Niacinamide and skin health

Main

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a coenzyme essential for cellular function and skin health. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including energy production and DNA repair. Niacinamide is found in many foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and green vegetables, and is also used as a dietary supplement and in skincare products.

In the body, particularly the skin, niacinamide:

• Supports energy production in cells

• Aids in DNA repair

• Regulates oil production

• Reduces inflammation

• Improves skin barrier function

• Helps even out skin tone

• Minimizes the appearance of pores

• May help prevent skin cancer

Niacinamide can be used orally as a supplement or applied topically in skincare products. For example, it's often added to moisturizers to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

While generally safe, excessive intake of niacinamide (above 900 mg daily) may cause side effects such as stomach upset and dizziness, but unlike niacin, it does not cause skin flushing. In rare cases, very high doses might increase the risk of liver problems or diabetes complications.

Terms

• Coenzyme: A non-protein compound that binds to an enzyme and is essential for its activity. Niacinamide acts as a coenzyme in various cellular processes.

• DNA repair: The process by which cells identify and correct damage to DNA molecules. Niacinamide supports this process, helping protect against UV damage.

• Inflammation: A protective response of body tissues to harmful stimuli. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin redness and irritation.

• Skin cancer: Abnormal growth of skin cells, typically caused by DNA damage. Niacinamide may help prevent certain types of skin cancer by supporting DNA repair.

• Vitamin: An organic compound required in small quantities for essential metabolic functions. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3.

Analogy

Niacinamide is like a skilled maintenance worker for your body's cells. Just as a maintenance worker keeps a building running smoothly by fixing various issues, niacinamide helps maintain cellular health by participating in numerous repair and energy-producing processes.

Misconception

Many people confuse niacinamide with niacin, another form of vitamin B3. While both are beneficial, they have different effects on the body. For instance, someone might avoid niacinamide supplements, fearing they'll experience the skin flushing associated with niacin, not realizing that niacinamide doesn't cause this side effect.

History

1. 1937: Niacinamide was first synthesized and identified as a form of vitamin B3

2. 1940s: Researchers discovered niacinamide's role in treating pellagra

3. 1970s: Scientists began exploring niacinamide's potential benefits for skin health

4. 2000s: Studies started investigating niacinamide's role in preventing skin cancer

5. 2015: A clinical trial showed that 500 mg of niacinamide taken twice daily could reduce the rate of new nonmelanoma skin cancers in high-risk individuals

How to use it

1. As a dietary supplement, an average person can take niacinamide orally to prevent vitamin B3 deficiency. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 14-16 mg per day. You can find niacinamide supplements in most pharmacies or health food stores.

2. For skincare, you can apply a niacinamide-containing serum or cream topically. For example, after cleansing your face in the morning, apply a pea-sized amount of a 5% niacinamide serum, followed by your regular moisturizer and sunscreen.

3. To potentially reduce the risk of skin cancer, individuals with sun-damaged skin might take oral niacinamide supplements as recommended by their dermatologist. A typical regimen might be 500 mg twice daily, but always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement routine.

Facts

• Niacinamide can reduce sebum production when applied topically, with studies showing reductions of up to 14% after 4 weeks of use, making it beneficial for oily skin.

• High-dose niacinamide (500 mg twice daily) reduced the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers by 23% in a clinical trial.

• Niacinamide has been shown to improve skin elasticity by up to 20% in some studies.

• Unlike niacin, niacinamide does not lower cholesterol levels or cause skin flushing.

• Niacinamide can increase ceramide and fatty acid levels in the skin by 50%, improving the skin barrier function.