Here at Bernier Pharmaceuticals, we’re always talking about Niacinamide. After all, it is the star ingredient in our flagship sun-damage fighting product line, SolarCareB3. But Niacinamide isn’t just for sun-damage. Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide can also assist in reducing inflammation, regulating oil production, potentially aiding in the repair of damaged DNA and improving the skin’s moisture barrier function – a topic we’re eager to explore today.
What’s The Barrier Function?
The moisture barrier of your skin acts as its natural defence mechanism, serving as the frontline protector for your immune system. Think of the moisture barrier and how well it functions as an inbuilt security system, fighting off invaders like bacteria, pollutants and allergens. Leading this defence is the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin, which is composed of skin cells and lipids. Together, these elements create a protective shield that wards off irritants and holds onto essential moisture. When the integrity of this barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more susceptible to issues such as dryness, redness and heightened sensitivity. That’s why ensuring a strong barrier function is essential for maintaining overall skin health and appearance.
Niacinamide and Your Skin’s Defence
There are a number of ways you can bolster your skin’s barrier function, but as far as ingredients go, nothing quite compares to niacinamide – and here’s why:
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Locking in Moisture:
Niacinamide strengthens the lipid barrier in the stratum corneum, preventing water loss and giving you better hydration. Healthy, hydrated skin not only looks good but can handle environmental challenges better.
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Tackling Inflammation:
Inflammation can mess with your skin’s defence. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, indirectly helping maintain a strong skin barrier.
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Balancing Oil Production:
Niacinamide acts like a regulator, helping balance the oil your skin produces. It avoids excessive oiliness without making your skin too dry – an important balance for a healthy skin barrier.
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Defending Against Damage:
Niacinamide pulls double duty as an antioxidant, neutralising free radicals from UV rays and pollution. This action protects your skin from harm, a big win for maintaining your barrier function.
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Building Strong Walls:
By encouraging ceramide production, essential fats in the stratum corneum, niacinamide fortifies your skin’s structure. Think of it as adding extra bricks to your skin’s fortress, making it tougher and more resilient.
Clearly we’re huge fans of niacinamide here at Bernier Pharmaceuticals, but topical products aren’t the only way of boosting your skin’s barrier function. Here are a few extra tips to help your skin be the best it can be:
- Be Kind When Cleaning: Use a gentle cleanser to keep your skin’s natural oils without harming the lipid barrier.
- Sunscreen is a Must: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Sun damage weakens the skin barrier over time.
- Add Some Moisture: In dry weather or parts of the world with low humidity, consider using a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water for overall health. Well-hydrated skin is better at maintaining its barrier function.
Remember, the skin is your body’s largest organ and its moisture barrier function one of its first lines of defence. So always take care of your skin, and in turn, it will take care of you. If you want to support your skin’s barrier function with Niacinamide, check out SolarCareB3 here.