Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is an essential nutrient belonging to the group B3 vitamin (niacin). It is often confused with its precursor nicotinic acid (or niacin), which is a low-cost, evidence-based oral treatment option for actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and bullous pemphigoid (1). Niacin can be also transformed into niacinamide in our body.

Deficiency of vitamin B3 leads to a condition called Pellagra, a disease characterised by inflamed skin, diarrhea, dementia, and sores in the mouth (2). The treatment for this condition is… yep! You guessed it! Niacin or nicotinamide supplements. However, niacinamide is preferred over niacin as the former is way more tolerated, and the latter creates severe flushes and redness in the patient.

Despite the hype that it is receiving recently, Niacinamide is not new and it has been around in the medical field for a very long time. Specifically, it is particularly appreciated in the skincare industry for its proven anti-blemishes and rejuvenating effects, in fact, in multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentated spots and red blotchiness). (3)

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Niacinamide increases the biosynthesis of ceramides, which are the main component of the stratum corneum of the epidermis layer of human skin, creating a water-impermeable, protective organ to prevent excessive water loss due to evaporation as well as a barrier against the entry of microorganisms. Given a sufficient bioavailability, niacinamide has antipruritic, antimicrobial, vasoactive, photo-protective, sebostatic and lightening effects depending on its concentration. (4).

Niacinamide In Topical Application

In simpler words, niacinamde plays an important role in preserving and restoring the protective layer of our skin that has the function of both preventing offending microorganism penetrating it, and preventing water-loss from the skin. As such it helps soothing itching, killing dangerous micro-organisms, fights acne, protects us from the sun, regulates the sebum production of our skin, treats and prevents skin cancer and it lightens discolourations caused by melasma and/or inflammation. For the desired results, the niacinamide strength that you want to use is 5%-10%.

Niacin In Food

Since niacin is an essential nutrient that our body needs in order to function properly, it is essential that we eat niacin-rich foods:

Liver, chicken breast, tuna, turkey, salmon, anchovies, pork, ground beef, peanuts, avocado, brown rice, whole meat, mushrooms, green peas, and potatoes.(5)(6)(7)

Conclusion

Yes! Niacinamide is indeed worth the hype. It’s benefits in skin care have been well proven and documented across the medical literature, and it’s commonly used to treat skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, skin cancer, eczema and psoriasis at a concentration of 5%-10%.

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References:

1 Reed H., Aaron W., (2020). Nicotinamide: An Update and Review of Safety & Differences from Niacin. Skin Therapy Letter. STL Volume 25 Number 5.

2 Ngan, Vanessa (2003). “Pellagra”. DermNet New Zealand.

3 Donald L.B., et al. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery. Jul;31(7 Pt 2):860-5; discussion 865. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732.

4 Wohlrab J., Kreft D., (2014). Niacinamide – mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin pharmacology Physiology. 27(6):311-5. doi: 10.1159/000359974.

5 Jian R., et al. (2002). Nut and peanut butter consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. JAMA. 2002 Nov 27;288(20):2554-60. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.20.2554.

6 Joris P.J., Mensink R.P., (2016). Role of cisMonounsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease. Current Artherosclerosis Report. 2016; 18: 38.

7 Kirkland J.B., Meyer-Ficca M., (2018). Advances in food and nutrition research. ;83:83-149. doi: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.11.003.