What happens in dry skin?
The top layer (visible layer) in dry skin is not an effective barrier.
The top layer of skin works like a barrier (a shield) – it does 2 main things:
~ prevents water from deeper layers of skin from evaporating – and thus keeps skin hydrated
~ protects skin from attacks from environmental nasties – and thus prevents skin from breakouts (skin can have many breakouts if constantly attacked by environmental nasties).
For this top layer to be effective, it has to be made up of the right substances – the right amount of fatty acids, ceramides and oils.
Dry skin has less oil. This makes the top layer not so effective.
Because it is not effective, dry skin is prone to:
~ losing water and becoming dehydrated
~ getting breakouts because of attacks from environmental nasties
Added to this, dry skin is also prone to inflammation and redness. Inflamed skin can lead to dark spots and pigmentation.
So, how does niacinamide help dry skin?
Niacinamide helps produce ceramides, an essential component of the top layer of skin.
More ceramides = More effective skin barrier = Less water loss = Less breakouts
Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory. It can reduce inflammation and the redness that comes with inflammation.
