Okay, let’s continue on this glass-half-full approach to lockdown for a minute and highlight a positive thing that’s happening right now: I’m getting the chance to test somany skin care products that have been waiting on my vanity, because for the first time in, well, ever, I have no place to go. Well, no place where I can’t show up in no makeup and sweatpants. So it’s sampling GALORE over here, and I have found one ingredient that is hands-down my new favorite for changing my skin texture for the better.

Let’s Talk My New Favorite Ingredient–Niacinamide

If you’re a beauty junkie, you may have noticed that tons of new-to-market products have this miracle ingredient. From serums to lotions to creams, this ingredient is popping up everywhere because it works.By definition, niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B, and when applied topically to the skin in combination with other ingredients, it can do wonders. From lightening acne scars to helping with overall texture, it is seriously the bomb.It’s no exaggeration to say that since adding this ingredient alone into my skincare routine, I’ve been able to finally (finally!) beat the maskne that’s slowly starting to pop up on my cheeks and jawline. And this was the only new ingredient I added to my routine, so that’s how I know it’s working.

Here’s What Niacinamide Can Do for You

In no particular order, here are the benefits you can see with niacinamide, and some things I noticed right away:

• Improvement in Texture: I noticed this on my cheeks in particular, which tend to get clogged easily, and therefore look a little “rough.” This has helped tremendously.

• Clears Slight Acne: I’m not sure if this would work for cystic acne–mine tends to be more superficial acne I get from my mask or right before my period–but when I apply my lotion with niacinamide to my face at night, I always wake up to see my pimples have shrunk a bit.

• Overall Brightness: My skin has a new clarity to it when I use my niacinamide products. Similar to the glow I wake up with when I use a good retinol.

Here’s the thing… In the beauty and skin care world, ingredients can take the industry by storm. Right now there’s no doubt niacinamide is having a moment. But here’s why I think the obsession will remain.

With niacinamide, you get a gentle product that most skin types can tolerate, and you see results fast.

At least that’s what I’ve experienced. I’m absolutely going to use the rest of my current niacinamide favorites, and grab up some new formulations when these are gone.I promise, this is one ingredient worth checking out, like NOW!

Hop on the Niacinamide Train!