by: Naweko San-Joyz


Vitamin B is no small time player in the high stakes game of the
beauty. Just take the case of pellagra for example. Pellagra is a
life threatening skin disease characterized by dementia, diarrhea,
and dermatitis that results from a niacin (B vitamin) deficiency. In
the early 20th century in the United States pellagra plagued
thousands of people in the South and Midwest. The condition was
thought to be contagious until investigators discovered the
underlying nutritional deficiency.

Even today, the importance of vitamin B is cultivating new roles in
the world of beauty. Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD forecasts
topical vitamin B and its multiple derivatives as key ingredients in
future anti-aging products. For example, one derivative of the B
vitamin niacin, nicotinamide, has been shown to improve the ability
of the epidermis, the upper-most layer of the skin, to retain
moisture. One study reports that topical nicotinamide, when applied
to the skin for six days reveals softer, smoother skin with less
dryness and flakiness, and a reduction of fine lines. Even more
promising is its anti-cancer influences. For instance, when applied
to mouse skin, topical nicotinamide produced a 70 percent decrease
in ultraviolet-induced skin cancer.

Niacinamide, another byproduct of vitamin B, serves as an effective
skin-lightening agent. In one clinical investigation, patients with
hyperpigmentation applied a moisturizer containing five percent
niacinamide. Four weeks later, computer analysis of the
hyperpigmentation and skin color revealed a decrease in
hyperpigmentation along with an increase in skin lightness. Topical
niacinamide also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which makes
it a potential treatment for acne, rosacea and any blistering-type
disease.

Dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, clinical associate professor of
dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine,
Winston-Salem, N.C. is confident that praise for the therapeutic
effects of niacinamide will continue to rise. Dr. Draelos hails,
"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".

Dr. Baumann cautions that the many versions of one vitamin can be
confusing and recommends speaking with your dermatologist to ensure
you are selecting the right vitamin product for your skin care
needs.

While it’s comforting to place a host of cosmetic aspirations in the
latest beauty craze, Mother Nature’s wisdom will never lead you
astray. If you can’t wait to get the benefits of B vitamins in your
beauty cream, just go to your local market and help yourself to some
chicken, tuna, potatoes, spinach, asparagus, black beans and
watermelon. These are just of few of the foods providing bountiful
servings of vitamin B. Remember, these scores of medical insights
and promises started with a nutritional deficiency.

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in
San Diego. She recently published “Acne Messages: Crack the code of
your zits and say goodbye to acne”. To challenge and verify her
research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.
http://www.noixia.com