Dr Catherine Navarro
Beauty for all genders and all skin types is all the rage, according to famous fashion magazine Vogue. We shine the spotlight on a miracle-working active that is suitable for everyone and has become a star ingredient in modern-day cosmetics.
Also called vitamin B3, this ingredient is naturally present in some of the foods we eat every day, such as meat and fish, pulses, mushrooms, nuts and cereals. It has become an essential ingredient in cosmetics and was discovered at the end of the 19th century by scientist Hugo Weidel in an particular substance: nicotine. In order to avoid proclaiming that nicotine is rich in vitamins, the terms nicotinamide and nicotinic acid have been replaced by niacinamide and niacin.
Now one of the most versatile ingredients used in cosmetics, niacinamide evens the complexion, improves tonicity, restores the microcirculation and even has an antibacterial effect on acne on the face and body. Niacinamide is also a superb anti-aging ingredient and enables us to literally rejuvenate the skin cells. Scientists from Seoul university discovered that niacinamide prolonged the lifespan of the human fibroblasts and boosted their ability to divide, by reducing the mitochondrial activity and the formation of free radicals. Research was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of niacinamide treatments on cell rejuvenation, with various treatment durations. The earlier the cells received their biochemical boost, the longer they lived. As a consequence, regular treatments containing niacinamide are recommended before any age-related skin changes even appear. However, even the late use of niacinamide prolongs their period of division and preserves cell life (researchers compared cultures of young cells with old cells). This effect is connected with the fact that the energy consumption of most cells is considerably reduced in the presence of niacinamide; their ATP (adenosine triphosphate) consumption is reduced by more than 50% and stays stable throughout their active division phase.
In short, niacinamide has powerful antioxidant and an-ti-infl ammatory properties, acts like a real booster for cell communication, is suitable for all skin types, from the driest skin to the most sensitive, and improves the skin’s barrier function and hydration. Used by cosmetics brands in many of their formulations, niacinamide is now part of the medical aesthetics arsenal.
To offer our patients the highest-quality treatments in the fi eld of beauty, we chose Hydrafacial. The Hydrafacial treatment cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin thanks to its patented Vortex-Fusion technology that allows for the deep delivery of opti-mised actives in terms of their molecular-weight and concentration. Hydrafacial’s most recent partnership, with the famous brand JLO BEAUTY®, gives us the option of high-tech personalisation that is suitable for everyone. This paradox is all down to this miracle active, niacinamide. Thanks to its cell-mediating, antioxidant and anti-infl amma-tory properties, this super booster adapts to the skin’s requirements to stimulate its regenerative abilities and promote healthier melanogenesis (the melanin production process).
Dry and sensitive skin:
By activating the synthesis of lipids, vitamin B3 strengthens the hydrolipidic film and activates the skin’s protective bar-rier. Its regenerating properties stimulate the healing process. In allergic, sensitive and irritated skin, niacinamide reduces the feeling of discomfort and inflammation.
Mature skin:
It reduces the harmful effects of free radicals (UV rays, pollution, etc.), preventing skin aging, controlling the me-lanocytes’ activity, stimulating the skin’s natural hydration and collagen production and thus improving the epidermal elasticity.
Skin flaws and dilated pores:
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, niacinamide can control sebum production, relieve any fee-lings of discomfort and prevent the appearance of skin flaws. Hydrafacial is a safe, effective and comfortable treatment for the patient. The improvement to the skin quality is visible from the first session. The vortex effect allows us to easily dislodge and remove impurities in a totally painless way, while simultaneously delivering hydrating solutions that are rich in antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. It is fully personalised thanks to the selection of specific tips, the concentra-tions of the peels, the booster serums, the LED lights and the lymphatic drainage. Using boosters allows us to put together programmes to target many indications and enhance the results of the combined protocols.
Dr Catherine Navarro: Graduate of Marseille medical faculty and with an inter-university degree in morphological and anti-aging medicine (Paris), Dr Catherine Navarro specialises in aesthetic medicine, rejuvenating and beautifying techniques for the body (cellulite, sagging, localised fat, stretch marks, vaginal rejuvenation, etc.) and for the face (fine lines and wrinkles, skin quality, scars, marks, rosacea, acne, etc.).
More informations: medecineesthetique-aix.com
