Many women feel self-conscious about the appearance of their skin, but few realize that body wash is the first step to skincare. Research indicates that less than 10% are extremely confident that a body wash can address their visible skin concerns, but skincare transformation starts in the shower.
The Innovation Behind Olay Super Serum Body Wash
Olay has unveiled its latest innovation in personal care - Super Serum Body Wash. To develop this transformative body wash, Olay’s team of P&G scientists incorporated the low-pH activated serum complex from their celebrated facial serum. A challenge in creating the breakthrough formula was ensuring the wash’s serum complex stays on the skin so it can go deep into the skin’s surface, where it could make a difference, instead of going down the drain.
A result of the team’s research is the body wash’s proprietary technology: an effective serum delivery mechanism from a body wash. The formula has a unique layering structure of cleansers and serum ingredients. Once water is introduced, it activates the formula by creating lather and allowing the serum ingredients to adhere to skin.
Key Ingredient: Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that offers numerous benefits for the skin. It is known for strengthening the skin barrier, reducing the appearance of pores and dark spots, regulating oil production, and improving signs of aging. Importantly, niacinamide is gentle and generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
While some may have heard of "niacin flush"-a reddening of the skin that causes itchiness-niacinamide itself has not been found to cause this reaction. In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide or may experience an allergic reaction. If you notice flaking, irritation, and dryness when using products containing this ingredient, it is advisable to check all your skincare products, as niacinamide can be found in various categories.
Understanding Niacinamide Concentration
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, pay attention to the concentration amounts. Typically, a 5% concentration of niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to start with a smaller concentration.
How Niacinamide Works in the Skin
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme already present in your cells, acting as "fuel" to power countless biological processes. In the skin, NAD plays a crucial role in repairing cell damage, producing new healthy cells, supporting collagen production, strengthening the skin barrier, and combating environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.
Natural NAD levels begin to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible signs of aging, and a weakened skin barrier. By providing your skin with niacinamide, you are effectively recharging your skin's NAD levels, which results in stronger, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin.
Vitamin B3: Niacinamide's Origin
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble, and our bodies do not store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Foods such as meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3. The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.