Understanding Niacinamide Skin Benefits and What It Does to Skin? 

Niacinamide is excellent for leaving skin feeling soothed. It supports a healthier-looking skin barrier by helping skin maintain optimal hydration levels and minimising transepidermal water loss. This is particularly beneficial for oily skin, which may be aggravated by harsh products targeting blemishes that dry out the skin, prompting it to produce more oil and perpetuating a cycle of imbalance. Dermatologists often suggest maintaining a balanced oil level in the skin for this reason. Additionally, niacinamide can diminish the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation by enhancing skin texture and brightness. 

One of the reasons that niacinamide is so popular and found in so many different skincare formulations is due to its many benefits. From leaving sensitive skin feeling soothed and minimising the look of pores to strengthening the skin barrier and regulating excess oil production, it’s fantastic at improving the overall healthy look of the skin and supporting its function. It’s also suitable for all skin types and is generally well tolerated by the skin.

Another of niacinamide’s amazing benefits is its ability to brighten the skin and improve the look of hyperpigmentation concerns such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It does this by helping to minimise the contrast between areas of hyperpigmentation and the surrounding skin, leading to a more balanced and even skin tone. These benefits can be enhanced by combining niacinamide with an antioxidant serum and broad-spectrum sunscreen, as they provide the skin with excellent protection against environmental damage, a common cause of discoloration.

Glycolic acid is another ingredient often combined with niacinamide in skincare formulations, especially when addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is an exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid that stimulates surface skin cell turnover and removes dead skin cell. Formulas with glycolic acid can make the complexion appear dull while revealing brighter skin beneath. This effect makes the skin tone and texture appear more even, reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Melasyl, a patented active ingredient, intercepts excess melanin at a different stage of its production - before it marks the skin. Formulas containing melasyl, are therefore very powerful at preventing the appearance of future dark spot discolouration and hyperpigmentation.

Serum: Liftactiv Pigment Specialist B3 Anti Dark Spots Serum

This serum combats the appearance of all types of dark spots, as well as wrinkles. It contains 15% anti-dark spot actives, including Niacinamide B3 and the multi-patented Melasyl. Niacinamide B3 helps reduce the look of dark spots, whereas Melasyl intercepts excess melanin before it marks the skin. Dark spots appear reduced, and skin tone looks more even. Fades dark spots, leaving skin tone more evn and wrinkles looking reduced.

Sunscreen: Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF50

Always remember to follow your routine with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. UV-Age Daily is an anti-photoaging sunscreen with very high protection against UVB and UVA rays. It is enriched with anti-ageing derm actives, peptides and niacinamide, to visibly correct photo-ageing signs: dark spots, lack of plumpness and dullness.

Whether you have discoloration, enlarged pores, excess oil, or a dull, uneven skin tone, niacinamide is the ingredient to have in your repertoire. Don’t forget that when treating discoloration specifically, using formulas that combine niacinamide with glycolic acid and melasyl can help to maximise your results. 

Vichy’s Liftactiv range combines these powerful ingredients in many of its products. Discover the transformative power of niacinamide, melasyl, and glycolic acid today!