At Sapelo Skin Care, we follow closely the latest scientific research about skin health, and we're sharing findings from a promising new study about vitamin B3 and skin cancer.
We've all been educated about the effects of UV radiation from the sun - the major cause of skin aging and skin cancer by not only damaging the DNA in the skin cells, but also, by suppressing our skin's immune defenses. Now, a new preventative strategy for healthy skin may be on the horizon.
Recently published research shows that a daily dose of vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide taken orally twice a day can dramatically reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma, as well as reduce the rate of new pre-cancers (actinic keratoses).
Here's the scoop on the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine:
In sun-drenched Australia, 396 patients with a recent history of at least two skin cancers were given oral tablets of either B3/nicotinamide or a placebo. All participants took their medications twice a day for one year and were evaluated by dermatologists every three months. At the end of the year, researchers found a 23% reduction in the incidence of skin cancer in the nicotinamide group versus placebo.
Twenty-three percent in one year is a massive and undeniable benefit. We are paying close attention to clinical trials of this vitamin supplement. If further data continues to validate its efficacy, B3/nicotinamide may be a vitamin you'll want to consider adding to your daily regimen.
At Sapelo, we already understand the important role niacinamide (commonly known as vitamin B3) plays in skin health. Studies show that skin care products infused with vitamin B3 increase micro-circulation, reduce stress and lighten/brighten skin. Our Renewing Serum and Spring Tide Serum both include niacinamide (B3) as well as other vital vitamins and micronutrients. (Of course, niacinamide in skin care products is not a substitute for oral vitamin supplements.)
Photograph by Kelli Boyd Photography
In the meantime, keep applying your sunscreen and wearing your hats! And at Sapelo Skin Care we'll continue staying abreast of advances in skin science and producing the very best in Modern Skin Care Inherited from the South.
To find out more about this study, please visit the New England Journal of Medicine, also, more at Spot Check Skin Cancer Clinic in Melbourne, AU.
