There aren't a lot of ingredients that I unequivocally recommend to just about every skin type - but topical niacinamide is one of 'em! A form of niacin (a.k.a. vitamin B3), niacinamide has a role in the healthy functioning of just about every cell in your body.
Be careful, though. Oral niacin, while beneficial for a variety of reasons, won't have the same positive effects on your skin that topical niacinamide will. In fact, unpleasant facial redness can be a side effect of niacin supplements.
Niacinamide first came to the attention of dermatologists for its ability to prevent pigmentation. It stops the skin cells that produce pigment from transferring that pigment to surface skin cells, thereby minimizing unwanted dark spots.
But its benefits don't stop there. Niacinamide is also an effective moisturizer, and can actually help your skin produce more ceramides and fatty acids, which are crucial components of your skin barrier. As that barrier is strengthened, skin is better able to keep moisture in and irritants out.
That makes this ingredient a great bet for anyone who experiences flushing, redness, and other skin irritations. I have very sensitive skin, and can wholeheartedly recommend it!
Research shows that niacinamide can also help skin repair the DNA damage that UV exposure causes, making it an important tool for preventing skin cancer. In fact, many products (I like Olay Definity Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15) now combine niacinamide with SPF to give you optimal sun protection.
The best part about niacinamide? Whereas many other highly effective skin care ingredients have potential side effects or can't be used with certain other ingredients, niacinamide is virtually foolproof. It can be used alongside alpha hydroxy acids and retinol, for example, without compromising their efficacy.
So where can you find this miracle ingredient? The NIA24 skin care line was the first to use it. Since then, Olay has incorporated niacinamide into many of their products, including the Total Effects, Regenerist, and Definity lines. I recommend using it in both your morning and evening skin care regimens for maximum results.
Wishing you great skin!
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
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