Vitamin B for Skin

Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, has garnered significant attention in dermatological research for its potential benefits to skin health. Its therapeutic properties have been the subject of numerous scientific investigations, reflecting growing interest in this essential nutrient's impact on various aspects of skin function. These studies explore how Vitamin B3 may provide beneficial therapeutic approaches for skin conditions ranging from aging and pigmentation to cancer prevention.

Protocols Studied in Research

[1] Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. (Cited by: 42) (PMID: 16029679)

• Protocol: A double-blind, left-right randomized clinical study with 50 female subjects with facial photoaging, determining the effect of topical niacinamide on wrinkles, yellowing, and elasticity.
• Outcome: Topical niacinamide significantly improved the appearance of aging facial skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing), and also improved skin elasticity.

[2] A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. (Cited by: 207) (PMID: 26488693)

• Protocol: A phase 3, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with 386 participants with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, investigating oral nicotinamide (500 mg twice daily) compared to placebo over a 12-month intervention period.
• Outcome: Oral nicotinamide was safe and effective in reducing the rates of new nonmelanoma skin cancers by 23% and actinic keratoses by up to 20% in high-risk patients compared to placebo, with no significant adverse events.

[3] Topical niacinamide (Nicotinamide) treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): A prospective pilot study. (Cited by: 1) (PMID: 36683259)

• Protocol: A prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial with 60 subjects evaluating topical niacinamide (2% and 4%) in cream and gel formulations for treating discoid lupus erythematosus skin and scalp lesions, with a placebo control group.
• Outcome: Topical niacinamide offered good cosmetic results and minimal side effects as adjuvant therapy for DLE, with the 4% concentration showing superior response but higher incidence of irritation compared to the 2% preparation.

[4] Correlation of changes in HIF-1alpha and p53 expressions with vitamin B3 deficiency in skin cancer patients. (Cited by: 0) (PMID: 29064206)

• Protocol: A clinical trial with 20 non-melanoma skin cancer patients divided into experimental and placebo groups, investigating the correlation between vitamin B3 deficiency and HIF-1alpha and p53 expression, with tissue samples analyzed before and after treatment with oral vitamin B3 (500 mg daily).
• Outcome: Vitamin B3 supplementation led to a significant decrease in HIF-1alpha and p53 markers, suggesting a protective effect for skin cancer patients, with vitamin B3 deficiency positively correlated with increased expression of these markers.

[5] Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them. (Cited by: 25) (PMID: 32478879)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study with 33 female volunteers assessing visible changes in skin pigmentation after repeated blue light irradiation and evaluating the efficacy of active ingredients including niacinamide in reducing this pigmentation.
• Outcome: Both a microalgal product and niacinamide (vitamin B3) were found to mitigate blue light-induced hyperpigmentation and skin reddening, with blue light irradiation causing significant changes in skin chromophores and visible hyperpigmentation.

[6] Oral nicotinamide protects against ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression in humans. (Cited by: 42) (PMID: 19028705)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blinded, crossover study investigating the effect of oral nicotinamide on UV-induced immunosuppression in humans using the Mantoux model of skin immunity, with healthy volunteers receiving either oral nicotinamide or placebo for one week.
• Outcome: Oral nicotinamide at doses of 1500 or 500 mg daily was well tolerated and significantly reduced UV-induced immunosuppression in the skin without affecting unirradiated areas.

[7] The influence of age and gender on niacin skin test results - implications for the use as a biochemical marker in schizophrenia. (Cited by: 11) (PMID: 15380405)

• Protocol: A study with 117 subjects investigating the influence of age and gender on skin response to niacin stimulation using optical reflection spectroscopy to assess skin reactions at different niacin concentrations.
• Outcome: Males showed a weaker flush response than females, with higher rates of non-responders in men, and age negatively correlated with niacin sensitivity in both sexes, indicating that age and gender significantly influence niacin sensitivity.

[8] Topical nicotinamide modulates cellular energy metabolism and provides broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression in humans. (Cited by: 11) (PMID: 19804594)

• Protocol: A series of randomized, double-blinded studies investigating the effects and mechanisms of topical nicotinamide on UV-induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity responses in humans, with volunteers exposed to different UV wavebands and receiving either nicotinamide or vehicle.
• Outcome: Topical nicotinamide protected against UV-induced immunosuppression caused by UVB, longwave UVA, and simulated UV, increased enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism and p53, showing promise as an agent for skin cancer prevention.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

The evidence strongly supports Vitamin B3 (niacinamide/nicotinamide) as having significant positive outcomes for various dermatological applications. Multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials demonstrate consistent therapeutic benefits across diverse skin conditions and preventive applications, establishing it as one of the most well-researched vitamins in dermatology.

The clinical evidence encompasses eight well-designed studies with rigorous methodologies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled designs and crossover studies. The most compelling evidence comes from large-scale trials, particularly the phase 3 study (PMID 26488693) involving 386 participants that demonstrated a 23% reduction in new nonmelanoma skin cancers and up to 20% reduction in actinic keratoses with oral nicotinamide supplementation.

Vitamin B3 demonstrates broad benefits for skin health, including anti-aging effects (reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation), photoprotection against UV-induced damage, cancer chemoprevention, and treatment of specific conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus. The research consistently highlights its efficacy in enhancing DNA repair, reducing oxidative stress, mitigating UV-induced immunosuppression, and improving skin barrier function.

The evidence shows that Vitamin B3's mechanisms of action are multifaceted, attributed to its role in restoring NAD+ pools, regulating key enzymes involved in DNA repair and inflammation, and providing cellular energy repletion. Studies demonstrate effectiveness in both topical and oral formulations, with generally excellent safety profiles and minimal adverse events across diverse populations.

Research indicates that chronic intake is necessary for sustained benefits, as effects diminish rapidly upon cessation. The studies show age and gender can influence niacin sensitivity, with males showing weaker responses and age negatively correlating with sensitivity. Various concentrations and formulations have been studied, with higher concentrations sometimes showing superior results but increased potential for irritation.

The evidence establishes Vitamin B3 as a safe, cost-effective, and highly promising agent for diverse dermatological applications, from photoprotection and anti-aging to cancer chemoprevention. While the research base is robust, continued investigation into optimal dosing protocols, long-term effects, and standardization of formulations would further enhance its therapeutic profile.

Publications

[1] Madaan P; Sikka P; Malik DS (2021). Cosmeceutical Aptitudes of Niacinamide: A Review Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery 16 (3) :196-208. (PMID: 34844552)

[2] Boo YC (2021). Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) 10 (8). (PMID: 34439563)

[3] Algarin YA; Pulumati A; Jaalouk D; Tan J; Nouri K (2024). The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea Archives of dermatological research. 316 (5) :142. (PMID: 38695936)

[4] Ong RR; Goh CF (2024). Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence Drug delivery and translational research 14 (12) :3512-3548. (PMID: 38722460)

[5] Snaidr VA; Damian DL; Halliday GM (2019). Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety Experimental dermatology 28 Suppl 1 :15-22. (PMID: 30698874)

[6] Nikas IP; Paschou SA; Ryu HS (2020). The Role of Nicotinamide in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy Biomolecules 10 (3). (PMID: 32245130)

[7] Bissett DL; Oblong JE; Berge CA (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] 31 (7 Pt 2) :860-5; discussion 865. (PMID: 16029679)

[8] Rolfe HM (2014). A review of nicotinamide: treatment of skin diseases and potential side effects Journal of cosmetic dermatology 13 (4) :324-8. (PMID: 25399625)

[9] Chen AC; Martin AJ; Choy B; Fernandez-Penas P; Dalziell RA; McKenzie CA; Scolyer RA; Dhillon HM; Vardy JL; Kricker A; St George G; Chinniah N; Halliday GM; Damian DL (2015). A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention The New England journal of medicine 373 (17) :1618-26. (PMID: 26488693)

[10] Coerdt KM; Goggins CA; Khachemoune A (2021). Vitamins A, B, C, and D: A Short Review for the Dermatologist Alternative therapies in health and medicine 27 (4) :41-49. (PMID: 33245705)

[11] Lucock M; Jones P; Martin C; Yates Z; Veysey M; Furst J; Beckett E (2018). Photobiology of vitamins Nutrition reviews 76 (7) :512-525. (PMID: 29718444)

[12] Tosti G; Pepe F; Gnagnarella P; Silvestri F; Gaeta A; Queirolo P; Gandini S (2023). The Role of Nicotinamide as Chemo-Preventive Agent in NMSCs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Nutrients 16 (1). (PMID: 38201930)

[13] Chen AC; Damian DL (2014). Nicotinamide and the skin The Australasian journal of dermatology 55 (3) :169-75. (PMID: 24635573)

[14] Damian DL (2017). Nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention The Australasian journal of dermatology 58 (3) :174-180. (PMID: 28321860)

[15] Kirkland JB (2003). Niacin and carcinogenesis Nutrition and cancer 46 (2) :110-8. (PMID: 14690785)

[16] Radenkovic D; Reason; Verdin E (2020). Clinical Evidence for Targeting NAD Therapeutically Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) 13 (9). (PMID: 32942582)

[17] Damian DL (2010). Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology 9 (4) :578-85. (PMID: 20354654)

[18] Fania L; Mazzanti C; Campione E; Candi E; Abeni D; Dellambra E (2019). Role of Nicotinamide in Genomic Stability and Skin Cancer Chemoprevention International journal of molecular sciences 20 (23). (PMID: 31779194)

[19] Giacalone S; Spigariolo CB; Bortoluzzi P; Nazzaro G (2021). Oral nicotinamide: The role in skin cancer chemoprevention Dermatologic therapy 34 (3) :e14892. (PMID: 33595161)

[20] Camillo L; Zavattaro E; Savoia P (2025). Nicotinamide: A Multifaceted Molecule in Skin Health and Beyond Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) 61 (2). (PMID: 40005371)

[21] Kircik L; Tan J; Lain ET; Beleznay K; Chavda R; Lachmann N; Brinkhuizen T; Baldwin H; Layton AM (2025). One Acne: A holistic management approach to improve overall skin quality and treatment outcomes in acne with or without sensitive skin International journal of dermatology 64 (4) :637-646. (PMID: 39551973)

[22] Song SB; Park JS; Chung GJ; Lee IH; Hwang ES (2019). Diverse therapeutic efficacies and more diverse mechanisms of nicotinamide Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society 15 (10) :137. (PMID: 31587111)

[23] Nazarali S; Kuzel P (2017). Vitamin B Derivative (Nicotinamide)Appears to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk Skin therapy letter 22 (5) :1-4. (PMID: 28888216)

[24] Gueniche A; Valois A; Salomao Calixto L; Sanchez Hevia O; Labatut F; Kerob D; Nielsen M (2022). A dermocosmetic formulation containing Vichy volcanic mineralizing water, Vitreoscilla filiformis extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E regenerates and repairs acutely stressed skin Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV 36 Suppl 2 :26-34. (PMID: 34979590)

[25] Ikenouchi-Sugita A; Sugita K (2015). [Niacin deficiency and cutaneous immunity] Nihon Rinsho Men'eki Gakkai kaishi = Japanese journal of clinical immunology 38 (1) :37-44. (PMID: 25765687)

[26] Stege H; Krutmann J (2017). [New approaches for the prevention of actinic keratosis] Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete 68 (5) :354-358. (PMID: 28444443)

[27] Heppt M; von Braunmuhl T; Berking C (2016). [What is new in basal cell carcinoma?] Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete 67 (11) :876-883. (PMID: 27654826)

[28] Nouh AH; Elshahid AR; Kadah AS; Zeyada YA (2023). Topical niacinamide (Nicotinamide) treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): A prospective pilot study Journal of cosmetic dermatology 22 (5) :1647-1657. (PMID: 36683259)

[29] Liu T; Yang H; Mou Y; Zhang H (2019). Correlation of changes in HIF-1alpha and p53 expressions with vitamin B3 deficiency in skin cancer patients Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia 154 (5) :513-518. (PMID: 29064206)

[30] Campiche R; Curpen SJ; Lutchmanen-Kolanthan V; Gougeon S; Cherel M; Laurent G; Gempeler M; Schuetz R (2020). Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them International journal of cosmetic science 42 (4) :399-406. (PMID: 32478879)

[31] Yiasemides E; Sivapirabu G; Halliday GM; Park J; Damian DL (2009). Oral nicotinamide protects against ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression in humans Carcinogenesis 30 (1) :101-5. (PMID: 19028705)

[32] Smesny S; Rosburg T; Klemm S; Riemann S; Baur K; Rudolph N; Grunwald S; Sauer H (2004). The influence of age and gender on niacin skin test results - implications for the use as a biochemical marker in schizophrenia Journal of psychiatric research 38 (5) :537-43. (PMID: 15380405)

[33] Sivapirabu G; Yiasemides E; Halliday GM; Park J; Damian DL (2009). Topical nicotinamide modulates cellular energy metabolism and provides broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression in humans The British journal of dermatology 161 (6) :1357-64. (PMID: 19804594)