By now you’ve probably heard quite a lot about niacinamide — a form of vitamin B3 and a powerhouse skincare ingredient that’s cropping up all over the beauty world, and for good reason. Dermatologists love niacinamide thanks to its multitude of benefits, from reducing redness and clearing up breakouts to brightening complexion and smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; so it’s no surprise it’s the all-star ingredient in our newest serum: B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum.
B3 Nice features 10% niacinamide, which is the perfect, potent amount to help even the skin tone, improving the appearance of redness and discoloration, notes Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York. “Because niacinamide also helps to improve oiliness and regulates sebum production, it can help those dealing with oily skin, acne, or post-acne dark marks,” she says. “It can work to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier by helping to support ceramide production.”
Meet the Experts
Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York.
Jodi LoGerfo, D.N.P., is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology.
Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., is a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in N.Y.C. and the Hamptons with Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, and a clinical instructor of dermatology at NY Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Dustin Portela, D.O., is a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.
Niacinamide might be the most famous and noteworthy ingredient we used in this serum, but it’s hardly the only one. Here, a breakdown of the other notable ingredients in our B3 Nice Serum and how they can benefit your skin.
Trans-Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an antioxidant that offers a wide array of health benefits. “It has been found in more than 70 different plant species and its dietary sources include grapes (skin and seeds), red wine, peanuts, and soy,” says Jodi LoGerfo, D.N.P., Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology, and who works with A-listers such as Amy Schumer. “Resveratrol is very helpful in wound healing, scarring, and photoaging of the skin.” One study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology even found nighttime application of resveratrol to be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightenyl (Diglucosyl Gallic Acid)
This lab-created skincare ingredient’s claim to fame is its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation. “It is one of several ingredients that can treat and prevent pigmentation by interfering with the process of melanogenesis by inhibiting a critical enzyme, tyrosinase,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in N.Y.C. and the Hamptons. “This ingredient is unique in that it is activated on the skin surface by microbes that live there, termed the ‘stratum microbium.’”
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
This effective and anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient is derived from the resin or sap of the Indian frankincense plant, explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Boswellia has been found to inhibit leukotrienes (which can be thought of as a type of messenger in the immune system), providing anti-inflammatory effects.”
Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG)
This antioxidant, which is derived from green tea leaves, helps to protect against free radical damage which can occur from oxidative stress, according to research, including one study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Dr. Garshick points out that EGCG as a skincare ingredient can help protect the skin from environmental factors including pollution.
Who would this serum be most ideal for and why?
Sunday Riley formulated the B3 Nice serum to be effective and useful for all skin types. It can be especially helpful for anyone who is blemish-prone or who feels their skin is inflamed, pigmented, or has dull texture, notes Dr. Garshick. “It can be used by all skin types, given it helps to regulate sebum production, making it good for those with oily skin and can also help to support the natural skin barrier, making it good for those with dry skin,” she says. “It is overall gentle on the skin and can be used by those with sensitive skin.”
It’s also worth pointing out that this product has clinical results, which means it was tested in a group of consumers who were asked to rate the benefits over the course of 2, 4, and 8 weeks. By two weeks, 100% of users reported an improvement in post-acne dark marks and decreased oiliness. “Just as important as the short term results we seek is that with continued use of the serum the same users reported decreased redness, less visible pores, and improved appearance of wrinkles,” says Dustin Portela, D.O., a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. “I always love to see studies where the results are graded by an independent observer, preferably a dermatologist, but user reported results are also an effective way to understand the benefits of a product.”
How to use the B3 Nice Serum in your skincare routine
To reap the most benefits from this skincare product and its active ingredients, use it twice daily after cleansing and before moisturizing. When using it in the morning, When using it in the morning, apply it before your vitamin C serum, but before putting on sunscreen. “In the evening I would use it after my retinol serum, and before my moisturizer,” he adds. Whenever you are starting a new product, start slow so that your skin can adjust to the ingredients and to rule out any potential irritation that could be resulting from it.
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