What if there's one product that takes care of all of your skin concerns without any strings attached? Sounds like a dream, right? But this dream has come to life, all thanks to Niacinamide or otherwise known as Vitamin B3. A very well-known, hyped, and researched ingredient that deserves all the place in your heart (and skincare routine).

Any skin type can easily use this ingredient without any issues, and you can find it in many forms, including serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Here's everything you need to know about Niacinamide; keep scrolling to learn about it.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is like a friend that everyone should have, mainly because it goes along with every other ingredient and works amazingly. Being a water-soluble vitamin form of Niacin, Niacinamide offers numerous benefits to your skin. It is one of the most stable ingredients in your skincare, which is why it is perfectly suitable for all skin types. It can easily absorb in the upper layer of your skin where barrier-friendly ingredients such as ceramides and other proteins reside. So, unlike other actives like BHA that penetrate deeper, this ingredient doesn't cause any irritation, and you can always get well-hydrated and glowy skin. 

What does Niacinamide do for your skin?

There are numerous benefits of using niacinamide for your skin. So let's take a deep dive into it and get to know them better:

• Strengthens skin barrier: 

To help strengthen your skin barrier, incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine. Research has shown that niacinamide, when used in appropriate quantities along with other healthy ingredients like ceramides can augment the barrier properties of the skin.

• Reduces skin hyperpigmentation: 

With consistent usage, potent Niacinamide can be effective on hyperpigmentation and spots. In addition, Niacinamide very mildly exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, thus increasing cell turnover.

• Lessens fine lines & wrinkles: 

Niacinamide can delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is power-packed with several vitamins that improve skin texture, deliver hydration, and keep the skin looking young.

• Treats redness/inflammation:

While niacinamide suits all skin types, it is best to use when you have a compromised skin barrier. This is because it soothes the skin and thus reduces redness or inflammation. 

• Improves skin elasticity & boosts collagen: 

Niacinamide helps to increase the natural lipids of your skin that are responsible for helping to retain younger-looking skin. This, in turn, boosts collagen and helps improve skin elasticity. 

• Controls sebum production: 

When your skin doesn't get enough hydration, it signals your pores to produce sebum for the lost moisture. Since niacinamide helps to retain moisture, it balances the hydration levels in your skin. This further helps with the prevention of acne. 

• Fights free radical damage:

Niacinamide acts as a protective shield for your skin and fights free radical damage and pollutants. In addition, it acts as an excellent antioxidant for your skin that fights against various environmental aggressors.

• Protective against UV-induced damage: 

Not many people know this, but niacinamide makes up for an incredible ingredient in sunscreens due to its properties that fight against UV light. 

If you're looking for a sunscreen that incorporates niacinamide as a key ingredient, look no further and get your hands on the Foxtale Cover-Up Sunscreen. This ingredient itself has not only made the formula easy to apply and blend in the skin but also made it dewy and quick absorbing. This sunscreen is your chance to claim and access niacinamide's benefits.

How to incorporate it into your routine?

1.As a standalone serum:

Most commonly, niacinamide is used in the form of serums. This is because water-based serums make it easy to use, apply, and blend in with other products. If you're using this ingredient in serum form, pick the right formula with additional ingredients to target specific concerns. Look for serums with at least 2-5% Niacinamide to get full benefits. Also, follow up with sunscreen to guard your skin against sun exposure, as it can make your skin photosensitive when used in high concentrations.

2.In your Sunscreen:

Using niacinamide in your sunscreen is the way to go when you want to avoid incorporating different steps for different concerns. Minimal routine makes your life, as well as your wallet, happier. When used with sunscreen, niacinamide becomes much more capable and can fight free radical damage, UV light, pollution, and blue light. Moreover, it makes the sunscreen formula much easier and more satisfying to apply. If you don't believe this, try the Cover-Up sunscreen and experience it yourself!

Things to keep in mind before using Niacinamide

Niacinamide is safe for all skin types and concerns, but only when used in the right concentrations and precautions since every skin is different. It is best to start using it with lower concentrations, as higher concentrations might cause irritations for beginners. You can use it daily once your skin becomes tolerant to the ingredient. Niacinamide is a stable ingredient, but it takes time to work on different issues, so patience is key. 

The Conclusion 

As a skin-loving ingredient, niacinamide strengthens the barrier and slows down the rate at which you age. The best part— it's perfect even for sensitive skin types. It has soothing effects on the skin and calms redness. This ingredient is a saviour for people with oily skin as it helps regulate and control oil production. Avail the benefits of this magical ingredient by including it in your routine today! 

FAQ

1.What is niacinamide good for? 

Niacinamide offers a range of benefits to your skin. It regulates oil production and minimizes skin redness. It helps treat severe cases of acne and reduces its appearance over time. In addition, it protects you from sun damage and gives you a youthful and radiant complexion.

2.Which skin type is Niacinamide best for?

Niacinamide is the perfect fit for all skin types. It is particularly well-suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. However, it can also benefit those with dry or sensitive skin, improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.  

Related searches 

Even in general life, when we think of water and oil- they just do not mix. Yet they are two vital elements necessary for our skin.

Although they are incompatible and do not mix, our skin attracts both and needs them to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant. Hence, striking a balance is the base for good skin. A proper balance is needed to retain the youthfulness of your skin. This is where the water-oil balance becomes essential for your skin. Hydration and moisturization are the two necessities for healthy skin. They are achieved when the water-oil balance is perfect. Today, let us dive deep and find out how water and oil affect skin texture.

Water: Hydration 

Water is the basis of the hydration of your skin. Though often used interchangeably, hydration and moisturization are not the same. Water hydrates the skin but does not moisturize it. Our body contains 70% water however it cannot produce water voluntarily. We can retain water from external sources, such as humectants, which in turn help to keep our skin supple and youthful.

However, when we grow older, the skin’s ability to retain water gets reduced. Drinking enough water and following a proper diet help to keep the skin hydrated. At the same time, good quality hydrating products for skincare are also essential. The key is to get products that have ingredients known for their water retention ability.

This includes Sodium Hyaluronate and Niacinamide. Niacinamide prevents the skin from losing water to external elements and free radicals. On the other hand, Sodium hyaluronate keeps the skin plump and firm by retaining enough water for a longer period.

Our Foxtale Daily Duet Face Wash contains sodium hyaluronate which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid and penetrates the skin much better. It ensures deeper hydration. Thus, even though it is a face wash, your skin will not dry out at all. You can get the benefits of niacinamide from our Foxtale Cover Up Sunscreen which not only gives optimum sun protection but also prevents water loss from your skin. This is because Niacinamide is one of the primary ingredients in it. Both these products also make up for the perfect AM routine!

Oil: Moisture

Using oils for skincare dates back to ancient times. Natural oils help to strengthen and maintain the lipid barrier of your skin. This in turn protects the inner layers ensuring that your skin remains healthy for a longer time as well as keeps the hydration level of your skin intact.

Oil can soothe sensitive skin and unlike popular belief, the right one won’t clog your pores when used in the right way. Striping your skin of oil makes it even oilier as your skin starts producing excess sebum to meet the deficit.

These days, facial oils are gaining popularity once more and so are many different oil-based products. This is because oil can attract water and hence induce better hydration and also break down pollutants. A few drops of any facial oil or even an occlusive can help retain the water and seal the essential fatty acid to strengthen your skin further. You can get the maximum benefits of oil-based products when they are used together with water-based skincare products as well.

How to keep a balance of water & oil in your skin?

Now that you have a fair idea about how water and oil play an influential role in your skincare, it's time to understand their role in different skin types. Not every skin type requires the same ratio of water and oil. Here is a breakdown of the different skin types so you can make the most of both the elements:

Dry Skin:

Dry skin doesn’t just lack hydration, it does not even produce enough sebum. Moreover, hydration is lost quickly on such skin types. Thus, products with ingredients that can retain water well are particularly suitable. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate (a better version of hyaluronic acid). Such skin also requires intense moisturizing hence, a thick yet lightweight cream or lotion is highly recommended. Try our Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer which can keep the skin moisturized for a longer time. 

Oily skin:

As the name suggests, this skin type has excess oil and sebum production which can clog the pores and lead to acne. But the excess oil production also forms a protective barrier that helps retain enough water and keeps the skin moisturized. Such skin type will require more focus on oil control to strike the balance. Gel-based moisturizers and lotions as well as face serums are the best choices. A good option would be the Foxtale C For Yourself Vitamin C Face Serum which is lightweight and helps to control excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated.

One can rightly say, striking the water-oil balance is a lot about understanding your skin type well. When you work out the basics of your skin’s requirements, choosing a suitable product gets easier. Maintaining the balance means choosing a suitable product that is tailor-made for your skin’s requirements and you can do so easily when you understand the individual purpose served by water and oil in skincare.

If you are a skincare enthusiast who prefers to research before investing, you probably have heard about ceramides. These building blocks for your skin are essential to maintain skin elasticity and overall health. With age, the ceramide production ability of the skin is reduced and you require topical products to fulfill the void.

Here we have provided all details about ceramides and how they work. With all this information, it will be much easier to find a suitable product that fulfills your skin’s requirements. So let’s take a deep dive into Ceramides, an ingredient that is a sure way to solve all skin-related issues and make way for plump, radiant skin always.

What are Ceramides?

The first thing to know is what ceramides are. Ceramides belong to a complex lipid family called sphingolipids. It forms the building blocks for our skin to maintain its elasticity and radiance. Ceramides are naturally derived by the skin but with age, the capacity diminishes. As a result, the skin loses its radiance and elasticity.

They can be produced synthetically as well and through skincare products, we can replenish the requirements. Especially in our 30s and 40s, we lose a lot of ceramides which can only be restored through supplements and skincare. However, with today’s environmental aggressors, it’s pretty much possible to lose ceramides in your 20s! There are different forms of ceramides which can help you increase the restoration procedure, though their functions are more or less the same.

How do Ceramides work?

Ceramides are like a mortar between bricks. In the sense that they are the connection established between the skin cells. It holds the skin together by forming a protective layer. This in turn prevents excessive moisture loss. It also prevents visible damage from pollution and other environmental stresses.

Moreover, the skin’s dynamic nature is supported by the ceramides which make it even more important than any other anti-aging ingredient. It is primarily responsible for making your skin supple and youthful. The ceramides required in our body are produced by phytosphingosine and sphingolipids.

What are the types of Ceramides and their benefits? 

1. Ceramides being the building block for the skin structure, helps to restore the skin texture by restoring the epidermis.
2. It helps to minimize and improve the appearance of the skin pores. This prevents the moisture from seeping out and also keeps the outer surface of the skin hydrated.
3. The natural ceramide levels required to maintain the elasticity of the skin are restored when you provide ample topical replenishment of the ingredient.
4. It helps to keep dry patches or overall dryness of the skin at bay and reveals a smooth and supple skin texture which is so rare to find at a mature age.
5. It has anti-aging properties as ceramides help to retain the skin elasticity and as a result, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines gets delayed.
6. It is effective against any skin bacteria growth. Thus, your skin stays safe from any type of allergic reaction or skin trouble caused by free radicals and other elements.
7. Being a very lightweight ingredient, ceramides prevent clogging of pores and get absorbed by the skin very easily.
8. It is soothing and hence it is suitable for most skin types. It is also suitable for irritated skin and helps to soothe it.
9. If you use exfoliators such as AHA, BHA, or retinoids to improve skin texture, ceramides are going to be your best friend. Since exfoliation increases cell turnover and clears away dead skin cells, ceramides help repair the skin barrier.
10. Ceramides also act as a great makeup base/primer. When you use the Ceramide Supercream under your makeup, it smoothes out the skin texture and makes your makeup last longer too.

Can Ceramides benefit all skin types? How do they do it?

The best thing about ceramides as an ingredient is that they are suitable and work for all skin types. Even sensitive, inflamed, or irritated skin can also use a ceramide infused skincare product since it is one ingredient that is naturally produced by your body. Hence, there is no chance of turning out allergic to it. Here are the different skin types and how ceramides are beneficial for all of them:

• Oily skin

The excess sebum tends to clog the pores in oily skin types. It eventually leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Using a ceramide moisturizer strengthens the protective barrier of the skin and locks the pores, preventing dirt and pollutants from accumulating in them. It also controls the sebum production to some extent and keeps your skin hydrated.

• Dry skin

Ceramide helps to lock moisture and keep the skin hydrated for a longer time. As a result, the moisture does not escape and hence, dry patches or overall dryness of the skin get prevented.

• Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin has trouble using many different ingredients. However, ceramide is mild enough and hence a ceramide-based moisturizer or serum is suitable for skincare routines designed for sensitive skin.

• Acne-prone skin

Acne and similar breakouts are aggravated by the pollutants and free radicals around use. The ceramide cream helps to rebuild the skin structure and strengthen it internally, thus preventing the external factors from affecting the skin and aggravating such conditions.

• Combination skin

As the epidermal layer of the skin is protected against all external factors when you are using a ceramide product, combination skin experiences overall protection that ensures it stays hydrated enough.

• Aging skin

Mature and aging skin is unable to produce as much natural collagen as we need. With the help of topical ceramide application, we can replenish the requirement well. This ensures the skin structure remains intact for a longer time and keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay.

• Psoriasis

It is believed widely that ceramides’ maintenance and repair function while strengthening the protective barrier of the skin is a valuable contribution to treating psoriasis. It is an epidermal lipid that plays a major role in the stratum corneum function.

• Eczema

Eczema leads to dry, rough and flaky patches of the skin as well as inflammation. Ceramides can rebuild your skin structure and keep it hydrated which in turn neutralizes the signs of eczema to a certain extent.

• Rosacea

The inflammation and stinging and burning sensation caused by active rosacea often prevent users from using any skincare products. But ceramides have a calming effect and can reduce skin irritation to some extent making it suitable for those suffering from this skin condition.

Combining ceramides with other ingredients

We all follow a skincare routine that involves several products starting from a cleanser to serum and moisturizer. A common question among all is what all ingredients work best together and what combinations must be avoided. Many ingredients can cancel the benefits of each other and must not be combined.

In the case of ceramides though, such a problem rarely arises. Ceramides combine well with almost every ingredient used in skincare. Whether you use actives or choose any other form of skincare products, ceramides do not affect their effectiveness at all.

You can especially combine ceramides and retinol. Both are known for effective anti-aging ingredients and hence work well together. When beginning your retinol journey, you must be cautious of the concentration of the formulation. To be on the safer side, it is advisable to use a ceramide enriched moisturizer before as well as after using retinol. This method doesn’t hamper your skin’s barrier.

Sodium Hyaluronate also goes hand-in-hand with ceramide. Many products are formulated combining both these ingredients. This is one reason why the Foxtale Ceramide Supercream and the Daily Duet Face Wash which contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, work miracles on all skin types.

Vitamin C which is also an anti-aging product as well as hydrant, pairs well with ceramides too. You can easily use a Vitamin C Face serum and follow it up with the ceramide moisturizer to complete a skincare routine. Our Foxtale C For Yourself Vitamin C serum is a perfect accompaniment for the ceramide moisturizer a result.

How can we incorporate Ceramides into our daily skincare routine?

Ceramides are available for topical application in many forms. From moisturizers to serums, lotions, and gels, the ingredient is witnessed in a variety of products. They are available in eye creams too. However, the best way to include ceramides in your skincare routine is to go for a ceramide-infused moisturizer.

You can keep the skincare routine simple by investing in a high-quality ceramide moisturizer and also keep the number of products minimal. Our Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer is a great choice for all age groups. Infused with different types of ceramides namely, ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, and phytosphingosine, it works for all skin types as well. Moreover, it pairs well with actives like retinol which is often a part of the anti-aging skincare routine. The best time to use a ceramide moisturizer is after your serums on damp skin and before you go to bed to lock in the moisture and let it work on your skin for some time.

Closing thoughts

Understanding ceramides will help you to decide on the best product for your skin. It is essential to choose a product that comes from a reputable company and has gained positive feedback. Now that you have a detailed overview of how ceramides help your skin, you can easily find a product ideal for your skin.

Isn't it frustrating when your skin looks dull and needs a lot of TLC from time to time? We're here for you. We must take care of our skin to maintain a youthful appearance. As a result, it serves as a mirror for our overall well-being and attractiveness. There are a variety of ways to maintain the skin healthy, from utilizing high-quality skincare products to cleansing the body of toxins. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best at all times, you must drink plenty of water. However, as we become older, it becomes more difficult to maintain optimal hydration. Make it work for all skin types with these helpful hints and hacks. 

What Makes Your Skin Dehydrated? 

Wondering if your skin is dry and dull due to dehydration? Here’s a simple test you can conduct, known as the ‘pinch’ test. Using two fingers, gently pinch the skin at the back of your hand. If it bounces back within 3 seconds, your skin is hydrated. If not, this is your sign to keep reading this article.  

Now, there are several factors that can give rise to skin dehydration. We list out the most common ones.

1. Ageing 
2. Fluctuating Temperatures/Weather Conditions
3. Diet
4. Lifestyle Choices 
5. Harsh Skincare And Makeup Products

8 Ways To Hydrate Your Skin  

1. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser

Using a hydrating and non-stripping cleanser is an excellent approach to maintaining your skin well-hydrated. Choosing a cleanser is the first step in skincare, so if you want to keep your skin hydrated, you should look for one that matches that goal. Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, and other moisturizing chemicals are included in our Daily Duet Face Wash, which also serves as a makeup remover.

2. Incorporate products with sodium hyaluronate 

To keep your skin hydrated, you need humectants. Therefore, look for products containing sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and the like. Sodium hyaluronate is a derivative of hyaluronic acid which has smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin. As a result, it provides better hydration. 

3. Use hydrating serums 

Choose hydrating, water-based serums as a part of the skincare regime. They are lightweight, get easily absorbed and make up for great moisturizers for oily skin as well! Make sure to pick a serum that only has hydrating ingredients and not any actives.

4. Apply certain products on damp skin  

Research has shown that damp skin is more absorbent and applying hydrating serums and moisturizers to it can be more effective. You can use a hydrating face mist to make the skin slightly moist before applying any of these products. However, do not use chemical exfoliants, vitamin c serum, retinol, or sunscreen on damp skin.

5. Exfoliate dead skin cells 

Getting rid of the dead skin cells will allow the healthy skin underneath to breathe and receive the benefits of the products. Chemical exfoliation from time to time eliminates the dead skin so that product absorption is better and the skin stays more hydrated.

6. Use SPF deliberately  

Never neglect SPF! It is the key rule to keep the skin hydrated. Sunscreens provide skin protection and prevent dehydration. Incorporate sunscreen with hydrating ingredients such as Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Panthenol for extra hydration and nourishment.

7. Avoid long, hot shower  

Hot showers feel lovely but they are notorious for leaving your skin dehydrated. So how do you enjoy your hot showers without damaging your skin? Avoid taking hot showers for too long and keep the temperature of the water moderate. 

8. Drink adequate water 

Internal hydration is as vital as quality skincare. Your skin's youthfulness depends on how much water you consume. About 3-4 liters of water every day is vital for any skin type to stay hydrated. If you don’t have the habit of drinking water, try preparing infused water/fruit juices and keep a water bottle constantly nearby. 

The Best Skincare Routine To Get Hydrated Skin 

Hydrate your skin with this simple, 4-step skincare routine you can follow.  

1. Cleansing With Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash: 

Cleansing removes dirt, grime, and impurities from the pores while ensuring a healthy microbiome for the skin. If your face has been uncomfortably tight or flaky due to dehydration – add Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash to your rotation. The formulation carries Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) and Red Algae Extracts that improve your skin’s capacity to hold water.

Other Reasons To Love Our Hydrating Face Wash  

- It contains gentle surfactants that help melt makeup.  
- Vitamin B5 reduces acne and spots over time.  
- The face wash ensures a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin.  

2. Treatment With Our Hydrating Serum:

To deeply rejuvenate and revive your dehydrated skin, try Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other humectants, this serum ensures multi-level hydration for the skin. Results? Plump, supple skin in a matter of minutes.

Other Reasons To Love Our Hydrating Serum   

- With regular use, the Daily Hydrating Serum helps soften fine lines, wrinkles, laugh creases, crow’s feet and more. It is one of the best skincare products to age gracefully.  
- Topical application of the serum also helps offset inflammation, redness and rashes on the skin.  

3. Moisturize With Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer:

A potent moisturizer creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss or TEWL. Additionally, this skincare staple prevents premature signs of ageing, soothes inflammation and ensures soft, supple dermis.   

For dehydrated skin, we recommend Foxtale’s innovative Hydrating Moisturizer. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil that bind water molecules to the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration. Ceramides in the formulation bolster the lipid barrier and help double down on the efforts for hydration.  

Other Reasons To Love Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer  

- Ceramides and Vitamin E form a protective barrier on the skin, warding off UV rays, pollutants and other aggressors   
- Barrier Repair Formula boosts the skin’s natural ability to reverse damage  

4. Sun Protection With Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, regardless of your skin type and concerns, PERIOD. If your skin loses its moisture quickly to become dehydrated – try Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen STAT. The lightweight formula prevents burns, tanning and photoaging while preventing TEWL – thanks to the D-Panthenol on the ingredient list. The best part? The gorgeous dewy radiance the SPF bestows to the skin. Grab this dewy sunscreen for dry skin only at INR 595. 

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