In What Ways Niacin Benefits For Skin?

What is niacin

Niacin also to be known as vitamin B3 is one of the eight B vitamin nutrient components created and used by the body. It helps in converting food to energy, cholesterol, and fat. This vitamin contributes as an antioxidant to the creation and repair of DNA cells. 

How it works

Niacin’s main function is to synthesize coenzymes 

NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)

These enzymes are involved in multiple biochemical reactions in the body such as the conversion of food to energy and also mainly contribute to the cell metabolism process. 

Niacin (vitamin B-3) deficiency

Niacin deficiency occurs when the body is not getting a sufficient amount of the vitamin or is not able to absorb them properly. This has drastic effects on the skin along with improper functions of some body parts like kidneys and brain cells.

Major symptoms related to skin

• Redness in tongue
• Dark scaly skin when exposed to the sun
• Itching and flaky skin peeling
• Pellagra -the severe condition of skin inflammation and damage, when not treated properly can lead to death.

Benefits of niacinamide

Firm skin

Keratin named protein produced by niacin helps in maintaining the firmness of the skin.

Inflammation

Niacinamide prevents and treats the inflammation conditions like redness, acne, and itching.

Moisturizer

Niacinamide produces a lipid ceramide barrier which helps in retaining the moisture of the skin.

Apart from moisturizing, it can regulate the oil balance.

Breakouts

Sebum production is under control while using niacinamide products, resulting in the prevention of breakouts in the skin.

Minimizes pores

The visibility of pores gets reduced in due course of time using niacin. Reduces wrinkle formation and is good for the skin.

Hyperpigmentation

The excess production of collagen while using niacin treatment lightens the dark spots in the skin.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens containing niacinamide help in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays responsible for wrinkles and aging.

Niacin vitamin B-3 found in natural food

There are some good resources of niacin found in natural food like fish, beans, eggs, milk, green vegetables, chicken breasts, baked potato, turkey breasts, and roasted peanuts.

Niacin deficiency treatment

FDA approves the usage of niacinamide supplements. Excess dosage can cause liver damage when taken orally. When used in an external form on the skin, some may encounter redness and itchiness. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or a dermatologist before trying any of both supplements or beauty products containing niacinamide.

Niacin benefits side effects

Despite the enormous ways niacin benefits for skin, it is alarming to use it without a doctor’s or dermatologist’s concern. Niacin product consumption can result in stomach upset, diarrhea, liver problems, stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal issues, muscle damage, glucose level disturbed. It is advisable to go for niacin with a prescription from professional medical assistance.