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). But this study didn't prove that taking two niacinamide capsules daily will definitively prevent skin cancer. It is also naturally produced in the body. 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. What Is The Difference Between Niacinamide And Niacin? The site is secure. The results at the end of the study period showed that cancer cases in the participants reduced by 23%. Ask your dermatologist about oral niacinamide if you have had multiple non-melanoma skin cancers before. As the aging population continues to grow, basal- and squamous-cell carcinomas will become even more common than they currently are. Topical niacinamide also inhibits the production of oil, which is a benefit to people dealing with acne. Niacinamide inhibits protein glycation effectively reducing deposition of cross-linked collagen and elastin molecules in the skin. 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. For individual skin issues, apply niacinamide cream/lotion in concentrations recommended by your doctor. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. 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. Niacin is another form of Vitamin B3. In the United States, skin cancer accounts for approximately $4.8 million annually. 10. Clinically it reduces pore size and improves skin texture. Surjana D, Halliday GM, Maartin AJ, et al. 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. In treating melasma, which are patches of discoloration, for example, 4% hydroquinone was found more effective than 4% niacinamide. And burning, redness, skin irritation, and itching are skin reactions that sometimes occur with topical application, he adds. 4. Both Dr. Zampella and Laura Ferris, MD, PhD, associate professor in the department of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, told SELF they frequently suggest oral niacinamide to their patients with a high risk for non-melanoma skin cancers, and cited this study as the reason why. It is found in foods like yeast, fish, milk, eggs, grains and vegetables. Researchers observed the reaction of the nutrients in 386 patients for 12 months. 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. Effective inhibition of melanosome transfer to keratinocytes by lectins and niacinamide is reversible. 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. Vitamin B3 in general is found in a variety of dietary sources, including poultry, legumes, and eggs. The pill does not take the place of sunscreen use and regular skin checkups by dermatologists for people at high risk, Dr Damian noted. 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. Dr Damian said that the patient mix reflected those seen in a typical skin cancer clinic. Niacin can be used to treat heart diseases or high cholesterol levels, where as niacinamide may play no role in treating these conditions. Niacinamide is also used in various skin lightening creams and serums. Barrier compromise is common in aging skin and can contribute to heightened sensitivity and irritation by allowing external insults easier entry into the skin. (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.). 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. Oral nicotinamide reduces actinic keratosis in phase II double-blinded randomized controlled trials. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Thank you for your feedback on this article. (10). Nicotinamide reduced the rates of new basal-cell cancer and squamous-cell cancer diagnoses by 23% compared with placebo (P = .02). Draelos ZD, ERtel KD, Berge CA. Results showed that during the study, there were 23% fewer new cases of skin cancer in the group that received niacinamide (336 cancers) compared to those who got the placebo (463 cancers).3. 8. First described for its dermatological symptoms by Gaspar Casal in Spain, Pellagra is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia and can be seen in children with malabsorption, adolescents with anorexia nervosa or in patients with chronic alcoholism. Topical niacinamide provides skin aging appearance benefits while enancing barrier function. How Long Does It Take For Niacinamide To Show Results? Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Greatens A, et al. 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. In: Elsner P, Maibach HI. We found NuFace, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl's, Paulas Choice, and more. An official website of the United States government. 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. (3). Int Fed Soc Cosmet Chem Mag 2002;5:285-289. The other one is nicotinic acid. And it doesnt tell us anything about using niacinamide to help prevent melanoma skin cancers (and the research we do have suggests its more helpful for preventing squamous cell carcinoma).4 But if youve had multiple non-melanoma skin cancers in your life, you should ask your dermatologist about oral niacinamide. Long-term usage increases the pace of cell turnover and paves the way for new skin cells. The components of niacinamide are restorative. The .gov means its official. Niacinamide is the most well studied form of topical B3 and is generally regarded as the most efficacious. This is welcome news. It is well known for its skin lightening properties by acting as both a tyrosinase inhibitor and preventing the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes, a property that is most remarkable at higher concentrations. The numbers in the parentheses are clickable links to research If you don't see any results within a few months, consult with your skincare specialist. 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. Skinkraft uses cookies or similar technologies to offer you a better experience and analyze insights into user behaviour. 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. 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. Learn more It is recommended to use niacinamide in concentrations of 5% or less. or other antioxidants, like vitamin C, will probably do more for you than niacinamide if hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or wrinkles are your primary concerns. 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. 2022 Cond Nast. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029679, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17147561, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28681504, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28321860, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16871774, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12558633, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022354915336042?via%3Dihub, Acne Diet: 9 Foods That Cause Pimples(Plus Foods That Clear Them). In general, youre safe with topical niacinamide, no matter what skin type you have, according to Dr. Amin. 1. The Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B3 Are: Niacinamide is a powerhouse in itself. Niacinamide creams or gels can be used at night before you sleep. The benefits of coconut, argan, tea tree and more. Ungerstedt JS, Blomback M, Soderstom T. Nicotinamide is a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokines. If you arent quite sure what niacinamide is or what its doing in your moisturizer, youre not alone. 6. 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. The study focused on people who had experienced skin cancer beforenot the general public. (4). On the other hand, nicotinic acid causes vasodilation and redness, making it less desirable as a topical ingredient. Accessibility This is because it works by helping the skin build proteins and lock moisture to prevent the damaging effects of external factors. Niacinamide, which is also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) found in supplements, skin-care products, and food. 2022 MJH Life Sciences , Dermatology Times and Multimedia Medical, LLC. This form of prevention is safe and inexpensive, costing around $10 per month, and it is widely available. It is a common fear that these two ingredients used together can cancel each others chemical functions out. Nicotinamide has been used in combination with tetracycline for treating bullous pemphigoid. Scientists theorize that niacinamide may be effective in skin-care products because its a precursor to two super-important co-enzymes within your cells: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Nicotinamide also reduced the risk for developing actinic keratosis, a common precancer of the skin. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Learn more. Niacinamide and Vitamin C work well together to lighten pigmentation spots, treat inflammation and reduce dryness. Brightening ingredients like kojic acid that comes from mushrooms and is also a byproduct of fermented rice is a good option. Limited evidence also shows that topical niacinamide works to repair the function of the outer protective skin layer. All rights reserved. A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. Can Niacinamide Be Combined With Vitamin C? Both of these molecules are central to the chemical reactions that your cellsincluding skin cellsneed to repair damage, reproduce, and function normally. While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about four weeks. The participants in the study had a history of skin cancer, but the nutrient's effects on the general public are not known yet. But is topical niacinamide helpful too? 8600 Rockville Pike All the participants had non-melanoma skin cancers within the past five years. Why Is Niacinamide Important For Your Skin? There isnt a prescription version of topical niacinamide, but your dermatologist may be able to add it to topical prescriptions in a process called compounding. (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.) Matts PJ, Oblong JE, Bissett DL. (Eds,) Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2nd edn. 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. The synthetic form of niacinamide is useful in the making of moisturizers, serums, and skincare products. It can be used in formulations, at concentrations up to 5%, with a very low incidence of irritation. 2022 MJH Life Sciences and Dermatology Times and Multimedia Medical, LLC. The patients were randomized to oral nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily or to placebo for 12 months. 7. Be sure not to take niacinamide supplements without your doctors advice. In severe cases of the condition, systemic steroids or retinoids may be better treatment options, not vitamins. J Inves Dermatol 2012;132:1497-1500. Before Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizers improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea. However, it is important to know how to use it and at what concentrations.