Vitamin B for Skin Health

Vitamin B is made up of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3 or B4), panthenol (B5), pyridoxine (B6), bioin (B8 or vitamin H), folate (B9), and cobalimin (B12). B vitamins have been show to help promote healthy skin, hair and nails. All are water soluble. Vitamin B3 and B5 are the most common found in skin care products so that's what "B" the focus for this article. :)

B3 has been recognized for its anti-aging potential. Vitamin B3 and B5 is being increasingly used in a number of acne treatments, where its wound healing properties has made it an important ingredient.

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is the biologically active form of niacin. B3 increases the rate of skin exfoliation and increases moisture barrier repair. Niacinamide helps rosacea patients with increased skin barrier function to reduce skin irritants. Studies have shown it to be useful in increasing synthesis of collagen and lipids while decreasing inflammation. “Already, topical 4% niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of papular and pustular acne in a 4% gel, as well as the improvement of skin cancer and its anti-tumor characteristics”1.  Another study shows that Niacinamide use "revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical niacinamide: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved." 2

Vitamin B5 (panthenol) reduces water loss through the skin by acting as a penetrating moisturizer. Here's a bonus! Panthenol can help protect the skin against sunburn AND relieve an existing sunburn! Studies show the Panthenol penetrates the skin and converts to Pantothenic Acid. Pantothenic Acid allows for permeation of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, so that all the goodness reaches the dermis where the elastin and collagen fibers are.

Turns out Vitamin B3 and B5 is pretty good stuff in skin care products:
☞   Reductions in fine lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmented spots
☞   Dry skin stays supple and elastic longer
☞   Anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect
☞   Stimulates skin regeneration
☞   Small wounds, scratches, sunburn and blisters heal better
☞   Combine with other ingredients for relief from eczema, psoriasis, skin inflammation and skin allergies.

1 Dr. Draelos, American Academy of Dermatology.
2 Bissett Donald L., PhD, The Procter & Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Michael Lamb
ToBetterSkin.com