Niacinamide (VB3) : Vitamin B at its Best
Proven to: Increase
production of ceramides and fatty acids -- two
key components of your skin's outer protective
barrier. "As that barrier is strengthened, skin
is better able to keep moisture in and irritants
out—making B3 a great ingredient if your
complexion is dry or sensitive," says Leslie S.
Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami
Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. In one
study, a moisturizer with niacinamide improved
the flushing and blushing of rosacea, a common
condition that can worsen with age. Another B3
skin care benefit: It inhibits the transfer of
pigment to skin cells, minimizing dark spots.
What is Niacinamide:
Niacinamide,
is the active component of vitamin B3.When
vitamin B3, or niacin, combines with amino acids
of another molecule, the chemical reaction
produces niacinamide, Niacinamide is a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin.
Niacinamide can improve skin's elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin's healthy tone and texture.
- Apply Niacinamide topically has been shown to benefit skin color,
decrease melanin synthesis, suppresses hyper-pigmentation, and decrease
inflammation and itching.
- It has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid
levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate
microcirculation in the dermis
- It also has a growing reputation for being able
to address skin discolorations (often in tandem with other proven
skin-lightening agents such as vitamin C and glucosamine) and to reduce acne.
- The biochemical effects of Niacinamide is to increase synthesis of collagen
and to increase ceramide and free fatty acid
levels in skin,
- Topical application of Niacinamide also decreases UV-induced skin cancers and
prevented immuno suppression by UV irradiation.
- It
definitely belongs on the A-list of great skin-care ingredients regardless of
your skin-care concern.
|
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)
- Increases hyaluronic acid production in the skin
- Repairs and treat sun damage
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Accelerates wound healing
- Reduces trans-epidermal water loss
- Improves skin tone
- Improves barrier function
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Improves skin hydration
NAG has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and can be combined with
niacinamide to further increase its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation. One
study showed that a formulation of 4% niacinamide and 2% NAG significantly
reduced the appearance and amount of hyperpigmentation of age spots and uneven
skin pigmentation. Another eight week, double blind study showed a reduction in
facial hyperpigmentation using NAG alone. NAG inhibits the glycolysation of pro-tyrosinase,
which results in the reduction of melanin in the skin.
A similar study using Niacinamide and NAG on women 35 to 60 showed an increase
in the production of hyaluronic acid, a water binding polymer found in the skin,
which resulted in improved hydration. This increase resulted in a reduction of
appearance of fine lines, particularly around the eye area, and an increase in
the elasticity of skin. |
Direction for Use
- Recommended Usage Rate: 2% - 4% of each
Niacinamide and NAG powder, dissolved in your
Serum, Cream or Lotion.
- Solubility: Soluble in
water up to 20%
|
|