If you're interested in skincare, it's likely that you've come across niacinamide in recent years. This powerful skincare ingredient has become popular thanks to its many abilities, from fighting dark spots to strengthening all skin types and improving the skin barrier function. It even has a calming effect on sensitive skin, somewhat like its lesser-known cousin, liquorice root extract. Derived from the same liquorice plant as the sweets, liquorice root extract fights uneven skin tone and helps to brighten, while its antioxidant powers work to protect.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a versatile skincare ingredient that has been having a moment in the skincare world in the last couple of years, for good reason! It is a multitasker that can balance skin, strengthen the skin barrier and regulate oil production. By reducing sebum production, niacinamide can help to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and helps to fight blemishes. It's also a very calming ingredient that helps irritated skin and works to smooth and strengthen the complexion.
Plus, niacinamide functions as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental damage that can lead to premature ageing. It promotes collagen production, which leads to firmer and more youthful-looking skin and it's a great support to other active ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol. PHEW! You can see why it's become so popular in skincare routines all over the world. Lesser known, but about to take up residence in your regime, let's find out more.
What is Liquorice Root Extract?
Extracted from a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, liquorice root extract has been used medicinally since 500 B.C. An effective complement to a routine focused on skin brightening, clarity and evenness, liquorice root is known for its hydrating soothing and calming properties. It helps to brighten skin, even out skin tone and fight the appearance of dark spots and blemish marks. Liquorice root extract is an antioxidant, which means it works to protect the skin from environmental damage and premature ageing and it's suitable for all skin types.
Niacinamide is a key ingredient in our two newest blemish clearing products, Expertly Clear Blemish-Treating & Preventing Lotion and our Truly Targeted Blemish-Clearing Solution which also contains, you guessed it, liquorice root extract.
The Benefits of the Power Duo
Our Expertly Clear Blemish-Treating & Preventing Lotion can be used all over the skin like a moisturiser, or in specific areas to target blemishes and post-blemish marks. As well as 2% niacinamide which, as you know, helps to visibly correct uneven texture and tone and helps to improve skin clarity. It also contains 1.2% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate pores, helping to prevent the causes of blemishes.
Our unique Truly Targeted Blemish-Clearing Solution is concentrated with a synergistic blend of 2% salicylic acid, 4% niacinamide and 0.2% liquorice root. The exclusive formula targets the causes of blemishes, as well as calming and fading post-mark discoloration. You simply apply a dot of the clear solution directly onto a blemish, and it creates a breathable seal that layers seamlessly with sunscreen and under makeup. Its invisible work begins immediately, and you'll see a noticeable improvement in just 2 hours.
The synergistic combo of niacinamide and liquorice root extract is a great addition to your skincare regime. If you'd like personalised recommendations on how to build these two powerhouse ingredients into your regime, plus help with most skin conditions and skin advice on everything from dark spots to sun damage to blemishes, book a virtual skincare consultation with one of our skin pros.