Niacinamide is one of the ingredients I use in my Masterlift cocktails, a fabulous booster for optimum skin health – so what is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that fly under the radar, it has been overlooked in the skin care world especially with its amazing benefits it has to the skin and  a great addition to skin health and overall well being if taken in supplement form.

Otherwise known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an active ingredient but it is not as much in the spotlight as its cousin Vitamin A.

Niacinamide is a hydrating, anti-inflammatory and firming substance that is universal for all skin types and conditions, especially for those conditions that have an inflammatory response, including Acne and Rosacea. It is also a beautiful addition for a healthy ageing treatment plan as niacinamide prevents TEWL (Trans-Epidermal Water Loss) and helps to boost collagen. It’s an ideal ingredient to look out for to use before or along side the use of retinols, as they can cause a toxic response, dry and inflame the skin, so using niacinamide will ‘buffer’ and ‘prep’ the skin before use (however using retinaldahyde that is encaspulated is much kinder to the skin – see my blog entry here). Niacinamide also increases the production of ceramides, these are an intrinsic parts of the epidermis -stratum corneum, that provide a lipid barrier preventing dehydration and the entry of microorganisms, another buffer to toxic , harsh ingredients that may be used topically.

For a congested, acneic skin, niacinamide will not only work with the skins microbiome for immune support it will help to regulate oil production and  calm inflammation.

It is excellent for skin immunity, Niacinamide is great for those with Rosacea, so it will help with inflammation but also strengthen Langerhan cells deal with the skins natural immunity – the microbiome. This can be impaired for many different reasons, including being  born by C-section believe it or not!

Sun damage and sunburn is also helped by this wonder ingredient, not only calming the skin it filters infrared rays from UV exposure protecting from scavenging free radical attack -so a great antioxidant, reducing redness in the skin and helping to slow melanocyte over production (pigmentation) when used over time it evens skin tone and illuminates a lifeless, dull skin.