Niacinamide SOS (save our skin): Why we love this awesome vitamin...

Niacinamide, aka Vitamin B3 (or its active equivalent, Nicotinic acid) is a literal powerhouse, and one of our most highly esteemed ingredients, offering a myriad of skin benefits as well as general health benefits. It is an essential component of all living cells, necessary for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, but most importantly for energy production, owing to its role as precursor to electron-chain energy transporter NAD+.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies over the last few decades have revealed it’s multitude of skin benefits such as brightening the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and soothing properties, as well as enhancing the skin’s barrier and rebalancing microbiota. Due to its versatility and ability to help with a near exhaustive list of skin concerns, as well as the wealth of scientific evidence supporting it’s clinical efficacy, it should come as no surprise that Niacinamide is a popular choice in the cosmetic field.

Gift that keeps on giving. Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin:
Niacinamide continues to be the subject of ongoing extensive research, with novel advantages and revelations regarding its mechanism of action being consistently unveiled. Below some of the major benefits of Niacinamide are outlined, as well as some intriguing new findings.

Niacinamide in topical preparations has been demonstrated in several in-vivo investigations to diminish hyperpigmentation and promote skin tone uniformity. A study involving Asian women revealed a 73% reduction in pigmented area following an 8-week application of a 5% Niacinamide moisturiser. Similarly, a study involving Hispanic women illustrated comparable outcomes in pigmentation mitigation between a 4% Niacinamide formulation and a 4% hydroquinone formulation after an 8-week period, with decreased melanin levels observed in skin biopsies subsequent to Niacinamide application.

•  Improves skin texture, making it smoother and more even.
• Helps balance skin microbiota, particularly in rosacea and acne prone skin.
• Hydrates the skin by improving the skin's barrier function, leading to better hydration.
• Reduces inflammation via it’s anti-inflammatory action, making it effective in reducing redness and irritation.
• Minimizes pores giving the skin a more refined look.
• Brightens the skin and improves overall radiance.
• Reduces hyperpigmentation and helps fade dark spots resulting in a more even skin tone.
• Protects against environmental damage owing to it’s antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.
• Boosts collagen production and aids in improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Soothes sensitive and reactive skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
• Regulates oil production making it beneficial for those with oily or combination skin types.

Overall, Niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine, and we use it in many of our formulations, including our Plumping Cream, Firming Eye Cream and Brightening Facial Serum. Whether you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, aging concerns, or just want to improve your skin's overall health, we think Niacinamide can help you!

References

1. Gehring, W (2004) Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide and the Skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 3:88-93

2. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2005) Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Niacinamide and Niacin. Int J Toxicol 24:1-31.

3. Matts, PJ et al. (2002) A Review of the Range of Effects of Niacinamide in Human Skin. IFSCC Magazine 5:285-289.

4. Mi, T. et al. (2018). Niacinamide and 12-hydroxystearic acid prevented benzo(a)pyrene and squalene peroxides induced hyperpigmentation in skin equivalent. Exp Dermatol 28:742-746

5. Hakozaki, T et al. (2002) The Effect of Niacinamide on Reducing Cutaneous Pigmentation and Suppression of Melanosome Transfer. Brit J Dermatol 147:20-31.

6. Navarrete-Solis, J et al. (2011) A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacina-

mide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatol Res Pract 2011: 379173

7. Bissett, DL et al. (2003) Topical Niacinamide Provides Skin Aging Appearance Benefits while Enhancing Barrier Function. J Clin Dermatol 32S:9-18.

8.Tanno, O et al. (2000) Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol 143:524-531.

9. Mathapathi, MS et al. (2017) Niacinamide Leave-on Formulation Provides Long lasting Protection Against Bacteria In Vivo. Exp Dermatol 26:827-829.

10. Khodaeiani, E et al. (2013) Topical 4% Nicotinamide vs. 1% Clindamycin in Moderate

Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 52:999-1004.

11. Draelos, ZD et al. (2006) The Effect of 2% Niacinamide on Facial Sebum Production. J Cosmet Laser Ther 8:96-100.