Use and Benefits of Niacinamide

• Niacinamide can improve skin texture and strengthen the protective barrier of the skin, which then helps to reduce inflammation. It does so by increasing natural lipids found on the skin surface and reducing water loss. Niacinamide can also help reduce unwanted pigmentation and increase cell turnover, improving the look of aging skin.
• A 5% optimal formulated Niacinamide is required to even out and balance the complexion in around four weeks' time, without irritating sensitive skin.

 Why does our skin need Vitamin C?

Here are two really good reasons:

•  Promotes collagen production which can thicken the inner layer of skin and diminish fine lines
•  It's an antioxidant that protects the skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure - nobody wants to age prematurely or expose themselves to skin cancer

Some other tidbits:

• Use your Vitamin C in the morning to give you all-day protection. 
• BUT you still need to use sunscreen!
• Use your Vitamin C after you cleanse and use your toner but before you moisturize.
• Be cautious when using your Vitamin C with other products. 
• Ingredients like Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide can make your Vitamin C less potent.  
• Store your Vitamin C out of direct sunlight and better yet, just tuck it away in your bathroom cabinet.
• Last but not least....not all Vitamin C products are created equal.  Do your homework.

The secret to hair straightening that will change your life:

• Have you ever wondered why your hair iron damages your hair even whilst using it at the lowest temperature setting: Does your hair seem lifeless and brittle even though you take care to dial the heat to its lowest setting. Here's why, if you straighten your hair at too low a temperature, it will destroy your mane's shine and leave your locks looking lackluster.
• But if it's too high, you run the risk of frying your hair. In fact, once you reach 215°C, you're melting the keratin protein in your hair which leads to split ends and brittle strands.That is NOT what we want.Thankfully, there's a temperature that's just right. 185°C  has shown to be the dream temperature to heat your hair up.
• It seals your cuticles, helps to lock in moisture, and is hot enough to style in just a few strokes. 
• Also, a good hair iron spray will go a long way to give you smooth shiny locks.

Retinol or Retinoid 

There is no doubt that if you want to shrink your pores or reduce wrinkles you need to use retinol. Or tretinoin. Or retinoid. So confusing! What should be used? Is Retinol 1% less strong 💪 than retinoid 2%?

Let’s explore the answer. 

• Tretinoin is Retinoic Acid which the skin can use right away. Retinol needs to be converted first into Retinoic Acid. Technically the more conversion steps it takes, the “weaker” and less effective it would be. Also, that’s why 1% retinol is not as strong as tret 0.05% bc the strength is weakened in the conversion process. All of these are ultimate forms of Vitamin A but many people generalize it as “retinol”. 

Do collagen lip masks work? Or are you destined to hide your lips forever? Is it effective? Is it even possible to plump lips with collagen? We all know how collagen fillers are used to inject lips? 

• Unfortunately, the answer is no. Unless injected, collagen does not work to plump your lips. Collagen creams also don't work. Imagine you're given an IV drip for hydrating yourself and then you decide you will hydrate yourself by just pouring that all over you as you don't want to be injected. Will it work? 
• Stay clear of collagen masks.

 

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a form of niacin (vitamin B3), one of the eight B vitamins you need to stay healthy.

In your body, niacinamide helps repair DNA and control inflammation. It also increases cellular energy, which helps your body's cells to carry out important chemical reactions.

When applied topically, it helps control:

Signs of aging
Acne
Rosacea
Atopic dermatitis
Autoimmune blistering disorders
Hyperpigmentation
Itchiness (pruritis)
Sun damage

These benefits of niacinamide are due to several mechanisms.

Niacinamide controls the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a protein involved in inflammation. This in turn is beneficial for skin irritation and redness.
It reduces the activity of cells that produce sebum, a waxy, oily substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands which can control acne breakouts.
Niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation. It also helps your skin retain water, which enhances the skin barrier and keeps it hydrated.

Because of these benefits, niacinamide is used in many skincare products. It’s generally well-tolerated and considered safe for sensitive skin.