Vitamin K and B-3 beneficial for the skin

Vitamin K and vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, have long been known to have non-skin-related health benefits, but recent studies have shown that both vitamins have dermatological applications.

“Vitamins continue to rearrange themselves to play an important role in the health of the body,” says Dr. David Smith, Principal Investigator at SkinWhite Research Labs. “New studies have shown that vitamin K and niacin are beneficial for the skin, in particularly for problems related to pigmentation and dry skin.

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and studies have shown that it maintains strong bones in the elderly. However, dermatologists have recently discovered that vitamin K is successful in treating dark circles and bruises on the face.

A recent study included two groups, one applying an under-eye cream containing sunscreen and the other applying an under-eye cream containing a combination of vitamin K and retinol. An examination of the color under the eyes at the beginning of the study and at the end found significant lightening in the group that used the combination of vitamin K and retinol.

Vitamin K has also recently been studied for its effects in reducing bruising after certain dermatological procedures. Those patients who applied vitamin K after the procedure noted a significant reduction in the severity of bruising.

A niacin derivative, nicotinamide, has been shown to improve the epidermis’ ability to retain moisture. In a recent study, topical nicotinamide was applied to the skin for six days. After the study, all patients reported softer, smoother skin, less dryness and flaking, and a reduction in lines.

“The skin benefits after nicotinamide application may be helpful for patients with atopic dermatitis, who often experience dry, irritated skin when the disease worsens,” suggests Dr. Smith. “This could be another promising treatment for aging skin, which often becomes dry and flaky as we age.”

Niacinamide, another derivative, has also been shown to be an effective skin lightening agent, especially for skin conditions where hyperpigmentation may occur on the face or other visible part of the body. Patients with hyperpigmentation were computer-analyzed and most patients experienced decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin luminosity.

Topical niacinamide has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for acne, rosacea, and any blister-type conditions. Recent studies have also pointed out that niacin and its derivatives have chemopreventive effects. When applied to mouse skin, topical nicotinamide produced a 70 percent decrease in ultraviolet-induced skin cancer.