Niacinamide or nicotinamide, It is a type of vitamin B3. It is found in many foods including meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables and grains., Taking it can help prevent B-3 deficiency and may treat acne and eczema.
Niacinamide is required for the function of fats and sugars in the body and for maintaining healthy cells. Niacin turns into niacinamide when taken in larger amounts than the body needs. Unlike niacin, Niacinamide does not help treat high cholesterol.
Benefits of Niacinamide: (1) (2)
in general, Niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.
- Niacinamide helps build keratin, It is a type of protein that keeps the skin strong and healthy.
- Niacinamide can help the skin develop a ceramide (lipid) barrier, Which can in turn help retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, Especially in cases of eczema.
- Niacinamide reduces inflammation, Which may help relieve redness caused by eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Keeping your skin soft and hydrated may have a secondary benefit, It is a natural decrease in pore size over time.
- Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands and prevent the glands from becoming overactive.
- Niacinamide can rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by UV rays.
- It treats hyperpigmentation, as some research has found that niacinamide concentrations of 5 percent can be useful in lightening dark spots.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protects against oxidative stress, Niacinamide helps build skin cells while also protecting them from environmental stresses. Such as sunlight, pollution and toxins.
- Treats acne., Especially inflammatory forms such as papules and pustules and improves skin texture.
- Prescription niacinamide products are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of pellagra (a disease caused by niacin deficiency). It is sometimes preferred over niacin because it does not cause facial redness. It is a side effect of niacin treatment.
- Taking niacinamide orally may help slow the progression of type 1 diabetes
- Taking niacinamide orally helps reduce phosphate levels. (Hyperphosphatemia in patients who require dialysis due to kidney failure).
- Taking niacinamide orally helps prevent skin cancer.
- Taking niacinamide orally improves joint flexibility and reduces pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis.
Niacinamide can be used in conjunction with other active ingredients for best results.
for example, Some reports suggest that niacinamide supplements may work well with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne. Also, using it with hyaluronic acid increases its absorption.
side effects: (1) (2)
- Topical niacinamide is generally considered safe to use.
- People with pre-existing allergies may be more likely to develop allergic reactions. This is because niacinamide can cause your body to release histamine.
- Extensive allergic reactions and product sensitivity can be avoided by performing a test on a small area of the body such as the forearm.
Interactions with medications: (2)
- Niacinamide may decrease how quickly the body breaks down carbamazepine
- Taking niacinamide with medications that also slow blood clotting may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Niacinamide may decrease how quickly the body breaks down primidone.
Prepared by: Dalal Idris
References:
