Allure Magazine | December 2011

Skin Special

Hot Ingredient: Niacinamide

If good fences make good neighbors, then you might want to put up this barrier-builder.  “I think we’re going to see it in some blockbuster-y stuff,” says Hirsch. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) strengthens the delicate barrier of the skin that holds in moisture and keeps out irritants. It has been in use for years, but dermatologists haven’t stopped buzzing. “It has been shown to slow the decline of enzymes that are crucial to a healthy barrier,” says New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel. “And supporting the barrier helps every major skin concern.” The vitamin may slow melanin production and calm redness, says Hirsch. Find it in Nia 24 Skin Strengthening Complex.