Research Summary
Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide, 3-pyridinecarboxamide) is the physiologically active form of niacin or vitamin B3, the deficiency of which results in the nutritional disease pellagra with distinct cutaneous manifestations. Since its discovery and isolation, a host of dermatological therapeutic benefits and mechanisms have also been ascribed to this essential water-soluble vitamin when used as a topical agent.
These include its apparent role as an anti-acne active, an up-regulator of epidermal sphingolipid synthesis, and an up-regulator of markers of epidermal differentiation and dermal proliferation, with concurrent stratum corneum barrier benefits. Niacinamide also acts as a moderator of photoimmunesuppression and accompanying tumor genesis. More recently, fresh evidence points to a role in modifying the cosmetic appearance of skin through suppression of epidermal melanosome transfer, which has a subsequent effect on skin pigmentation, and in modifying epidermal surface topography.
The mechanisms for these cutaneous effects are still unclear. However, since niacinamide is an important precursor of NADH and NADPH, it has been postulated that topical application of niacinamide can promote this broad spectrum of activity through local correction of the homeostatic balance of these two nucleotide coenzymes.
As there has been a dramatic increase in research into and use of niacinamide in recent years, this review will cover the current scope of knowledge of this important vitamin, including mechanistic understanding and cutaneous physiological activity.
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