WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Topical niacinamide provides skin aging appearance benefits while enancing barrier function. Poster presented at 23rd World Congress of Dermatology, 2015 June 8-13 Vancouver, Canada. (3). A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. 8. Although the mechanisms in play remain to be elucidated, in vitro studies suggest that niacinamide increases dermal collagen production while at the same time reducing excess dermal glycosaminoglycan production. This means that all youve got to do is store niacinamide in a cooler environment! Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant which is important for cell repair, Snehal Amin, MD, board-certified dermatologist ofMDCS Dermatology and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College, tells SELF. Ask your dermatologist about oral niacinamide if you have had multiple non-melanoma skin cancers before. Niacinamide has proved to be effective in treating non-inflammatory acne (2). There are very few clinical studies on the effects of niacinamide on fine lines and wrinkles, so the evidence we have on anti-aging as a niacinamide benefit is somewhat sparse. READ:Tea tree oil: What can it do for your patients? Their results showed that the halves of their faces receiving niacinamide had significant improvements in hyperpigmentation spots, fine lines, and wrinkles compared to the control side.9 Dr. Trovato echoes that niacinamide might improve hyperpigmentation by reducing the transfer of cells that cause the pigmentation, called melanocytes. Dr Damian said that the patient mix reflected those seen in a typical skin cancer clinic. Studies have demonstrated that topical application of niacinamide reduces skin sensitivity to irritating surfactants such as sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) and can be used to improve the tolerability of ingredients such as retinoids. Brightening ingredients like kojic acid that comes from mushrooms and is also a byproduct of fermented rice is a good option. Free radicals are molecules that have either lost or gained an electron. If niacinamide is involved in most important cell functions, then theres nothing it cant cure, right? 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029679, 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17147561, 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180, 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17147561, 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17147561, 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28681504, 7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28321860, 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16871774, 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12558633, 10.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022354915336042?via%3Dihub. Exceeding that could result in liver toxicitysymptoms include skin flushing and/or tingling, nausea, and vomiting. This is welcome news. Casals necklace is a broad collarette seen around the neck in patients with pellagra and is pathognomonic for this condition. NADH and NADPH decrease with age giving rise to the notion that supplementing skin with niacinamide can provide anti-aging benefits. In: Elsner P, Maibach HI. Niacinamide is also used in various skin lightening creams and serums. Greatens A, et al. That said, people with allergic tendencies may experience a flushing reaction due to histamine release. Niacinamide works in a similar way with salicylic acid, which can also be drying to your skin. All the participants had non-melanoma skin cancers within the past five years. (6) (7), Oral forms of niacinamide have been shown to reduce redness and inflammation caused by certain skin conditions like acne and rosacea. The results of the phase 3 ONTRAC skin cancer prevention study were presented at ASCO 2015. However, it usually takes 8-12 weeks for niacinamide to show results. Lets take a look at what these are: Research suggests that topical niacinamide can be used to treat signs of aging.
Niacinamide capsules and supplements can help you in the following ways: Oral niacinamide supplements are shown to reduce the risk of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, by enhancing DNA repair. In other (less confusing) words, the ability to potentially help your body create more NAD+ and, therefore, repair damage is thought to be the root of niacinamides potential skin-care benefits in both topical and even potentially supplement form. about navigating our updated article layout. Overall, you'll have stronger skin that preserves hydration for improved skin health., PreventsSkin Cancer. Niacinamide has become popular as a cosmeceutical ingredient. Its often touted to help manage acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. FOIA Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This blog post is based on scientific evidence, written and fact checked by our doctors. That said, oral and topical niacinamide may have some actual benefits for skin health: Ask a dermatologist what niacinamide does best, and the very first niacinamide benefit theyll list is probably skin cancer prevention. In a 2015 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers gave 386 patients 500 mg of oral niacinamide or a placebo twice daily for a whole year. Levine D, Even-Chen Z, Lipets I, et al. 6. Oral and topical niacinamide have been shown to reduce UV-induced immunosuppression. Niacin tends to convert into niacinamide when an excess amount of it is present in the body. Dr. Amin gives you the green light to use niacinamide for skin care every day, particularly in a daytime moisturizer. Niacinamide sends out an extra electron to these molecules, preventing them from creating havoc in your body. Or maybe you already grabbed a product with niacinamide off the Sephora shelf without 100% certainty of its potential perks. But there are a few studies.
Yatskay M, Du A, Chen N, et al. One of the unique benefits of niacinamide as an anti-aging ingredient is that it enhances barrier function. It is a precursor for co-factors NAD(H)and NADP(H) that are important in a variety of cellular pathways that affect skin physiology. This is a new opportunity for skin cancer prevention, said lead investigator Diona Damian, MBBS, PhD, Professor of Dermatology, Dermatology University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Additionally, niacinamide stimulates keratinocyte differentiation, believed to be a result of increased intracellular NADPH. Clin Exp Immunol 2003;131:48-52Fivenson DP, Breeman DL, Rosen GB, et al. We worked with dermatologists and other experts and spent months testing products. We found NuFace, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl's, Paulas Choice, and more. A few studies published a couple of years ago show significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. However, it is important to know how to use it and at what concentrations. 
These findings have the potential to lower healthcare costs. 2022 MJH Life Sciences , Dermatology Times and Multimedia Medical, LLC. 2. These electrons scavenge through your body, damaging your DNA and other important components. Research from 2006 published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy suggests that topical 2% niacinamide may also inhibit the production of oil, which could be beneficial for some people dealing with acne (some study participants identified as Japanese and others as caucasian).6 Plus, both dermatologists we talked to say that niacinamide is relatively non-irritating compared to other acne treatments, such as a retinoid or salicylic acid, making it an especially attractive option for people with dry or sensitive skin. The nutrient also reduces the immunosuppressive effects of the suns UV rays, fighting off external and internal stressors that contribute to the degeneration of your skin and cause premature aging. And then theres niacinamide, the vitamin B3 compound. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help
Nicotinamide reduced the rates of new basal-cell cancer and squamous-cell cancer diagnoses by 23% compared with placebo (P = .02). The participants in the study had a history of skin cancer, but the nutrient's effects on the general public are not known yet. Builds skin immunity. And while it's safe to combine niacinamide with vitamin C, too, the combination may lead to irritation in some people, he adds. Although it is usually safe to use it every day, apply topical niacinamide as recommended by your doctor. The clock is ticking on these beauty buys from brands like EltaMD and Paula's Choice.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 and is also called nicotinamide. That study needs further research as another split-face study seems to suggest that the nutrient is ineffective. 8600 Rockville Pike Be sure not to take niacinamide supplements without your doctors advice. Cross-linked collagen and elastin molecules are stiff and rigid, resulting in altered viscoelastic properties of the skin. (Of course, an effective acne regimen is unique to each person, so its probably best, if youre able, to see a board-certified dermatologist to figure out what makes sense for you.) 1994;130960;753-758, 3. The skin lesions in this vitamin deficiency are triggered by sun exposure and appear on the face, neck and extremities. Thank you for your feedback on this article. Br J Dermatol 2009;161:1357-1364. But this study didn't prove that taking two niacinamide capsules daily will definitively prevent skin cancer. It contains anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, in one study published in 2004 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers had 50 women (who were all white and between the ages of 40 and 60) apply a moisturizer containing 5% niacinamide to one half of their face and a placebo moisturizer to the other half for 12 weeks. NADPH is a cofactor for the synthesis of fatty acids and lipids, such as ceramides, that are crucial for epidermal barrier function. (8) (9). New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2005,421-440. If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration. According to Dr. Ferris, if you go through a pharmacy that specializes in compounded medications, it could be cheaper than a generic. 2022 Cond Nast. In their reduced forms, NADH and NADPH act as antioxidants that can mitigate oxidative stress associated with intrinsic aging and photoaging. For individual skin issues, apply niacinamide cream/lotion in concentrations recommended by your doctor. 2022 MJH Life Sciences and Dermatology Times and Multimedia Medical, LLC. Oral nicotinamide reduces actinic keratosis in phase II double-blinded randomized controlled trials. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63(5):775-81. In addition, niacinamide increases the production of proteins such as keratin, involucrin and filaggrin that are important factors in the formation and maintenance of the cornified envelop (or outermost layer of the skin). Skin sallowness seen in actinically damaged skin is believed to be a result of glycated cross-linked yellow-brown proteins that accumulate in the skin after sun exposure. Topical niacinamide reduces fine lines and wrinkles after prolonged use. Why Is Niacinamide Important For Your Skin? 
Nicotinamide and tetracycline therapy of bullous pemphigoid. Niacinamide also reduces facial sebum production making it a valuable ingredient for patients who desire skin rejuvenation, but may be acne-prone. Vitamin B3 in general is found in a variety of dietary sources, including poultry, legumes, and eggs. Barrier compromise is common in aging skin and can contribute to heightened sensitivity and irritation by allowing external insults easier entry into the skin. Theres also evidence that topical niacinamide can help repair the function of the stratum corneum, the protective outer layer of skin, which adds to its anti-inflammatory effects.8. Hakozaki T, Minwalla, Zhuang J, et al. Nicotinamide reduced the rates of actinic keratoses (precancers) by 11% at 3 months and by approximately 15% after 12 months of treatment compared with placebo. This wonder ingredient works in treating almost any skin issue. In a comparative study, 2g/day tetracycline plus 1.5g/day of nicotinamide performed equal to prednisone therapy offering a steroid-free option for BP patients. In the New England Journal of Medicine, a 2015 study showed that one of the things that niacinamide may do best is preventing skin cancer. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the If you arent quite sure what niacinamide is or what its doing in your moisturizer, youre not alone. The .gov means its official. And burning, redness, skin irritation, and itching are skin reactions that sometimes occur with topical application, he adds. 7. Theres also evidence that topical niacinamide can increase the production of ceramides (lipids that help maintain the skins protective barrier), which may contribute to its topical effects on wrinkles, fine lines, and the skins moisture barrier.2 All of this is probably why youre seeing niacinamide listed in a bunch of skin-care products. Ungerstedt JS, Blomback M, Soderstom T. Nicotinamide is a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokines. Anything more than that may cause skin irritation and should be used in targeted areas only. This helps maintain an even texture and reduces roughness. This preventive treatment has no side effects. Limited evidence also shows that topical niacinamide works to repair the function of the outer protective skin layer. Can Niacinamide Be Combined With Vitamin C?
Most major studies that weve cited here used topical preparations containing 2-10% niacinamide, so look for a product in that range if you canDr. Adding topical niacinamide to your skin-care routine is simple and low-risk: Buy a product that contains it, such as a hydrating face mask, and apply as directed. Br J Dermatol 2002;147:20-31. will also be available for a limited time. The other one is nicotinic acid. Heres what you should know about niacinamide benefitsand how to use niacinamidebefore adding it to your skin-care routine. Look for products containing 5 percent or lower concentrations of niacinamide, which is usually considered to be safe unless you have any pre-existing allergies. Topical niacinamide has been studied alone and in combination with calcipotriene for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. The site is secure. As such, deficiencies arent common in the U.S., according to Dr. Amin. Surjana D, Halliday GM, Maartin AJ, et al. You might see niacinamide pop up in a topical product and in supplement form (well explain the differences between the two and any potential side effects below) and wonder which one to choose. 10. Learn more People also tend to believe that niacinamide when combined with Vitamin C, can hydrolyze into niacin, a component that can cause facial flushing. Which ingredients can you combine with niacinamide? The nutrient is present in foods like certain greens and whole grains. You'll also reap more benefits from the product if you use it alongside hyaluronic acid, which increases absorption. The components of niacinamide are restorative. The study's participants would orally consume the nutrient twice a day.. Clinically it reduces pore size and improves skin texture. The anti-inflammatory properties of niacinamide are also beneficial for acne-prone skin, especially in those patients with papules and pustules. Unlike niacin, another form of vitamin B3, nicotinamide does not cause headache or increased blood pressure, Dr Damian said. In fact, a study published in 2013 in the International Journal of Dermatology found that a topical preparation of 4% niacinamide significantly improved moderate acne when applied twice daily for eight weeks.5. Clindamycin is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. J Inves Dermatol 2012;132:1497-1500. Some people experience some mild irritation, which will likely go away with repeated use. Acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions: Pigmentation issues, fine lines, and wrinkles: How We Picked the 2022 Healthy Beauty Award Winners. Draelos ZD, ERtel KD, Berge CA. Our team of dermatologists and formulators strive to be objective, unbiased and honest. Niacinamide helps to improve skin barrier functions and trap moisture that can reduce the skin irritation caused by retinol. Topical niacinamide also inhibits the production of oil, which is a benefit to people dealing with acne. Retinol is essential to maintain your overall health. The 58 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Under $20, All the Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals to Score Before Midnight. It is also naturally produced in the body. 4. Sometimes, this barrier can break, courtesy alkaline-based products, harsh chemicals, dry climates and other factors. Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizers improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea. (10). Niacinamide and Vitamin C work well together to lighten pigmentation spots, treat inflammation and reduce dryness. All of the participants had at least two non-melanoma skin cancers within the previous five years and, therefore, were at a high risk for developing another skin cancer. What Is The Difference Between Niacinamide And Niacin? Tea tree oil: What can it do for your patients. Well, noif every cellular process in our bodies could be perfected with vitamin supplements, we wouldnt need antibiotics or radiation therapy. Accessibility Many of these essential reactions cant occur at all without NAD+, which your cells cant make without niacinamide.1. Amin suggests a concentration of 5% to see any anti-aging or hyperpigmentation improvement. Your skin has a protective barrier that prevents water loss and external aggressors from entering. Niacin can be used to treat heart diseases or high cholesterol levels, where as niacinamide may play no role in treating these conditions. Niacinamides anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive treatment for skin conditions marked by inflammation, like acne. On the other hand, nicotinic acid causes vasodilation and redness, making it less desirable as a topical ingredient. Pilot, multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled bilateral comparative study of a combination of calcipotriene and nicotinamide for treatment of psoriasis. The benefits of coconut, argan, tea tree and more. If youre looking for a moisturizer with niacinamide, you may want to check out CeraVe PM Face Moisturizer ($16), and Dr. Zampella also recommends The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum ($6). It also improves skin elasticity. You can use niacinamide in your skin-care routine on a long-term basis, specifically if youre using it for anti-aging concerns, Dr. Amin says. The pill does not take the place of sunscreen use and regular skin checkups by dermatologists for people at high risk, Dr Damian noted. Niacinamide, which is also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) found in supplements, skin-care products, and food. When using niacinamide as a supplement, combining it with zinc, folic acid, and copper will make it work better in treating acne. Niacinamide and Vitamin C have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work well to lighten your skin and address a variety of other skin issues. Fifty percent of the combined group achieved total or nearly total clearing by week 12, while only 25% of those treated with 1.4% niacinamide alone and 31.5% treated with calcipotriene alone showed a response. However, niacinamide is more frequently studied in combination with other topical medications, not on its own, which makes it difficult to know how effective it might be by itself. Niacinamide readily penetrates the stratum corneum and has a favorable tolerability profile, as it does not cause cutaneous irritation or flushing commonly seen with nicotinic acid. But is there any science behind those claims?
The present study included 386 patients aged 30 to 91 years who had 2 nonmelanoma skin cancers over the past 5 years, and were therefore deemed high-risk. Niacinamide boosts cellular turnover to expose new skin cells on the surface of your skin. Effective inhibition of melanosome transfer to keratinocytes by lectins and niacinamide is reversible. Niacinamide creams or gels can be used at night before you sleep. But is topical niacinamide helpful too? The synthetic form of niacinamide is useful in the making of moisturizers, serums, and skincare products. So, there is some evidence that oral niacinamide can be helpful for skin health in this specific situation. While theres no current research specifically on niacinamides effectiveness in general on melanin-rich skin, its likely that it would be able to reduce sun damage and dark spots because of its ability to reduce melanin production, Dr. Amin says.Another split-face study, this one published in 2011 in Dermatology Research and Practice, found that a topical 4% niacinamide treatment was effective for treating melasma over eight weeks in 27 participants. Oral niacinamide reduces the onset of actinic keratosis, indicating that this vitamin may be helpful in reducing more terminal forms of photoaging including skin cancer formation.
All rights reserved. Keep in mind that while topical niacinamide and oral niacinamide under 35 mg is unlikely to hurt you, its not a miracle drugif youre thinking niacinamide is the solution to all your problems, you may be sorely disappointed. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. In addition to topical preparations, oral niacinamide supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation associated with mild to moderate rosacea and acne, particularly when oral antibiotics arent an option.7 But according to both Dr. Zampella and Dr. Ferris, the key words here are mild to moderate. They advise that severe cases usually call for stronger medications like retinoid treatments or systemic steroids in the case of acne, not vitamins. Present in most of the effective skincare products, Niacinamide has gained so much popularity because it can be used to treat almost every skin issue and is suitable for all skin types. Research on the benefits of niacinamide to your skin is still in its early stages, but topical niacinamide contains properties that help treat some skin conditions like acne and eczema. Vitamin B3 derivatives provide numerous anti-aging benefits. (1). By giving your body niacinamide, the theory is that it allows you to make more NAD+, John G. Zampella, MD, assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman department of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. The element is also non-irritating compared to most other acne treatments on the market. Long-term usage increases the pace of cell turnover and paves the way for new skin cells. If you decide to take an oral niacinamide supplement because you are at high risk for certain skin cancers or are deficient in vitamin B3, you should cap your dose at 35 mg daily, Dr. Amin says. It is found in foods like yeast, fish, milk, eggs, grains and vegetables. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Perspectives on Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma, Innovations in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis, Perspectives on Generalized Pustular Psoriasis, Examinations of Dupilumab Efficacy Across Various Patient Types and Anatomic Areas in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis, Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners. The patients were checked by a dermatologist every 3 months and suspicious lesions were biopsied. It can be used in formulations, at concentrations up to 5%, with a very low incidence of irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties in this nutrient make it an ideal treatment for skin inflammation.. ), but the increasingly popular skin-care ingredient is actually just a form of vitamin B3. This might happen when you apply around sensitive areas, like your eyes, but, again, your skin should build up a tolerance to using niacinamide over time. The Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B3 Are: Niacinamide is a powerhouse in itself. These patients were typical of the warts-and-all type of patients we see in the clinic, Dr Damian said. The numbers in the parentheses are clickable links to research By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Unexplained Hepatitis in Kids: Nearly 200 Cases Reported, Tuberculosis Outbreak Being Called the Worst in 20 Years, Climate Change May Drive Spread of Viruses, How Walmart Is Rethinking Health (Medscape video), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Health Benefits of Niacinamide to Your Skin. and transmitted securely. Careers. (4). Niacinamide is the most well studied form of topical B3 and is generally regarded as the most efficacious. In treating melasma, which are patches of discoloration, for example, 4% hydroquinone was found more effective than 4% niacinamide. While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about four weeks. Researchers observed the reaction of the nutrients in 386 patients for 12 months. You may notice some changes instantly. The study focused on people who had experienced skin cancer beforenot the general public. In one study in the International Journal of Dermatology, a topical mixture of 4% of the nutrient was as effective as 1% clindamycin in acne treatment. All rights reserved. For skin-care concerns, topical application has more of a direct effect on skin appearance and is safer than oral supplements, Dr. Amin says. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Saud A, et al. The patients were randomized to oral nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily or to placebo for 12 months. This doesnt mean that two niacinamide capsules a day (which is what participants took in the study) will stave off skin cancer forever, though. The investigators emphasized that these results were achieved in individuals who previously had skin cancer and were thus at high risk for new skin cancers. Cosmeceuticals contain three primary forms of vitamin B3 including niacinamide, nicotinic acid and nicotinate esters. 9. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) or vitamin B3 is a water-soluble amide of nicotinic acid historically referred to as vitamin PP for its ability to prevent pellagra. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Vitamin C is naturally present in the skin in abundance. Topical niacinamide in high concentrations can result in skin irritation and redness. or other antioxidants, like vitamin C, will probably do more for you than niacinamide if hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or wrinkles are your primary concerns. (If it doesnt, or you have any questions about what kind of side effects youre experiencing, definitely check in with your derm to make sure you dont end up with something more serious.). It makes for an attractive treatment option for people with sensitive or dry skin. government site. If you're considering using niacinamide to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots, its best to combine it with other ingredients.
Exp Dermatol 2005;14(7):498-508. (Eds,) Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2nd edn. They help restore cellular energy of the skin's cells and repair damaged DNA. Topical niacinamide repairs the broken barrier and prevents moisture loss, keeping the skin soft and hydrated. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, The Best Eye Creams, Straight from Dermatologists, This Moisturizer is Packed with Antiaging Ingredients, The Best Antioxidants for Your Skin, According to Dermatologists. The investigators are from Australia, which has extremely high rates of sun-induced skin cancers. Note: No matter what your skin type is, it is always better to conduct a patch test before applying the product to your face. The new PMC design is here! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights.