From drugstore to department store, hundreds of facial products claim to reverse the appearance of aging. The best way to figure out what actually works: ask a dermatologist. Several East Valley skin professionals are fans of the NIA 24 line, which is sold only at certain med spas and the offices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

“We recommend it to a lot of baby boomers, people who are starting to get concerned with signs of aging,” says Karen Jenkins, one of the master educators at aesthetics school Kar-Ché, 2111 W. University Drive, Mesa. The active ingredient, Pro-Niacin, penetrates to skin’s dermal (lower) level, “which improves it epidermally,” Jenkins says. “It looks more youthful, brighter, and improves hyperpigmentation, or dark spots. Skin is stronger, more resilient and firmer.”

“We’ve always known niacin was good for (repairing) sun damage,” says Dr. Clevis T. Parker Sr. of New Beginnings cosmetic and laser center, 3303 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 118, Gilbert. “Nothing you buy at Macy’s or Sephora has been shown to be corrective. It’s good maintenance, of course, but not corrective. But NIA 24, that’s the bang for the buck.”

Yes, about the bucks: A 1.7-ounce bottle of Skin Strengthening Complex is $85; an Intensive Recovery Complex cream is $110 (but a dime-sized amount is enough for the entire face and neck). Cleansers, scrub and sunscreen are also available.

Unlike creams that deliver only vague promises, “This is real science out there,” says Dr. Julie K. Salmon, a cosmetic dermatologist with Southwest Skin Specialists, 10200 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale.

“There are so many vitamins added to products that are unstable, or when you put them on the skin they inactivate,” Salmon says. “But with NIA 24, they’ve shown active levels in the skin. Over-the-counter products use niacinimide” to deliver niacin to the dermis, “but it’s not as potent as Pro-Niacin. Not even close.”

To find the closest place to your ZIP code that sells NIA 24, click here.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 3/26/08
The shirt: Jersey short-sleeved shirt by American Apparel (noticing a trend yet?)
The pants: Narrow-legged cotton pinstriped trousers (Banana Republic)
The shoes: Suede chukka boots by RJ Cole (Last Chance)
The scent: I am down to the dregs of the now-discontinued Donna Karan Unleaded.

sammit

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