Topical
Niacinamide with Benzoyl Peroxide
Niacinamide
which is an amide form of vitamin-B3 (niacin) can be applied topically
to reduce the inflammation of acne lesions. The do-it-yourself topical
niacinamide serum featured in this site works very well in reducing
the redness and the size of an inflamed pimple. Topical
niacinamide also works as mild peeling agent which encourages
the shedding of dead skin cells and exposes a newer/younger skin layer.
Benzoyl
peroxide is simply a chemical which kills acne causing bacteria.
Why
combine Topical Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide?
Although
topical niacinamide works very well as an anti-acne agent, the main
drawback of topical niacinamide is that it does not kill acne causing
bacteria. Niacinamide is only an anti-inflammatory agent which means
that it can reduce the inflammation and redness of acne lesions. In
this treatment regimen we added an antibacterial agent (Benzoyl peroxide)
to an anti-inflammatory agent (Niacinamide) to enhance their effectiveness. One of the side effects caused by benzoyl
peroxide is dryness of the skin. Topical niacinamide can counteract
skin dryness because it acts as a mild moisturizer. Benzoyl peroxide
also causes redness, irritation and mild burning sensation of the skin
specially for first time users. Topical niacinamide also helps in alleviating
the irritation and redness caused by Benzoyl peroxide.
These anti-acne
products act synergistically and yield better result
when used in combination. This treatment combo may clear acne faster
than using Benzoyl Peroxide alone which is the usual standard treatment
for acne.
What
about dosage and administration?
The
concentration of benzoyl peroxide that you should use is 2.5%. Concentrations
greater than 2.5% does not give to much benefit on acne at all but it
only increases the irritation caused by benzoyl peroxide application.
For niacinamide, you can make your own topical niacinamide serums in
concentrations of 2% to 10% check this link: Homemade-Topical-Niacinamide
. Topical niacinamide with a concentration of 5% seems to be the
commercial standard. Metazene™ is a 5% commercial over the counter
topical niacinamide.
When
combining two anti-acne products, it is always best to use them at separate
application times. For example, apply the topical niacinamide serum
or gel during the day and the benzoyl peroxide gel at night. This would
ensure maximum penetration of each anti-acne product on the skin. Make
sure that you wash your face first with soap and water to remove oil
and dirt before applying any anti-acne product. You can expect this
acne remedy combo to work better than benzoyl peroxide alone and it
is less irritating too.
Advantages
- This
acne treatment regimen does not induce bacterial resistance and can
be used over long periods time.
Disadvantages
- The
availability of a commercial topical niacinamide cream or gel is not
as good as benzoyl peroxide. In some countries, topical niacinamide
does not even exist or it is sold at very little concentration to have
any effect on acne. If you can find a nearby health shop at your location,
it would be best to just make your own topical niacinamide serum using
oral niacinamide capsules or tablets.
References
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603021.html
Benzoyl Peroxide( updated 10/01/2003)
- Chiu
A, Kimball AB. Topical vitamins, minerals and botanical ingredients
as modulators of environmental and chronological skin damage. Br J Dermatology
2003; 149(4): 681-691.
-
Lupo MP. Antioxidants and vitamins in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology
2001; 19:467-473.
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last modified: Januray 07, 2008 |