Vitamin B3 - Niacinamide Dry skin is something that most people have experienced at some point in their lives. Dry skin can be minimal with a slight lack of moisture and feeling of tightness, but, left untreated, can progress to cracking and splitting of the skin with redness and irritation. The most common treatment for dry skin is moisturizer. Moisturizer can be effective in treating dry skin, but some can be too light and not make much of an impact and others can be very greasy and have an unpleasant feeling on the skin. The key to treating dry skin properly is using the right moisturizer with the most beneficial active ingredients. Recent studies have shown that niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is highly effective in treating dry skin. A Topical Vitamin B3 Niacinamide cream will improve the barrier function of the skin and allows the skin to rebuild, which helps to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
According the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dry skin is characterized by, “rough, scaly, or flaking skin, itching, gray, ashy skin in people with dark skin, and cracks in the skin, which may bleed if severe.” Dry skin is also known as xerosis. In addition to dry skin being uncomfortable, the AAD goes on the state that, “When dry skin cracks, germs can get in through the skin. Once inside, germs can cause an infection. Red, sore spots on the skin may be an early sign of an infection.” Since the skin acts a barrier between our internal organs and our external environment, it is very important to make sure that barrier is functioning properly. Cracks or fissures in the skin are like missing bricks in a brick wall and reduce the skin’s ability to protect us from external assault. Treating dry skin is the key to maintaining the skin’s barrier function and preventing the entry of unwanted germs that can lead to infection.
There are many external factors that can exacerbate dry skin. Some external factors that can increase dryness in the skin are extreme heat, extreme cold, low humidity, perfumed or harsh soaps, and many household cleaning products. Avoiding these external factors can minimize irritation. Wearing gloves when coming in contact with potential irritants can be very helpful, as well.
Using a moisturizer can also be an effective way to reduce dry skin. However, some moisturizers lack staying power and feel like they need to be reapplied repeatedly throughout the day to offer any benefit. Other moisturizers, like petrolatum or heavy oils, can feel greasy and unpleasant and make it difficult to use the hands to do everyday tasks.
Fortunately, new studies are finding that niacinamide is an extremely effective ingredient for the treatment and prevention of dry skin. A recent article in the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology” titled, “Two Randomized, Controlled, Comparative Studies of the Stratum Corneum Integrity Benefits of Two Cosmetic Niacinamide/Glycerin Body Moisturizers vs. Conventional body Moisturizers” stated that, “After evaluation in two 35-day clinical studies, the two niacinamide /glycerin formulas demonstrated an overall better solution towards rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis due to their improvement of the stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and other moisturizers tested.” The article continued on, adding that, “the niacinamdie /glycerin formula #1 was three times faster at improving skin hydration compared to the heavy mineral oil formula.” This finding is very exciting because it underscores the fact that not only does niacinamide help to improve the barrier function and reduce dryness, but it also works better than a heavy oil-based formulation.
Other studies have echoed the assertions that niacinamide helps reduce dry skin. An article called “Influence of niacinamide containing formulations on the molecular and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum” in the “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” reports on a study that found, “In comparison, the vehicle with 5% niacinamide resulted in significantly lower TEWL values compared with the values obtained from the sites treated with the vehicle alone.” TEWL, or trans epidermal water loss, means that water moisture is lost through the layers of the skin, instead of staying in the deeper layers of the skin and keeping the skin hydrated. Since niacinamide usage results in lower levels of water loss, the skin is able to retain more hydration and is, therefore, less dry.
Dry skin is a condition that affects many people, especially during the cold winter months. Reducing exposure to extreme weather, irritating soaps and household cleaners can aid in avoiding dry skin. Some moisturizers can also be helpful, but may not have the key ingredients necessary to effectively treat dry skin. Fortunately, innovative new studies have found that vitamin B3, or niacinamide, is able to moisturize, reduce water loss, and maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Articles cited:
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, January 2012, volume 11, Issue 1, “Two Randomized, Controlled, Comparative Studies of the Stratum Corneum Integrity Benefits of Two Cosmetic Niacinamide/Glycerin Body Moisturizers vs. Conventional Body Moisturizers” by Jeremy C. Christman MS, Deborah K. Fix BS MBA, Sawanna C. Lucus BS, Debrah Watson BS, Emma Desmier BS, Rolanda J. Johnson Wilkerson PhD, Charles Fixler MD
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2012, “Influence of niacinamide containing formulations on the molecular and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum” by D. Mohammed, J.M. Crowther, P.J. Matts, J. Hadgraft, M.E. Lane
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