Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin

Abstract

Nicotinic acid (also generally known as niacin) and niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) are similarly effective as a vitamin because they can be converted into each other within the organism. The blanket term vitamin B(3) is used for both. Niacinamide is a component of important coenzymes involved in hydrogen transfer. Here, the two codehydrogenases, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are of central importance. Topical application of niacinamide has a stabilizing effect on epidermal barrier function, seen as a reduction in transepidermal water loss and an improvement in the moisture content of the horny layer. Niacinamide leads to an increase in protein synthesis (e.g. keratin), has a stimulating effect on ceramide synthesis, speeds up the differentiation of keratinocytes, and raises intracellular NADP levels. In ageing skin, topical application of niacinamide improves the surface structure, smoothes out wrinkles and inhibits photocarcinogenesis. It is possible to demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects in acne, rosacea and nitrogen mustard-induced irritation. Because of its verifiable beneficial effects, niacinamide would be a suitable component in cosmetic products for use in disorders of epidermal barrier function, for ageing skin, for improving pigmentary disorders and for use on skin prone to acne.

Evaluation of Sebostatic Activity of Juniperus communis Fruit Oil and Pelargonium graveolens Oil Compared to Niacinamide

“…Vitamin B3 is used in the treatment of various skin diseases because it regulates moisture, exfoliates the skin, and eliminates inflammation. Niacinamide reduces the excessive production of sebum and reduces the size of the pores of the skin [11][12][13].…”

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Niacinamide for Acne Vulgaris

“…Niasin' in fizyolojik aktif formudur. Akne vulgaris tedavisinde kullan›m› sebum yap›m›n› bask›lamas›na ve antiinflamatuvar özelliklerine dayanmaktad›r 6 . Draelos ve ark.lar›n›n ça-l›flmas›nda Japon hastalarda %2 niasinamid içeren preparat uygulanan çal›flma grubunda, plasebo uygulanan gruba gö-re ikinci ve dördüncü haftalarda sebum ekskresyon h›z›nda düflme saptanm›flt›r 7 .…”

Electronic transport properties of ascorbic acid and nicotinamide adsorbed on single-walled carbon nanotubes

“…In the same view, nicotinamide, also labeled vitamin B3 (VTB), has medical and cosmetic applications, as in ageing skin, acne and pigmentary disorders. As vitamin C, it has many biochemical functions, such as working in the nervous system, blood circulation, protein synthesis, schizophrenia treatment and other mental diseases [15,16]. However, one of the major hurdles in developing topical vitamin preparations is insuring stability.…”