Research

Research Summary Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, niacin) deficiency causes the systemic disease pellagra, which leads to dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and possibly death depending on its severity and duration. Vitamin B3 is used in the synthesis of the NAD+ family of coenzymes, contributing to cellular energy metabolism and defense systems. Although nicotinamide (niacinamide) is primarily used as a nutritional supplement for vitamin B3, its pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical uses have been extensively explored. In this review, we discuss the biological activities and cosmeceutical properties of nicotinamide in consideration of its metabolic pathways. Supplementation of nicotinamide restores the cellular NAD+ pool and mitochondrial...

Research Summary Antiaging skin care represents a large segment of the cosmetic products market. Such products typically claim to contain the ultimate "miracle in a jar," that is, a unique active molecule that maintains the youthful aspect of the skin by promoting cellular activity in the epidermis and the dermis. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such miracle antiaging compound; the best current approach is to combine antiaging natural antioxidants acting in synergy. "Synergy" means that the global effects of these combined natural antioxidants will be greater than the sum of each one's specific effects. In...

Research Summary Natural plant oils are commonly used as topical therapy worldwide. They are usually easily accessible and relatively inexpensive options for skin care. Many natural oils possess specific compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch properties, making them attractive alternative and complementary treatments for xerotic and inflammatory dermatoses associated with skin-barrier disruption. Unique characteristics of various oils are important when considering their use for topical skin care. Differing ratios of essential fatty acids are major determinants of the barrier repair benefits of natural oils. Oils with a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio have better barrier repair potential,...

Research Summary In recent years, interest in the health effects of natural antioxidants has increased due to their safety and applicability in cosmetic formulation. Nevertheless, the efficacy of natural antioxidants in vivo is less documented than their prooxidant properties in vivo. Plant extracts rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds can induce oxidative damage by reacting with various biomolecules while also providing antioxidant properties. Because the biological activities of natural antioxidants differ, their effectiveness for slowing the aging process remains unclear. This review article focuses on the use of natural antioxidants in skincare, the possible mechanisms underlying their desired effect,...