Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or nicotinic acid amide is basically a compound of vitamin B3. It is water soluble compound and is used in creams used for skin lightening extensively. The compound works in a manner that is similar to that of other active ingredients used in bleaching creams. The compound present in various lightening creams stops the skin darkening pigment from coming towards the upper part of the skin. Since the melanin remains in the lower layers of the skin, the darkening is not visible on the surface. Therefore in a way the compound stops the darkening to occur and also reduces the dark spots that are already visible.

There are other active ingredients other than vitamin niacinamide that also help ins kin lightening. Ascorbic acid, which is also a derivative of Vitamin C, helps in lightening skin. Mixing ascorbic acid with lactic acid is even more effective when it comes to lightening the skin. This is a purely natural treatment and therefore takes about three months to lighten dark spots on the skin. Some of these experiments on ascorbic acid and the effect it has on skin lightening have been documented in various cosmetic journals like the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Glutathione is another ingredient that is used in lightening agents. This is one of the latest active ingredients that have been studied and used for skin lightening. While some reports have documented the effectiveness of this ingredient in cosmetic products, the amount of active ingredient that needs to be used in creams, lotions and the proportion that is required for effective lightening has yet to be studied in detail. Such research and studies are underway and are mainly being done to avoid niacinamide side effects.

Some researchers also believe that there is merit in studying nicontinamide adenine dinucleotide, a compound that may also be effective in making the skin softer and fairer. Various other options are being studied due to the fact that there can be some side effects of the currently used active compounds. While many people do not experience any side effects, dizziness, headaches, hot flushes and even upset stomach have been noticed in some people.

There are many active ingredients that are used in various skin bleaching compounds these days. While there are many that are being researched as well, it can be safely assumed that the ones that have been released in the market in chemist and general stores have been tested for allergies and safety. It is important that you do a skin patch test before you use any new product. In case there is an allergic reaction despite the patch test, you must visit the physician immediately since some allergic reactions can quickly turn gory and extremely difficult to handle later. There should be no delay at all in visiting a doctor in such a case. If by any chance you cannot go to a doctor when you have a niacinamide allergy, take any anti-allergy medicine.