Topical vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Topical vitamin B3 (i.e. applied directly to the skin as a cream) has been shown to reduce many of the visible signs of sun damage and ageing as well as enhancing wound healing. It is inexpensive and readily available in moisturisers and as a stand-alone product.

Health benefits of topical vitamin B3

Repair of sun-damaged and ageing skin

Vitamin B3 cream or serum, also known as niacinamide or nicotinamide, is one of the most effective topical cosmetic products. It has been shown in multiple trials to improve visible signs of sun-damaged and ageing skin in many ways:

• Pigmentation¹.
• Lentigines, also called “age spots”².
• Wrinkles^3,4.
• Red blotchiness².
• Yellowing².
• Elasticity^2,4.
• Increased production of keratin, strengthening of the skin’s lipid barrier, reduction of dry skin^4,5.

Enhanced wound healing

Topical vitamin B3 has been shown in an experimental setting to improve skin healing after excision procedures.

Skin cancer prevention

Vitamin B3 has been shown to enhance DNA repair and reduce UV-induced immune suppression in human skin cells⁶. Topical vitamin B3 has been shown to reduce solar keratoses, which in turn is likely to reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma⁷.

People prone to side effects from oral vitamin B3 should consider topical niacinamide as an effective alternative with the additional benefit of improving skin appearance.

Other benefits

Topical vitamin B3 is sometimes used in the treatment of rosacea, dermatitis and acne.

Using topical vitamin B3

Topical vitamin B3 is easily absorbed into the skin, and unlike some other topical skin repair treatments, it rarely causes any side effects or skin irritation⁵.

It should be applied to the skin daily and can be used in combination with other skin treatments, moisturiser and sunscreen. A convenient way of applying vitamin B3 daily is to mix a small amount of concentrated (10% niacinamide) serum with sunscreen before applying it to the face, neck, chest and hands.

“A convenient way of applying vitamin B3 daily is to mix a small amount of concentrated (10% niacinamide) serum with sunscreen before applying it to the face, neck, chest and hands.”

Results will take several months to become apparent.

Availability

Nicotinamide is available in many skin preparations for topical use, including Solarcare vitamin B3 moisturiser and serum (available for purchase in our clinic). For people with sun-damaged skin and a history of BCC, SCC or solar keratoses, we recommend Propaira SPF50+ sunscreen, which contains nicotinamide.

References

1. Kimball A, Kacsvinsky J, Robinson L et al. Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after use of moisturizers with a combination of topical niacinamide and N‐acetyl glucosamine: results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial British Journal of Dermatology. 3 January 2010
2. Bissett D L, Oblong J E, Berge, C A. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery. 21 March 2006.
3. Fu J, Hillebrand P, Raleigh P et al. A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0·02% tretinoin product regimen British Journal of Dermatology. (Online) 15 February 2010
4. Spada F, Lui A, Barnes T. Use of formulations for sensitive skin improves the visible signs of aging, including wrinkle size and elasticity Clinical. Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, volume 12, pages 415-425
5. Farris P. The anti-aging effects of niacinamide. DermatologyTimes. 14 Oct 2015.
6. Damian DL, Patterson CR, Stapelberg M, Park J, Barnetson RS, Halliday GM. UV radiation-induced immunosuppression is greater in men and prevented by topical nicotinamide. J Invest Dermatol. 2008 Feb;128(2):447-54. 
7. Ranaweeera A, Oakey A. Nicotinamide. DermNet NZ 2018.