Niacinamide eases rosacea inflammation

Key Points

Medina, Ohio - Niacinamide can be an effective treatment for the inflammation related to rosacea, according to Helen M. Torok, M.D., medical director, Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery, Medina, Ohio.

Effective ingredient

Another study concluded that there were multiple benefits of niacinamide, such as increased synthesis of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol; a more rapid keratinocyte differentiation; stimulatory effect on collagen synthesis; and improved dermal and epidermal cell growth, effective in smoothing the surface structure of the skin and reduction of wrinkles.

Availability

Niacinamide was previously available by prescription as Nicomide (oral) and Nicomide T (topical).

"This is no longer available to our patients, but Elorac, a new pharmaceutical company in Vernon Hills, Ill., is looking to bring oral Nicomide back as a prescription," Dr. Torok says.

A new topical niacinamide formulation is CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM (Coria). It is formulated with niacinamide, ceramides and physiologic lipids.

"I have incorporated CeraVe PM for the last two months for most of my acne and rosacea patients as an add-on treatment with other topical and oral prescription products," Dr. Torok says.

This product reduces the irritation and inflammation of topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide products.

"The advantage of this therapy is that patients readily will use it, as it is not an antibiotic, nor a prescription that will give them side effects. They are very receptive to this 'natural' treatment," she says.