Vitamin B3 for Clear Skin?
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential member of the B-family of vitamins for maintaining clear and healthy skin. However, B3’s use in combating acne is different from simply taking extra supplements as you would with other B vitamins. In fact, extra care should be taken when considering vitamin B3 supplementation in higher-than-normal doses, as it’s much easier to overdose on, resulting in a negative skin reaction known as niacin flush (reddish flushing of the skin, often accompanied by irritation). For acne care, the most helpful application of vitamin B3 is actually via a topical cream or gel.
In topical application, vitamin B3 is used in the form niacinamide (also called nicotinamide), and is typically present in a 4-5% concentration. A double-blind medical study published in 1995 compared a 4% niacinamide gel with the popular acne treatment drug clindamycin. After a period of 8 weeks, it was found that 82% of those using niacinamide experienced reduced acne, compared with only 68% of clindamycin users. Following the medical study, positive press has spread similar to vitamin B5, with topical vitamin B3 users sharing their success stories and spreading some hype over the internet.
With the success many have witnessed using vitamin B3 gel, as well as the strong medical evidence to support it, you would think niacinamide gel would be more popular. Part of the reason you probably haven’t heard of it is due to the FDA. A number of niacinamide sellers have had to take their products off the shelves due to the FDA apparently requiring it to be sold via prescription-only. Why this is remains unclear, since niacinamide is a natural vitamin, not a drug (nor is it any more dangerous than many drugs currently sold OTC). However, there are still some sellers out there where you can obtain it without a prescription.
If you are in the market for a topical acne treatment (such as those in the small percent who simply don’t respond to B5 treatment), topical vitamin B3 may definitely be worth considering. If you can’t find it without a prescription, ask your dermatologist about 4% niacinamide gel and he/she should be able to help you out.
