Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide, known as Vitamin B3, plays a pivotal role in supporting overall skin health. It reinforces the skin's natural barrier, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and defend against environmental stressors. This fortification helps in maintaining optimal hydration levels and protects against external aggressors. With its anti-inflammatory properties, Niacinamide soothes and calms irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation. 

Benefits:

  • Ceramide and Lipid Barrier Enhancement: Niacinamide plays a pivotal role in boosting the synthesis of ceramides and essential lipids in the skin. This reinforcement strengthens the skin's natural barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and enhancing its ability to retain moisture.

  • Regulation of Cellular Energy Production: Acting as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), Niacinamide aids in cellular metabolism, supporting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. This energy optimization is crucial for various cellular functions, including repair and regeneration.

  • Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects: Niacinamide exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and mitigating the activity of inflammatory enzymes like COX and LOX. Additionally, it modulates immune responses, potentially alleviating skin conditions associated with inflammation.

  • Melanin Regulation and Pigmentation: Studies suggest that Niacinamide regulates melanosome transfer and reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This action contributes to its efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone.

  • Collagen Synthesis and Antioxidative Benefits: By stimulating collagen and elastin production, Niacinamide helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidative capacity aids in neutralizing free radicals, offering protection against oxidative stress and photoaging.

Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/

https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/survivorship/complementary-therapies/niacinamide/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6824628/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7950568/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20061726/