At Home Niacinamide Lightening Mask

 I mentioned in my post Benefits of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) that I was going to research and come up with a way to create some sort of do-it-yourself niacinamide mask, toner or serum. Well, I actually found a lot of methods from various sources. I was originally thinking of adding N-Acetyl Glucosamine (which I will) but I don't know exactly how to add the right amount of that, or how that will affect the niacinamide and the overall pH of the mixture. Gah! Very confusing, but I will figure it out and post the Glucosamine + Niacinamide Lightening one sometime in the future.

For those of you haven't read my post detailing the benefits of niacinamide, I just want to state this: Niacinamide is something that I under estimated. I didn't give it enough credit at all, but after reading valid studies done that prove the skin lightening (and anti-acne) abilities of niacinamide, I am sold. Plus it's very healthy for the skin.

And let me tell you guys, I am in LOVE (alright that is a bit extreme of a word to use) with this DIY recipe. I used it this morning and after one application my skin has this refined, almost pearly look. This is amazing, and will definitley be a staple in my skin care regimen. I'll probably use this about once a week since I'm doing a lot of other things. You can customize this anywhere in your regimen as well. I would advise you NOT to use this on the same day you plan on using a peel. Also don't use this, and use a Vitamin C serum afterwards, that is just asking for irritation. Also, don't use this and apply a retinoid afterwards.

Personally I followed up with my sunscreen. I skipped using Bi-White today since the Ascorbic Glucoside in it might flare up my post-niacinamide infused skin.

Here is how you make it, and what you'll need. BTW I like to make it fresh each time.
First you need to get the niacinamide. You can get it either through capsule form (which you can just open up and pour out) or you can get it in already powder form. Here are some sites you can get it from:
http://www.bulkactives.com/niacinamide.htm
http://www.gardenofwisdom.com
http://www.skinactives.com/product/detail.aspx?prodID=73
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Vitamin-B3-Niacinamide

I got mine from Vitacost. It is in capsule form, and can be easily broken in half and mixed with water or any solution.

Next step is to mix it with a base. I've read that you can mix with with some bland moisturizer (cetaphil etc.) or Olay Regenerist Serum. I've also read using contact solution! I decided to use water. I'm not sure exactly if that is the best base to use, but this is a work in progress mask. I will update with other options when I try them out. With water it worked fine, but my skin barrier is very resilient/healthy because of the products I've been using for years so I rarely get irritation or hyper sensitivity.

I used 2 tablets of the Vitacost Niacinamide and mixed it with 4 droplets of water from the tap. I mixed the best I could in the palm of my hands (it is VERY messy).

I applied the mixture over my entire face, avoiding the eye area. It looked insane though, it dries cakey (almost like a clay mask). Left it on for 30 minutes and rinsed off thoroughly with warm water, and then cool water to soothe my pores. When I towel dried my face, I was really astonished. My skin looked as soft as baby skin and was so glowing. My friends even noticed at school today. I should note that I noticed some slight redness on my upper cheeks (which faded fast) but I guess it's because it's my first time. I applied my sunscreen as usual and went about my day.

Wow! What a great little mask. I can only assume this can be used in other areas that have pigmentation concerns (hands, under arms, butt, elbows, knees).

I know this is very makeshift, and it is my first time trying this niacinamide mask out but I am pretty impressed. I am still reading ways to improve this mask, but as of now, mixing it with water seems to be just fine.

Try it out and let me know how it goes for you. Just for the record, here is the article I found that details how niacinamide can lighten skin: http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=496587

=D