What, Why, How? Skincare Hero Niacinamide
Skin Specialist Dr. Lauren Evans shares her thoughts on why Niacinamide is a skincare hero and her favourite products that contain it…
Lauren Evans with her skincare hero….
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3 that is water-soluble, which means that it is not stored in the body and is important to replenish. If we want to reap the brightening benefits of niacinamide, it needs to be ingested via supplement or applied topically to the skin regularly.
What does it do?
Niacinamide is one of my favourite and most versatile skincare ingredients, as it can has been shown to help prevent the transfer of pigment within the skin and therefore helps even skin tone, reduce brown spots, lessen redness, and brightens the skin. It also helps fight off internal and external stressors that can ultimately lead to the deterioration or breakdown of our skin and premature signs of aging. As well as that, it has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a much better choice for those with oily or acne prone skin than its other brightening counterpart ingredient Vitamin C, which doesn’t always suit those with that skin type.
Why should we use it?
From helping to visibly minimise enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface – Nicotinamide is a superstar ingredient and one that I regularly encourage my clients to use.
The Illuminating Toner
Arbonne Illuminating Toner
I’d recommend the Arbonne BrightenUp Illuminating Toner with Niacinamide (£33.00, www.Arbonne.com). This exfoliating toner works double duty as a softening lotion that completes your cleansing routine while adding an extra exfoliating boost to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Formulated with skin smoothing Prickly Pear Flower Extract and Niacinamide that hydrates to support the skin barrier and enhance the look of skin brightness, this exfoliating toner preps the skin for skincare products that follow – especially if you’re targeting dullness or uneven skin tone.
The Brightening Eye Cream
Arbonne BrightenUp Brightening Eye Cream
I’d also recommend the Arbonne BrightenUp Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide (£52.00, www.Arbonne.com). This vegan eye cream helps to improve the look of dark circles and aid in achieving a “bright eyed” appearance. Formulated with Niacinamide, stabilised vitamin C and caffeine along with cherry blossom, birch leaf and liquorice root extracts, this gentle eye cream provides hydration and helps minimise the look of puffiness and dark circles.
The Sheet Mask
Arbonne Radiance Sheet Mask
Treat your skin with Arbonne’s Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide (£9.00, www.Arbonne.com). This mask is a great way to help hydrate and smooth the skin. Infused with 30 ml. of serum which contains Niacinamide, as well as cucumber fruit and birch Leaf Extracts that work to enhance brightness and tone
