Oral Vitamin B3 and Sun-Damaged Skin: What Current Research Shows

Clinically reviewed by Dr Madgalene (Peggy) Dubert – FRACGP 
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
AHPRA: MED0000987224 

According to the Cancer Council Australia, one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin from sun damage is to make sun safety part of your daily routine – Slip on protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses. It’s also important to get to know your skin and what’s normal for you. If you notice any new spots, changes in existing moles, or sores that don’t heal, it’s essential to consult a doctor promptly.⁴

While these protective measures remain the foundation of skin health, researchers continue to investigate factors that may influence skin health and the effects of sun exposure. One area of interest is oral Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) which has been studied for its potential role in skin health and cellular repair processes.

What is oral vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)?

Vitamin B3, in its nicotinamide (niacinamide) form, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in cellular energy production and DNA repair.¹

Nicotinamide is a precursor to NAD+ ²(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and a range of biological processes.

Unlike topical niacinamide (used in skincare), oral Vitamin B3 is absorbed through the digestive system and distributed throughout the body.

The research into oral vitamin B3 and sun-damaged skin

Chronic sun exposure can lead to⁴:

• DNA mutations in skin cells
• Premature skin ageing (photoaging)
• Pigmentation changes
• Precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses)
• Increased risk of some skin cancers

Researchers have investigated whether oral nicotinamide may influence some of these processes at a cellular level, with clinical studies focused on participants with a history of sun damage.⁵

May help support repair of UV-induced DNA damage

One are of research has explored whether oral Vitamin B3 may influence DNA repair processes following UV exposure.

• Studies suggest nicotinamide may increase energy availability in skin cells, supporting DNA repair processes after UV damage⁶
• Studies also examined its effects on UV‑induced DNA lesions, including cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers⁷

This mechanism is particularly relevant within the context of long-term sun exposure, where accumulated DNA damage is associated with skin ageing and and increased risk of some cancers.

Clinical trials in high-risk populations

One of the strongest pieces of evidence comes from a Phase 3 randomised controlled trial led by Australian researchers.

• In this study, participants taking 500mg of oral nicotinamide twice daily experienced a 23% reduction in new non‑melanoma skin cancers over 12 months⁸
• The same study also reported fewer precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) over time

Further systematic reviews have generally been consistent with these results in high-risk individuals.⁹

As a result, nicotinamide remains one of the most extensively researched oral supplements in relation to skin health and sun damaged skin.

The effects of nicotinamide on actinic keratoses (precancerous sun damage)

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches caused by cumulative sun exposure and are considered precursors to skin cancer.

• Randomised controlled trials have reported reductions in AK counts up to 35% among participants taking oral over several months¹⁰
• Longer-term studies suggest it may also influence the progression of these lesions¹¹

These findings have contributed to ongoing interest in the potential role of nicotinamide in people with significant sun damage.

Key takeaways

Does oral vitamin B3 help sun-damaged skin?

Research has explored the role of oral nicotinamide in supporting DNA repair processes and influencing certain markers of sun-damaged skin. Some studies in high-risk individuals have reported positive findings, although results may not apply to everyone.

How does it work?

Nicotinamide is a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. Researchers believe these mechanisms may contribute to its effects on sun-damaged skin.

Who has been studied in the research?

Much of the research on oral nicotinamide has been conducted in people with significant sun damage or a history of non-melanoma skin cancer. Further research is continuing to explore its role in broader populations.

Final thoughts

Oral vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) has emerged as an ongoing area of research in relation to sun-damaged skin. While it should never replace sunscreen or regular skin checks, studies suggest it may have a role alongside established sun protection measures, particularly in individuals with significant sun damage. As with any supplement, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting.

Book an appointment online to speak with a doctor today.

References

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915624/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468501121000055
3. https://dermaprotocol.org/supplements/nicotinamide/
4. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart
5. Carcinogenesis (Oxford Academic) – Nicotinamide enhances repair of UV-induced DNA damage
   https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/34/5/1144/2463125
6. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/23349012
7. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0117491
8. https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa1506197
9. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/12034754221078201
10. https://galenicumderma.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2_Queratosis-Actinica.pdf
11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11673244/