Niacinamide

* A soluble form of Vitamin B

* Please read our article on Niacinamide: Is It the B All of Anti-Aging?

* Please read our article on Sensitive Oily Skin? Try Vitamin B

* Please read our article on Niacin and the Nia24 Range

Functions:

Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that suppresses melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further UV damage. Too much melanin (which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for both its color the skin’s absorption of UV rays) can result in age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation. According to a study done by Proctor and Gamble, data revealed that 5% Niacinamide applied to the face for 12 weeks resulted in reductions of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.

"Topical application of Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis" according to the British Journal of Dermatology in 2000.

Niacinamide serves as a precursor of NADH and NADPH, which are co-enzymes essential for numerous metabolic pathways and play a key role in metabolism of glucose, cellular energy production, and synthesis of lipids. The levels of these co-enzymes decrease with age, and topical Niacinamide appears to reverse the decline. Niacinamide is also shown to have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Niacinamide is also used to treat acne, and in an 8 week study in which patients were treated with a 4% concentration Niacinamide gel, 82% of patients treated with Niacinamide were considered improved. There were no side effects. The research suggested that anti-inflammatory activity of Niacinamide may have contributed to its effect on acne (Source). In a similar rosacea study, 24 out of 36 patients showed improvement.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

The EWG finds Niacinamide to be only 66% safe for use in cosmetics and beauty products, although it is CIR and FDA approved for use. Russian and Japanese studies, primarily in the late 1980s and early 1990s on mice found it to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and caused genetic mutations.

Recommended products with vitamin B3 Niacinamide:

Your Best Face Define ($70 in the shop), a lip cream; Osmosis retinol serum Correct ($46 in the shop) Osmosis Replenish ($44 in the shop), one of the few serums to feature the antioxidant astaxanthin; ReLuma Eye Cream ($76 in the shop). Arcona Night Breeze’s elegantly simple formula has niacinamide as well as the intriguing fumaric acid; Osmotics Lighten FX Serious Brightening Solution ($62 in the shop); Stemulation Boost Cream ($75 in the shop); in the shop); Taun Facial Repair Formula ($79 in the shop); Lather 10-Minute Brightening Mask ($28 for 4oz in the shop); Your Best Face Hydrate B ($45 in the shop); Your Best Face Balance  ($45 in the shop); Your Best Face Boost ($65 in the shop); Your Best Face Prep ($80 in the shop); Your Best Face Restore ($120 in the shop)