First developed as a treatment for acne and following the discovery that it can also be used to combat common signs of ageing, it’s now a go-to power ingredient for skincare products.
But another ingredient that you may hear dermatologists speak about is niacinamide.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has an astounding array of benefits and if combined with retinol, it can change the way you view your skincare regime for life.
Let’s discuss the benefits of building retinol and niacinamide into your skincare regime and what this can involve. First, if you’re not familiar with retinol, here’s a brief run-down:
What is Retinol and What Does It Do?
Retinol belongs to the vitamin A family and is world-renowned for its ability to encourage skin cell renewal
Due to its ability to gently unclog pores, it’s frequently used in anti-age skincare products. Retinol has also been clinically proven to actively and efficiently reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on areas that are prone to these, like the hands, neck and the face.
So, it will come as no surprise that retinol is a favourite ingredient of the industry.
The other ingredient we mentioned (which your skin will forever be grateful to you for using) is niacinamide, or vitamin B3. Let’s delve into what niacinamide is, what it does and the benefits it can bring by building it into your skincare regime
What is Niacinamide and Why Use It?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with substances present in the skin to visibly improve enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and dullness, amongst other things.
It has the ability to lock in moisture, which improves the skin’s barrier and can help prevent damage to the skin caused by environmental factors such as pollution, sun damage and toxins.
Not only does it act as defence for future assaults on the skin, it helps repair past damage. Which if left unchecked can make the skin look older and less radiant.
How Does Niacinamide Work?
Skin is a complicated matter that is made up of differing layers, including cells and tissues. Niacinamide is able to renew and restore the surface of the skin, combat moisture loss and fight dehydration because it can help boost the skin‘s natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. Ceramides are lipids or fats (good fat not the bad type of fat), and they are found in high concentration in the upper layers of the skin. You may be surprised to know that ceramides actually make-up 50% of the skin’s composition.
Ceramide acts like glue that holds the different layers of the skin together, preventing moisture escaping and protecting it against environmental toxins.
So, now you understand why most dermatologists are in awe of niacinamide.
But, by far one of the front-running benefits of niacinamide, is its ability to work harmoniously with other skin care ingredients, such as; all types of antioxidants, vitamin C, AHA’s and BHA’s and especially retinol.
Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum
This powerful dermatologically tested formula is our first 10% niacinamide concentrate to even skin tone and improve the appearance and prevention of dark spots. This multi-tasking dermatological serum also contains 5% HEPES to gently exfoliate and hyaluronic acid to help retain the skin's natural moisture. Pure Niacinamide 10 Serumis specifically developed for sensitive skin.
Retinol and Niacinamide in One Serum
La Roche-Posay’s 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum contains 0.3% retinol and is clinically proven to help restore skin’s precious moisture barrier, firming, filling and smoothing, fighting the visible signs of ageing with a unique formulation that works on even sensitive skin. So if you’re concerned with dehydration, skin irregularities in your complexion and wrinkles but also searching for a serum suitable for sensitive skin, this is the answer.
Hello younger looking, smoother skin that feels nourished and plump every single day.
