Vitamin B: The Most Underrated Skin Vitamin
A lot of companies talk about the super powers of Vitamin A & C, but what’s hardly mentioned is the power of Vitamin B. Vitamin B, specifically B3 (AKA Niacin) is a truly transformative vitamin.
When we talk about using vitamin B, we need to be specific as there are 8 different types within the B family. The body naturally produces Niacin which is vitamin B3. Niacin is then converted by intestinal bacteria to its active form, niacinamide. This is the form we use in skincare.
One of the main reasons the body creates B3 is to make NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) molecules. NAD molecules are critical coenzymes found in every cell in the body that help with cellular repair, cell defence and other metabolic processes. As we age, the amounts of NAD the body creates decrease. This means our cells take longer to repair themselves.
Because B3 specifically deals with cellular repair, its effects on the skin can be truly transformative.
B3 is perfect for those suffering from dryness, flaking, sensitivity, inflammation/redness, or rosacea. It’s also great for acne/breakout prone skin, because topical vitamin B kills c.acnes bacteria (the bacteria associated with acne), reduces sebaceous secretions and reduces inflammation.
So who needs it?
B3 is also extremely beneficial for barrier function because it increases ceramide (fatty acid) production which helps to maintain a healthy, strong skin barrier. It speeds up cell repair which helps to rebuild an impaired skin barrier, relieving sensitivity.
Because B3 increases ceramide production, helps to retain moisture, and strengthens the outermost layer of the skin, it also reduces the appearance of lines/wrinkles and slows the ageing process of the skin.
In short, vitamin B3 is beneficial for all skin types. You don’t need a pressing skin concern to start using it – you can use it proactively to boost skin health, and combine it with the serums you’re already using.
You won’t regret adding vitamin B3 to your active skincare regime – and your skin won’t either.
What Vitamin B do we stock at Zen?
We are proud carriers of La Clinica’s ‘Hydrating Vitamin B Serum’. This serum is boosted with 10% Niacinamide, Vitamin B Complex, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Oat Beta Glucan, Panthenol and Allantoin.
As you can see it’s packed with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients to improve texture, brightness, clarity and smoothness. It also elevates hydration levels and helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function.
It does everything you need a Vitamin B serum to do and more. Buy now!
Still unsure if you need a B serum?
We recommend booking in for a consultation! This way we can put you under the lamp, tell you your skin type and see if Vitamin B is the super hero you need in your routine.
Book Now with Skin Therapist, Savannah.
By Savannah Boulger
Savannah completed her aesthetics training in 2019, Graduating from the Elite school of Beauty therapy. She spent the following years working in an advanced skin clinic in Auckland, Before making Taranaki her home and starting at Zen. Savannah is passionate about helping her clients achieve healthy, beautiful skin, and loves that she has the ability to make a difference to people’s lives through skin health. Her favourite part of working as an Aesthetician is skin transformation, specifically working with hormonal breakouts and premature ageing.