The Benefits of Multi-Functional Skincare Products with La Fervance
Multi-functional and versatile skincare products are increasingly gaining popularity, and for good reasons.
Vanessa Noy
June 7, 2024
Ingredient Spotlight
Niacinamide in Skincare
The skincare vitamin all-rounder
With so many skincare ingredients vying for the limelight it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. When it comes to vitamins in natural skincare Niacinamide could be considered the all-rounder as it is well suited to almost every skin type. It works well with other natural ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol, so you do not need to follow a complicated regimen when incorporating niacinamide in skincare into your daily routine and the benefits are many.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in several biological processes in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signalling.
In natural skincare, niacinamide is a popular ingredient due to the multi-faceted benefits for the skin. Niacinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even for those with sensitive skin and works in all natural formulations including cleansers, serums, moisturisers, and shampoo! When used topically, niacinamide has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it useful for a wide range of skin concerns.
What are the benefits of niacinamide in skincare?
- Reducing inflammation: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness, irritation, and other signs of inflammation in the skin.
- Improving skin barrier function: Niacinamide can help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, which can help to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
- Minimizing the appearance of pores: Niacinamide aids in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores by regulating sebum production and improving skin texture.
- Brightening the complexion: Niacinamide assists in evening out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of discoloration.
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles: Niacinamide stimulates collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Moisturising the skin: Niacinamide increases the production of ceramides and other lipids in the skin, which can help to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised.
Why we need niacinamide in our skincare
When it comes to well-ageing and protecting our skin from environmental stressors including pollution and blue light, niacinamide in skincare offers both strengthening and reparative benefits. Our bodies do not produce niacinamide however topical application offers real results for all skin types at all ages.
Niacinamide for Anti-Pollution and Blue Light Protection
Niacinamide in skincare is important for protecting the skin against the damaging effects of pollution and blue light. Pollution, including cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, and industrial chemicals, can lead to the formation of free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to the skin. Niacinamide has been shown to have antioxidant properties, meaning it can neutralize free radicals and protect the skin against oxidative stress.
Blue light, which is emitted by electronic devices like smartphones and computers, can also cause damage to the skin. Blue light can penetrate deep into the skin and generate free radicals, which leads to inflammation and accelerated skin ageing. Applying the same principles above Niacinamide has been shown to have protective effects against blue light by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, niacinamide is also known for its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-strengthening properties, which can help to reduce the impact of pollution and blue light on the skin. By supporting the skin barrier, niacinamide in skincare works to prevent the penetration of pollutants and blue light into the skin, reducing inflammation, and helping to prevent the development of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
A treatment serum like the Kigelia Corrective Serum by Luxe Botanics combines the soothing and healing properties of niacinamide with vitamin C and lactobacillus. The results are seen in around 8 weeks. The skin is clear, purified and looks flawless. This serum can be used morning and night and is ideal for acne prone skin types as well. We love the addition of sodium hyaluronate for plumper looking skin.
LUXE BOTANICS Kigelia Corrective Serum
Lightweight concentrate serum.
A solution for skin imperfections, this liquid concentrate is formulated with the gentle yet potent skin purifying botanical, Kigelia africana, to address skin concerns like rosacea, blemishes, acne and sensitivity and support cell regeneration. Calm and soothe distressed skin restoring its’ flawless vitality.
Best for: combination, oily, irritated, sensitive or post treatment skin.
Volume: 30ml
Niacinamide for a Healthy Skin Barrier
Niacinamide can support ceramide growth in the skin through several mechanisms. Ceramides are lipid molecules that are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which helps to prevent moisture loss, protect the skin from external irritants, and maintain overall skin health. Niacinamide has been shown to support ceramide production in the skin by increasing NAD+ levels required for the synthesis of ceramides and stimulating the activity of enzymes that are involved in the production of ceramides. By supporting ceramide growth, niacinamide in skincare helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, which is especially important for keeping the skin functioning at its optimal.
K-beauty cult brand VENN take their vitamin B seriously, combining B vitamins including niacinamide and essential amino acids in a turbo-charged serum and moisturiser in one. Their Vitamin B Activated All-In-One Concentrate is a rich yet readily absorbed emulsion providing a daily dose of niacinamide and anti-ageing ingredients that work together as a comprehensive anti-ageing moisturiser. This formulation has a devoted following and has an impressive list of clinically proven benefits.
VENN Vitamin B Activated All-In-One Concentrate
A vitamin rich all in one powerhouse serum and moisturiser cream.
A rich and intensely luxurious multi-correctional cream. Scientifically formulated using B vitamins and essential Amino Acids to deeply hydrate and effectively improve the skin’s complexion in a single step.
Best For: all skin types. Beneficial for mature skin types and those that prefer cream rich in texture.
Volume: 50ml
Niacinamide for Hydrated Skin
Niacinamide in skincare works to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the loss of moisture from the skin through evaporation. This is vital in preventing dryness and dehydration, which can in turn support ceramide growth. Hydrated skin not only looks more youthful, but it also functions better, encouraging skin renewal for a glowing complexion.
Treating the skin to a weekly mask boosts the performance of your daily skincare routine and gives the skin a real pick me up. The VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Renewal Mask optimises collagen, Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in a fuse-free and super handy sheet mask. After cleansing, apply the sheet mask to the skin and leave for up to 30 minutes. These clever masks turn transparent as the active ingredients are adsorbed into the skin. Remove the mask and gently pat the face so that the residue serum is fully absorbed by the skin. This mask is perfect for tired and dehydrated skin needing a pick me up.
VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Renewal Mask
Collagen boosting sheet mask
VENN's groundbreaking supercharged collagen boosting sheet mask with 0.5% Bakuchiol is a power surge booster to help reduce multiple signs of ageing.
Best for: firming and lifting mature skin, brightening dull skin and reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Volume : 23ml x 2 masks per pack
Niacinamide for Stronger Skin and Hair
Niacinamide is important for keratin production in the skin and hair because it is a precursor to a key coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ is essential for several metabolic processes in the body, including the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, as well as the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary source of energy for cells.
NAD+ is required in the production of keratin, a structural protein that forms the main component of skin, hair, and nails. Keratin helps to provide strength, flexibility, and protection to these structures. Niacinamide has been shown to increase NAD+ levels which can in turn boost the production of keratin.
By promoting the production of keratin, niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier, along with the health of the scalp, improving the appearance and texture of both your complexion and hair.
The offer of haircare products from the GROW range by MADARA combine niacinamide and all forms of B vitamins including niacinamide to strengthen the hair and promote growth. The Madara Grow Volume Shampoo and Conditioner helps to promote a healthy scalp and revitalises hair that is showing the signs of physical and emotional stress along with prolonged UV exposure.
As we learn about and understand the ever-growing benefits of scalp health for glorious hair we are certainly coveting the Christophe Robin Purifying Hair Mask with Thermal Mud. This detoxifying mask wards off the impact of pollution on our scalp and hair rebalancing the scalp and smoothing the hair. The mineral-rich thermal mud rebalances while niacinamide rich spirulina water boosts hydration and promotes keratin production. This is a great weekly pre-shampoo treatment for all hair types including fine and oily hair. You will not believe the bouncy locks that follow!
Niacinamide in Natural Skincare
Loved by cosmetic chemists and skincare formulators for its versatility, Niacinamide can be used in combination with a wide range of other natural ingredients.
Here are some other natural ingredients that work well with niacinamide:
Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. When used in combination with niacinamide, it can help to provide deep hydration and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used in combination with niacinamide, it can help to provide a more comprehensive approach to anti-ageing while fading pigmentation and sun damage.
Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that help to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. When used in combination with niacinamide, they can help to support the skin’s natural protective barrier and prevent moisture loss and environmental damage.
Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that is known for its anti-aging properties. When used in combination with niacinamide, it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Overall, niacinamide in skincare can be combined with a wide range of natural ingredients to provide a variety of benefits for the skin. By choosing natural skincare products that combine niacinamide with other botanical ingredients, you provide your skin the nutrients it needs through a comprehensive approach to skin health and beauty.
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