Niacinamide - Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology

Abstract

Niacinamide, an amide of vitamin B₃ (niacin), is a hydrophilic endogenous substance. Its effects after epicutaneous application have long been described in the literature. Given a sufficient bioavailability, niacinamide has antipruritic, antimicrobial, vasoactive, photo-protective, sebostatic and lightening effects depending on its concentration. Within a complex metabolic system niacinamide controls the NFκB-mediated transcription of signalling molecules by inhibiting the nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Niacinamide is a well-tolerated and safe substance often used in cosmetics. Clinical data for its therapeutic use in various dermatoses can increasingly be found in the literature. Although the existing data are not sufficient for a scientifically founded evaluation, it can be stated that the use of niacinamide in galenic preparations for epicutaneous application offers most interesting prospects.

Effects of nanoparticles with hydrotropic nicotinamide on tacrolimus: permeability through psoriatic skin and antipsoriatic and antiproliferative activities

“…The existing preclinical data show that NIC has the potential for topical application in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry because of its barrier restoration, anti-inflammatory, and depigmenting effects. 41,42 Moreover, NIC has a therapeutic potential as an inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokines in inflammatory disease. 43 Activation of NF-κB is a very important factor in both lesional and nonlesional skin from patients with psoriasis.…”

Use of Redness Assessment in Melasma Lesions in Skin Whitening Evaluation

“…Niacinamide has a strong anti-inflammatory effect for acne which is a [17,18]. Among the symptoms, damaged stratum corneum barrier function caused by UV light exposure increased vascularity related to vasoactive amine and inflammation by melasma -all of which are involved with redness [17][18][19].…”

“…Niacinamide has a strong anti-inflammatory effect for acne which is a [17,18]. Among the symptoms, damaged stratum corneum barrier function caused by UV light exposure increased vascularity related to vasoactive amine and inflammation by melasma -all of which are involved with redness [17][18][19]. It also decreases redness by altering of vascular characteristics in melasma [5] or by improving of stratum corneum barrier function and hydration in rosacea [2,5,19].…”

Tacrolimus nanoparticles based on chitosan combined with nicotinamide: enhancing percutaneous delivery and treatment efficacy for atopic dermatitis and reducing dose

“…It has been reported to be an inhibitor of PARP-1 that controls NF-κB-mediated transcription and, therefore, regulates the expression of adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory mediators, and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-13, and TNF-α, that play key roles in the pathogenesis of AD. 45,46 In this study, FK506-NIC-CS-NPs were prepared for the first time by using NIC to overcome the high hydrophobic property of FK506 and increase its loading into CS-NPs, and we hypothesize that FK506-NIC-CS-NPs can take advantage of both CS-NPs and NIC, including solubilizing FK506, enhancing percutaneous penetration of FK506, and synergizing FK506 for treating AD, thus finally reducing the FK506 dose to minimize adverse effects while maintaining its efficacy.…”