We have come a long way since the basic cleanse, tone and moisturise.
Honey, we have upgraded. Especially as we now know the secret to a glowy complexion isn't down to a full coverage foundation and a lashing of highlight, but down to a really good skincare routine.
We've welcomed acids(not as scary as they sound), steamers and sheet masks to our self-care Sundays and we are thriving.
However, a hard-working and effective ingredient that is essential for everyone's skincare routine is niacinamide.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
"Niacinamide is a key ingredient to powerfully treat age-related skin changes, acne, and skin discolouration." says Dr Paris Acharya who is a Harley Street cosmetic doctor and skincare specialist.
"It naturally calms the skin and provides dramatic skin brightening for a wide variety of skin types. It’s also been proven to treat a number of types of acne.
"Niacinamide (vitamin B3) not only normalises your skin’s oil production to keep pores clear and breakouts in check but also regulates pigment-making cells to fade hyperpigmentation. It soothes redness with its anti-inflammatory properties, protects from free-radical damage, and boosts your skin’s hydration level."
A whole lotta brilliance from one ingredient, are we right?
How to use it in a skincare routine
"There are a range of serums available containing the ingredient but it’s important to find one with enough niacinamide in it to count." says Dr Paris Acharya.
"I also love PCA B3 brightening serum with 6% niacinamide. It’s advanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties make it a no brainer addition to your morning regime. It layers well and is a great alternative to vitamin c serums for oily or acneic skin types.
"Incorporate niacinamide into a regime that’s specifically tailored to your skin’s needs. Combine it with a gentle cleanser and a broad spectrum SPF in the morning to ensure that your skin has global protection from extrinsic ageing caused by pollution and the sun.”
We've rounded up the very best serums and toners so that you can reap the glorious benefits without blowing your entire pay check.
You're welcome.
CHECK OUT: The best niacinamide serums and toners
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Best niacinamide serums and toners 2020
1 of 5AKIMO Niacinamide Serum for Face
This lightweight serum has amassed five-star reviews for evening out skin tone and reducing blemishes. It's made with 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc.
2 of 5Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner
A niacinamide toner with added hyaluronic acid and aloe vera which both help to hydrate the skin. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently apply to your skin, to help remove makeup and skin impurities.
3 of 5Skinhit Soothing Serum
This balancing serum works to reduce the production of sebum and the appearance of pores, resulting in a clearer complexion. It's a bargain, too!
4 of 5Revolution Skincare Blemish and Pore Refining Serum
Perfect for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin, this power-watt formula will help tackle imperfections.
5 of 5Bye Bye Blemish Skin Rescue Niacinamide Serum
Skin rescue serum is packed with high concentrations of Niacinamide plus Zinc blasts appearance of blemishes away. This serum helps balance natural oils and helps improve appearance of enlarged pores
Now read on heatworld...
What to look out for in a niacinamide serum?
"'The only interaction to be aware of is that niacinamide inactivates L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) if it is in a combined water-based product," says Dr Paris Acharya. "You can still use niacinamide and vitamin c but they should be in different products and preferably not used back to back."