Vitamin B3 – What’s the hype?

We have known for a while now that UV radiation from sun exposure plays a big role in the development of skin cancers.

It does this by damaging the DNA in skin cells, and also by suppressing our skins immune defences.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) acts on your skin in a few ways.

• It increases production of the skins natural ceramides in the stratum corneum layer of the skin. This helps lubricate the skin and also prevent the skin from moisture loss.
• It assists in regulating oil glands and minimises inflammation (which is very helpful for acne sufferers.)
• It prevents melanin transfer from melanocyte to keratinocyte. This can cause a significant decrease in sunspots and hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide in skin conditions:

Acne:

Clinically, it has been proven to be as effective as topical antibiotics in treating moderate acne. This is thought to be likely to to its anti-inflammatory properties, and also the decreased sebum production

Rosacea:

Rosacea commonly causes facial redness, dryness and increased skin sensitivity. Niacinamide improves the skins natural barriers, which in turn leads to less sensitivity to cleansers and make-up in rosacea sufferers.

Anti-ageing:

In multiple clinical studies, topical B3 has shown to improve fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness and skin yellowing. It has also been shown to improve skin elasticity.

Niacinamide also increases the skins production of ceramides. These act as natural emollients which keep the skin naturally hydrated.

What about skin cancers?

A landmark study was recently done at Sydney University on 386 people who were at high risk of developing skin cancers. All participants had a history of skin cancer, increasing their risk of further skin cancers. Over 12 months, high dose vitamin B3 reduced the incidence of new non-melanoma skin cancers by 23% and cut the incidence of pre-cancerous sun spots by around 15%.

Whilst there is no direct evidence that oral B3 will decrease the risk of skin cancer in people that are not high risk, there certainly may be a benefit. (Further trials are being carried out).

What should this all mean to me?

Effective dose, high quality topical B3 should be part of everyones skin care regime – many over-the-counter serums contain low dose B3,  so may be ineffective. It is worth coming in to discuss options with us.

For those with high risk of skin cancer, we would consider adding high dose oral B3 supplementation. (Please discuss with us prior to taking it yourself).

Non-melanocytic skin cancers (predominantly BCCs and SCCs) affect greater than half of the Australian population. Everyone should be having regular skin checks to identify any lesions, and to establish a regime to decrease risk going forward.

– Dr Jess

Due to the lifting of some restrictions, we are excited to say that Dr Belinda Tosi and Dr Jess Wilson are now able to re-open our cosmetic services. You can book in through our website or by calling reception. .