Niacin amide (Vitamin B3) is reputed to increase the ability of epidermis to retain moisture. Studies have shown that Niacin amide when applied topically over a period of six days, increased skin smoothness and moisture and reduced skin dryness and fine lines and wrinkles. In lab studies, Niacin-amide when applied to mouse skin, led to a 70% reduction in incidence of UV-induced skin cancer.
In one clinical investigation, subjects with hyper pigmentation, after a 4 week application of topical niacin-amide, computer analysis indicated a marked decrease in hyper pigmentation along with increased skin color lightness. Topical Niacin amide has been shown beneficial in the treatment of popular and postural acne. It surpassed efficacy shown by antibiotics such as Clinician. Niacinamide has no side effects unlike antibiotics.