Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B3
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or niacinamide, has scientific support for its use in improving skin health, particularly in managing dry and flaky skin. Niacinamide is a well-studied form of vitamin B3 commonly used in dermatology and skincare formulations. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of niacinamide can enhance the skin's barrier function by increasing the synthesis of ceramides and other lipids in the stratum corneum, which helps the skin retain moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or flaky skin.

Randomized controlled trials and in vitro studies have demonstrated that niacinamide can improve skin hydration, decrease inflammation, and reduce symptoms of conditions such as atopic dermatitis and xerosis (abnormal dryness of the skin). Oral supplementation with vitamin B3 is also effective in preventing and treating pellagra, a disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, where skin involvement includes dryness and scaling.

Overall, the evidence base supporting vitamin B3 (especially niacinamide) for dry and flaky skin is robust, with multiple clinical studies and decades of dermatological use. However, while the evidence for topical niacinamide is strong, efficacy may vary depending on the cause of the dryness and the formulation used.

More about Vitamin B3
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Products containing Vitamin B3

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