"Niacinamide is key in skincare routines, and a big part of that is because it combines with absolutely all active ingredients: from peptides to hyaluronic acid, and even retinoids," anticipates pharmacist Yvette Martín. Although, if there's a trendy combo, it's niacinamide and peptides, which is a great ally against dark spots. "Niacinamide is effective and versatile, as all skin types can use it; therefore, it's normal for it to be one of the most popular ingredients. When combined with peptides, success is more than assured because together they enhance their effects," explains Raquel González, cosmetologist and creator of Byoode. And that's why it's not surprising that Medik8 is launching a new product with these two active ingredients, Niacinamide Peptides, their new serum with niacinamide and peptides.
Soothe and strengthen, the first step towards beautiful skin
One of niacinamide's great strengths is its soothing ability, which is key for skin to function better and, therefore, look better. “Niacinamide stands out for its anti-inflammatory and soothing action. It helps reduce redness, acne breakouts, and the feeling of irritated skin,” explains Irene Serrano, dermocosmetic director at Dermalogica. For this reason, it's not uncommon to find it accompanying routines with more potent active ingredients. “It's common to prescribe it alongside exfoliating acids or retinoids because it helps strengthen the skin barrier and balance activity,” adds Raquel González. And that's a great starting point.
Niacinamide + Peptides: How Skin Regenerates and Recovers Its Radiance
When niacinamide is combined with peptides, it stops being just an effective active ingredient and becomes the unbeatable duo. "This duo makes the tone more uniform, refines the texture, and luminosity appears naturally. Niacinamide has a very interesting antioxidant role, as it helps combat oxidative stress, one of the main culprits of skin aging," points out Patricia Garín, dermocosmetic director at Boutijour. When combined with peptides, this protective effect also translates into visible regeneration: "it favors skin renewal processes and contributes to the skin looking stronger, more elastic, and with a more homogeneous tone," adds Mireia Fernández, dermocosmetic director at Perricone MD.
The key to this increased luminosity lies not only in reflecting light but in rebuilding the skin from its base. “Niacinamide helps improve the barrier function, allowing the skin to retain water better and defend itself against external aggressions,” explains Marta Agustí, nutritional director at Advanced Nutrition Programme. And if, specifically, the formula also includes CRYSTALIDE PEPTIDES, a patented peptide that helps the skin renew itself in a more orderly fashion, gain clarity, and reflect light better. By activating the α-crystallin protein, the surface becomes smoother and the tone appears more uniform, which is especially interesting when combined with niacinamide, which soothes the skin and helps keep it balanced,” says Estefanía Nieto, dermocosmetic director at Medik8.
And it is that "a strong skin barrier implies less low-grade inflammation, less dehydration, and therefore, more stable, more uniform, and visibly brighter skin," adds Marta Agustí, nutritional director of Advanced Nutrition Programme.
Niacinamide Peptides: Medik8's New Serum
According to Estefanía Nieto, dermocosmetic director at Medik8, “Niacinamide Peptides is born as an evolution of classic niacinamide, designed to offer visible results without compromising skin tolerance.” The formula combines “a 10% concentration of niacinamide with a Crystalide peptide complex that work synergistically to improve the skin's appearance and reinforce its barrier function; furthermore, N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE helps improve luminosity and unify tone, while ZINC PCA contributes to regulating sebum and keeping the skin calm and balanced,” adds the dermocosmetic director at Medik8. “This serum is designed to help minimize visible pores, regulate excess sebum, and improve skin texture, but also to provide a long-term calming and strengthening effect,” explains Nieto. Additionally, “the presence of peptides allows for progressive action on the signs of aging, improving skin firmness and tone,” adds the skincare expert.
“It is suitable for all skin types; in fact, Niacinamide Peptides is designed to be easily integrated into any routine, even for sensitive skin or skin that already uses other active ingredients like retinoids or acids,” concludes the expert.