Niacinamide Health and Skin benefits
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Niacinamide is the amide form of niacin, known as B3 that has been used to treat diabetes and skin conditions. In general, people commonly take B3 supplements to avoid B3 deficiency. However, niacinamide could have a larger and longer lasting impact on health. Currently, scientists are doing more research on the possibilities of niacinamide as a treatment for cancer.
Additionally, according to Harvard Health, niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of freckles, scars, redness, and sun spots because it “helps to block extra pigment formation by inhibiting the transfer of melanin…between skin cells.” It is also known to help with anti-aging as it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne scars.
What does it treat?
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Hyperpigmentation
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Acne scars
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Sun spots
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Freckles
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Melasama
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Anti-inflammatory for acne
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Photoimmunopression
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Photocarcinogesis
Backed by Research
So far there are no known negative side effects of using topical niacinamide. The only known negative side effect of niacinamide is through oral intake according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
In the article titled “How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients,” in NIH, niacinamide shows significant amounts of skin permeability. In a study done where they tested niacinamide(4%) in combination with kinetin(3%) on Asian skin, “both products showed an improvement in hyperpigmentation, blotchiness, and hydration status.”
Melasma
According to Cleveland Clinic, melasma is a skin condition that is a relatively common skin condition among pregnant women that involves skin patches that are light brown, dark brown, or dark blue and gray. In a double-blind study conducted, niacinamide showed an improvement in 44% of patients. So how does niacinamide combat melasma? Niacinamide reduces “the mast cell infiltrate and showed improvement of solar elastosis in melasma skin.”
So why does LEMYKA use niacinamide?
LEMYKA uses niacinamide because of its natural skin barrier properties.
According to the National Health Institute, niacinamide“ may improve the skin barrier…by its ability to upregulate the synthesis of ceramides…[and] by stimulating keratinocyte differentiation.” Ceramides are “known to play a central role in the structural and functional integrity of the epidermal barrier function.”
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Resources:
Products containing Niacinamide
