skin
- The product has an antiseptic effect.
- Normalizes water balance.
- Reduces oily shine.
- Promotes the production of collagen and elastin.
- Increases skin elasticity.
Contraindications
Individual intolerance to the drug.
Rules for applying nicotine masks at home
- Before starting the procedure, you need to remove all makeup.
- It is recommended to apply masks no more than once or twice every seven days.
- Wash them off with running water from a tap at a comfortable temperature.
The benefits and harms of a mask
The effect of nicotinic acid, unlike nicotine, on the skin is positive. Nicotinic acid tones, nourishes, and improves the condition of blood vessels.
Vitamin PP activates blood flow, accelerates the elimination of toxic substances, prevents the formation of blood clots, and normalizes cholesterol levels. Nicotinic acid is not addictive. When used locally, it is important to observe the measure, but this rule applies to all masks - they do not need to be done more than 2-3 times a week.
Cosmetic injections
This procedure is called mesotherapy. Its essence lies in the introduction of small doses of nicotinic acid under the skin, and the substance is not used in its pure form. Usually it is diluted with other useful substances, resulting in a healthy meso-cocktail.
The procedure is carried out exclusively in salons; attempting mesotherapy at home is strictly prohibited. A cosmetologist may recommend injections if there are a lot of unsightly pigment spots on the skin, pimples or blackheads, inflammation, the skin begins to age, and ptosis appears. Only a specialist can determine the need for mesotherapy, so you should definitely consult a doctor.
Immediately after the injections, the skin turns red, and the degree of redness may vary. For some, after administering nicotinic acid in ampoules, the face only turns slightly red, for others it looks like the consequences of a burn. But you can reduce the risk of redness if:
- administer very small doses of nicotinic acid;
- eat a hearty meal before starting the procedure;
- eat an apple or other product with pectin, which slows down the absorption of niacin;
- Before the procedure, take an antihistamine if you are prone to allergic reactions.
After the procedure, the epidermis may not only turn red. Some people experience a burning sensation that goes away on its own after a few hours. If discomfort persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
Indications for use in cosmetology
Indications for use of masks:
- gray, dull shade, uneven texture of facial skin;
- inflammation, rashes, acne, acne spots;
- age-related changes, deterioration of the oval, wrinkles;
- dark spots;
- swelling, bags under the eyes;
- constant exposure to the sun;
- hormonal diseases associated with deterioration in the appearance of the skin;
- not enough moisture and nutrients.
That is, making masks with the addition of nicotinic acid tablets or ampoules will be useful for any skin type, regardless of age. They give the best results with regular use. You can find out about masks with vitamin C at home in the article.
Nicotinic acid is a cheap and very effective anti-aging agent that helps with a variety of skin problems.
Additional sources of vitamin B3
The options for using vitamin B3 for the skin are not limited to external use. Beauty comes from within, so it is necessary to prevent the development of vitamin deficiency and promptly nourish the body with useful substances. There are two ways to do this.
Dietary supplements and vitamin complexes
Dermatologists often prescribe niacin supplements. This will improve metabolism, improve blood circulation in the skin layers and slow down the aging process of the body. You should drink nicotinic acid for facial skin in tablets strictly according to the instructions, avoiding exceeding the dosage.
Before you start taking it, it is advisable to consult a specialist who will calculate the optimal daily dosage. Nicotinic acid is quickly washed out of the body, but if the dose is regularly exceeded, an overdose can occur.
Homemade mask recipes
Masks are effective for various dermal problems. For preparation, ampoules are often used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Before applying the composition, you need to wash your face and treat your facial skin with a cleanser (for example, toner). Masks are not made more than twice a week.
There are plenty of recipes for homemade masks, the main thing is to choose the right one depending on your skin type and problem:
Improve the color and condition of the dermis
A tablespoon of ginger juice and a couple of ampoules of acid. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to your face. It is most convenient to use a clean cotton swab to apply the mask. Prepare the composition immediately before applying to the face. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with warm, clean water.
Whitening
You will need an ampoule of acid and a spoon of kefir. Apply to the entire face except the eyelids and mouth area. It is enough to keep it for 15 minutes. To enhance the effect, after the mask you can apply a cream or serum with a whitening effect. The recipe can be used continuously. More whitening masks are presented in this material.
Nutritious
Two spoons of moisturizer and an ampoule of vitamins are mixed in a small container. Apply to skin with clean hands, brush or cotton pad. Use any cream, but night, nourishing cream gives the best results. You don't have to wash it off. Find out how to make anti-wrinkle cream at home using the link.
Moisturizing
Take a teaspoon of olive or grape seed oil and honey. One nicotine ampoule will be enough. Combine honey with oil, heat in a water bath until warm and liquid, then pour in nicotinic acid. You can additionally steam your face - this way, valuable substances will penetrate the epidermis as deeply as possible. Keep the composition for up to 40 minutes. Olive oil masks can be selected to solve various skin problems.
Cleansing
For 10 g of clay you need the same amount of fresh lemon juice and an ampoule of vitamin. It is advisable to take blue, light blue or white clay, but others will also work. Lemon juice is first diluted with clean water one to one, then clay is added. The finished mask has the consistency of thick sour cream and stays on the face for half an hour.
Pull-up
Take equal amounts of nicotinic and hyaluronic acids, mix, apply to the skin with cotton pads. The composition must be washed off. The average exposure time is 20 minutes. Some girls leave the mask on overnight, but in this case there is a risk of developing allergic reactions. It is enough to take acids in an ampoule.
For age spots and freckles
Honey-acid recipe. For a tablespoon of natural honey you need to take 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 4-7 drops of nicotinic acid. The recipe is used in courses - the mixture is applied to the face in the morning and evening, kept for 20 minutes. One week is enough to get lasting results.
For aging dry skin
Take a teaspoon of mineral water, tocopherol, vitamin A, glycerin. The components are combined and heated in a water bath. When the mixture is warm, pour an ampoule of nicotine into it. Soak a gauze pad with the mixture and apply it for half an hour. The procedure is done lying down. It is recommended to first close your eyes with cotton pads. All masks with vitamins are very nourishing and you can choose an option for any skin type.
Moisturizing and toning
Oatmeal is boiled in milk, a tablespoon of the finished porridge is kneaded with a banana in approximately equal proportions. Nicotinic acid is added to the resulting mass immediately before application. You will need to wash off the mask after it dries (about half an hour).
Rejuvenating
A teaspoon of honey, egg white, a couple of spoons of banana pulp. All ingredients are kneaded, mixed, and applied to the skin of the face. It is enough to keep the mask on for a quarter of an hour, but you can do it a little longer. After this time, it is washed off. There are other options for banana masks with a rejuvenating effect.
For oily problem skin
A spoonful of calendula tincture is mixed with the same amount of birch bud infusion, poured with water, and boiled (a strong decoction should come out). Then a teaspoon of coconut oil is heated in a water bath, a herbal decoction and nicotinic acid are introduced (one ampoule). Moisten a napkin or gauze and apply it to your face. As the mixture dries, repeat until the mixture is finished.
Composition and benefits of coconut oil.
Acne mask
Take a spoonful of aloe juice for a couple of vitamin ampoules and apply to your face with a sponge. You need to wash it off after 20 minutes. After the procedure, wipe your face with tonic for acne and inflammation. At first, this mask can be done more than twice a week. More acne masks can be found here.
After the mask, do not use cosmetics for at least a couple of hours and do not go outside.
While everyone is at home: why you need more vitamins during quarantine
It would seem that due to being forced to stay at home, the body spends less energy - it does not need additional “recharging”. In fact, we experience even more stress - not only psychological, but also physical:
- Due to the lack of sunlight, we lack vitamin D. A 15-minute “walk” on the balcony in good weather will help activate its synthesis;
- Due to the lack of physical activity, cells are less saturated with oxygen and nutrients. This instantly affects the condition of the hair. They grow more slowly and lose their shine and elasticity. It's time to make morning exercises a habit, do small workouts throughout the day, and at the same time take care of replenishing with vitamins;
- Dry indoor air is not good for your hair. Place a portable humidifier in the room, spray the flowers more often, and ventilate the apartment regularly. Healthy hair is protected from dehydration by a natural hydrolipid film. To help the sebaceous glands cope with the increased load, provide the scalp with additional nutrition.
Expected effect
As a result of using masks with nicotinic acid:
- Skin microcirculation improves, healthy skin tone is restored, nutrients are more actively supplied to cells.
- Inflammation is reduced and the number of rashes is reduced.
- Pigmentation is partially or completely eliminated and the relief is evened out.
- The overall appearance of the epidermis improves, elasticity increases, and wrinkles are smoothed out.
- Swelling, congestion, and persistent acne spots go away.
- The skin becomes healthier, reacts calmly to UV radiation and other aggressive external influences.
- The processes of producing enzymes that are responsible for the condition and appearance of the skin are launched.
- The work of the sebaceous glands is normalized, pimples disappear.
- Tumor growth processes stop.
Expected results from using a nicotine mask.
Still, you should consult a cosmetologist and doctor before using nicotinic acid.
Despite all its naturalness and safety, nicotinic acid is not always well tolerated. Do a preliminary allergy test.
Features of the effects of niacin on facial skin
Despite the word “acid” in the name, nicotine does not corrode anything. When applied topically, a slight burning sensation may occur due to improved blood circulation at the site of application. This allows nutrients to be absorbed faster and makes the skin firmer and smoother.
The list of beneficial properties of pharmaceutical nicotinic acid for facial skin is impressive, it:
- improves the protective properties of the epidermis;
- normalizes the amount of moisture in the skin layers, so that the dermis remains moisturized, but swelling does not appear;
- has a slight exfoliating effect and stimulates cell renewal;
- heals microdamages;
- improves elasticity;
- stimulates skin cell renewal;
- tightens pores;
- We support natural protection from sun rays;
- helps with some dermatological diseases;
- has a disinfecting effect, reduces the number of acne on the face;
- tightens the skin and smoothes out wrinkles;
- evens out skin tone and, in case of strong pigmentation, helps make spots less noticeable;
- improves blood circulation in all layers of the skin.
Another pleasant property of nicotinamide is its ability to control the balance of redox processes in the body. If it shifts towards oxidation, the body ages faster, the skin becomes flabby, the face loses tone and begins to “swim”. The benefits of nicotinic acid for facial skin are noticeable not only when applied externally, but also when taking high-quality vitamin supplements.
InstaNatural, Niacinamide Serum, 2 oz (60 ml)
RUB 1,259
More details
How to use vitamin ampoules for redness at home
Nicotinic acid is an effective ingredient for cosmetic products. It is included in serums, masks, lotions.
It is enough to cleanse the skin with milk, wash with a regular product (foam, gel, scrub), and if possible, take a steam bath. That's it - the skin is ready for deep penetration of the nutrients of the home remedy.
Aggressive cleaning before using the mask is not recommended, since nicotinic acid can cause irritation of the skin if there are scratches or micro-wounds.
The following undesirable reactions indicate an overdose: allergic-type rashes, numbness, loss of consciousness, redness of certain areas of the skin, nausea. When they appear, beauty therapy is stopped.
Signs of an overdose of nicotinic acid.
Causes of age spots
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation
, especially leading to sunburn. - Hormonal surges
due to endocrine diseases, pregnancy, taking birth control pills. - Problems
with the liver, gall bladder,
kidneys
. - Taking
certain medications, such as
tetracycline antibiotics - Age-related changes
.
Darkening of the skin is caused by a substance called melanin. It is produced by melanocyte cells, which can all work at the same time - then a beautiful tan is obtained. If they are activated in separate groups, uneven coloring occurs.
Laura mesoeffect serum with mesoroller, 30 g, Evalar
1 685 ₽
Dietary supplement NOT A MEDICINE
Contraindications
An excess of vitamin B3 usually does not cause problems in the body’s functioning, but you should still use masks (especially at the beginning) with caution. If you are prone to allergies, you should avoid using masks with nicotinic acid altogether, since they often cause allergic reactions in dry, sensitive skin. If you still want to try, be sure to do a preliminary sensitivity test - it will help ensure that there are no strong adverse reactions or will clearly show that the use of this recipe is undesirable. To perform it, apply the acid from the ampoule to your wrist and wait 20 minutes.
At the first suspicion of an overdose of nicotinic acid, stop using it and consult a doctor.
Brand cosmetics with nicotinic acid
Nicotinamide is a substance with scientifically proven effectiveness in treating various skin problems. It is not surprising that it is included in many branded cosmetics. For the best effect, we recommend purchasing the entire line with niacin at once; manufacturers have selected the ideal proportions so that the cosmetics work perfectly but do not cause side effects.
Some of the best vitamin B3-based cosmetics include:
InstaNatural, Niacinamide Serum, 2 oz (60 ml)
RUB 1,259
More details
Name | Manufacturer | Product type | Cost in rubles |
Moisturizer Aloe vera | Gigi | Cream | 2329 |
Aqua fresh | Steblanc | 2244 | |
Ginseng And Carrot Cream | Holy Land | 1587 | |
Niacin Alpha 5.0 | Manyo Factory | Spot cream | 2421 |
Niacinamide W3 Toning Spot Cream | MEDI-PEEL | 1950 | |
Snowise Brightening Spot Treatment | Sulwhasoo | 1570 | |
Galactomyces Niacin essence | Manyo Factory | Essence | 1243 |
Time revolution the first treatment essence | MiSSHA | 719 | |
Galactomyces 95 White Power essence | COSRX | 1112 | |
White Tone Up Eye Serum | Innisfree | Eye cream | 3604 |
Starting Treatment Eye Cream Rose Edition | Secret Key | 7900 | |
4GF cream for face and eye | Manyo Factory | 1897 | |
Revigorating Face Mask | Janssen Cosmetics | Mask | 2598 |
Ampule mask pack whitening | Blumei | 255 | |
Paprika Essence Mask | Paprika Essence Mask | 91 |
Cosmetics with nicotinic acid for the skin are not the cheapest pleasure, especially if they are produced by luxury companies. But judging by the reviews, the effect is worth it. And if you don’t want to spend that kind of money on ready-made cosmetics, you can always try homemade recipes.