Introduction

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B₃, is one of the most scientifically researched and tested of all skincare ingredients. Because it is the skin’s main water-soluble anti-oxidant vitamin, it plays a critical role in protecting the skin against UV radiation damage. As UV radiation damage to skin collagen is one of the main causes of skin aging, Vitamin C plays an important role in countering this skin aging process. However, it plays other important roles in protecting, repairing and promoting healthy looking skin.

“In multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B₃) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide abroad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg., reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots and red blotchiness).”^​1​

Benefits for Your Skin

The many benefits Niacinamide plays in our skin’s protection and health were recently reviewed in a reputable academic journals and identified the following skincare benefits:

1. Skin Collagen Repair and Replacement

Niacinamide increases skin collagen synthesis which may contribute to observed reduction in appearance of skin wrinkles^​2​. Age-related reduction and UV-induced degradation of skin collagen are the main causes of skin aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines. Treatment with Niacinamide can repair DNA damage and may ameliorate signs of skin aging^​3​.

2. Niacinamide Skin Cancer Chemoprevention

Studies have shown that Niacinamide may be a cost-effective agent for cancer chemoprevention and therapy^​4​. It has been shown that niacinamide reduces UV radiation-induced suppression of skin immune responses, modulates inflammatory cytokine production and skin barrier function and restores cellular energy levels after UV exposure.^​3​ Clinical trials have shown that niacinamide reduces the development of new non-melanoma skin cancers in high-risk humans^​5​.

3. Antioxidant Protection and Skin Repair

Niacinamide protects skin cells against damage caused by environmental pollutants^​6​. It protects skin cell oils, DNA and proteins against environmental oxidative damage. Niacinamide also important plays a role in DNA repair, maintenance and stability and protection from carcinogenesis^​7​. Niacinamide also provides preferential protection from oxidative stress^​8​ and prevents photoaging and skin cancers in humans^​5​.

Because combined anti-oxidant treatments provides greater skin protection than single treatments, it is preferable to use skincare treatments containing anti-oxidant combinations.

4. Evens Skin Tone, Reduces Redness and Blotchiness

Niacinamide has proven ability to even skin tone, reduce skin “redness”, and reduce blotchiness^​1​. This ability to improve the overall tone, clarity and complexion of the skin makes niacinamide one of the most powerful and effective anti-aging skin vitamins.

5. Pigmentation and Discolouration Reduction

Over-production of skin melanin causes skin pigmentations such as melasma, dark spots and freckles because melanin is a natural skin darkening compound. The skin does this as a natural response to over-exposure to UV radiation and it acts to protect the skin from UV exposure. Niacinamide inhibits production of skin melanin leading to reduction in hyperpigmentation and discolourations^​9​.

Niacinamide has demonstrated ability to reduce fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, red blotchiness and skin yellowing (sallowness)^​9​.

6. Inhibits Sebum Production and Pore Size

Niacinamide inhibits sebum production and content in the skin^​2​. This may contribute to observed reduction in skin pore size and this improved skin texture.

7. Enhances Skin Barrier Structure and Function

Niacinamide increases epidermal production of skin barrier lipids (Ceramides) and skin barrier proteins^​2,3​.

8. Anti-inflammatory Action

Because Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory action^​2,5​ it is used by dermatologists to treat inflammatory conditions such as acne. Inflammation is known driver of carcinogenesis and niacinamide has been shown to modulate a range of inflammatory responses ^​3​.

9. Acne Treatment

The anti-inflammatory action and sebum reduction ability of niacinamide are likely to contribute to the anti-acne effects^​10​ on niacinamide.

10. Niacinamide as Skin Moisturiser

Studies have shown that as well as providing numerous skin benefits, Niacinamide is also a skin moisturiser that reduces transepidermal water loss^​5​.

11. Generally Regarded as Safe

Niacinamide has been extensively studied and is regarded as a safe, non-irritating skincare ingredient^​11​ .

Discussion

“In addition to previously observed benefits for topical niacinamide, additional effects were identified (improved appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing and improved elasticity).”^​1​

Niacinamide is an important multi-functional skincare ingredient that provides many skin benefits ranging from antiaging to acne treatment and pigmentation disorders. Because it has many scientifically proven skincare benefits, Niacinamide should be a necessary component of all antiaging and UV protecting skincare regimes. Niacinamide is not only proven safe for use as skincare ingredient, it is stable and easy to formulate.

References