What is niacinamide? The new buzzword in beauty

Beauty fans will likely have heard the latest buzzword in beauty being touted as a new super ingredient. But what is niacinamide and how should you use it?

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C – there are some ingredients in the world of beauty that are well established as being super beneficial to our skin. And now niacinamide is the buzzword du jour. With far ranging benefits from brightening the skin to reducing pores, it’s the key ingredient in the new La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum that, when used in conjunction with a simple but effective beauty regime, can transform skin over time.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a brilliant dermatological active ingredient that helps to treat inflammatory-induced hyperpigmentation such as dark spots and scars. It also boosts collagen production, helps the skin to retain moisture and helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

To find out more, we asked skin health expert and GP, Dr Laura Lenihan:

“I’m a massive fan of niacinamide and use it in clinic on patients a lot! It is suitable for all skin types and concerns – so everything from rosacea to acne or even eczema-prone skin. What I love about it is that its such a multitasker; it helps with collagen production, to retain moisture by improving the skin barrier, it controls sebum production, so helpful in acne; prevents blemishes and improves pore size; and it also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to soothe red skin (so good in rosacea). It’s also great at improving the appearance of dark spots/post inflammatory erythema etc. This product has hyaluronic acid inside as well for plumping so you are getting the benefit of both ingredients.” – Dr Laura Lenihan, GP.

Where does niacinamide go in your routine? 

Niacinamide is a real team-player meaning that it works really well alongside most other skin actives, and almost every person will benefit from introducing it to their routine. The La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 serum can be used both in the morning and/or at night. To learn more on exactly how to layer this serum with the other La Roche-Posay expert ageing serums check out these videos for the full AM to PM skincare run through with expert Dr Laura Lenihan.  

La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum (€39)is available now in pharmacies nationwide and on meagherspharamacy.ie.