Research presented today at EADV 's 29th Congress, EADV Interactive, indicates optimism that the form of vitamin B3 could shield the skin cells from ultraviolet (UV) exposure: the major risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancers.
In Italy, researchers removed cells (human primary keratinocytes) from the skin of non-melanoma skin cancer patients. These cells were treated for 18, 24, and 48 hours with three separate nicotinamide (NAM) concentrations, a form of vitamin B3, and subsequently exposed to UVB.
Results indicate that 24 hours before UV irradiation, pre-treatment with 25μM of NAM shielded the skin cells from the effects of UV-induced oxidative stress, including DNA damage. NAM increased DNA repair, evidenced by decreased DNA repair enzyme OGG1 expression. In addition, by showing reduced nitric oxide (NO) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased iNOS protein expression, it reduced antioxidant expression and blocked local inflammation.
"Our study indicates that increasing the consumption of vitamin B3, which is readily available in the daily diet, will protect the skin from some of the effects of UV exposure, potentially reducing the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers," said Lara Camillo, a research student from the Dermatological Unit of AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy. "However, the protective effect of vitamin B3 is short-acting, so it should be consumed no later than 24 to 48 hours before sun exposure."
The most prominent malignancies in the Caucasian population are non-melanoma skin cancers, and the prevalence is growing worldwide. The key risk factor is UV exposure, which destroys DNA, increases ROS production, stimulates local inflammation, and depletes cellular energy, contributing to genomic instability and cell death.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of nicotinamide make it an attractive therapy for skin conditions marked by inflammation, such as acne. In reality, in two double-blind studies - one published in 2013 and the other published in 1995 both in the International Journal of Dermatology - the topical preparation of 4 percent mild acne-treated niacinamide and 1 percent clindamycin (a topical antibiotic widely recommended for acne patients) was administered twice daily for eight weeks.
Other evidence shows that topical nicotinamide of 2 percent can also inhibit oil production, which may be useful for people living with acne. Plus, we spoke to both dermatologists to suggest that compared to other acne remedies, niacinamide is surprisingly non-irritating, making it a particularly appealing choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Many foods, including meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and grains, are abundant in niacin, especially nicotinamide.
