EADV Researchers Presented Vitamin B3’s Ability to Protect the Skin From UV Exposure Effects

Going out in the sun is one of the activities you cannot escape because the sun is shining most of the time brightly. Apart from Vitamin D, our body can get as nutrients for the body. Sunlight also gives off Ultraviolet Rays (UV) that can be harmful to our bodies. According to the American Cancer Society, UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun and any man-made sources such as welding torches and tanning beds. According to the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), three types of UV rays are UVA, UVB, and UVC, which are grouped according to their wavelength. 

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Researchers from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology showed that a form of Vitamin B3 could protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV Rays exposure, which is the main risk for non-melanoma skin cancers. In a statement, Lara Camillo, a research student from the dermatological unit of AOU Maggiore della Carita said that their study indicates an increase in Vitamin B3 Consumption will protect the skin from some of UV Rays' Effects. 

According to the researchers' study in Italy, the vitamin should be consumed 24 to 48 hours before sun exposure. The researchers used non-melanoma skin cancer patients' isolated skin cells. Results showed that the vitamin protected the skin cells from UV-induced oxidative stress as well as DNA damage. 

Vitamin B3

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is a water-soluble B Vitamin found naturally in foods, sold as a supplement, and even added to foods. Harvard also added that niacin is water-soluble so that the excess amount of it will go out of the body excreted through urine. National Institutes of Health (NIH) added that all body tissues convert absorbed niacin into their main metabolically active form called coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). 

Harvard School of public health also mentioned that niacin is also used to treat dyslipidemia, an abnormal level of cholesterol or fats, which can be a risk for cardiovascular diseases. Harvard also mentioned that too much Niacin or Vitamin B3 would lead to toxicity with symptoms of dizziness, low blood pressure, fatigue, headache, and blurred vision. 

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Harmful Effects of UV Rays

Too much is always bad, even exposure to sunlight that gives us the Vitamin D our body needs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sunburn, also known as erythema, is one of the acute effects of excessive UV exposure. WHO added that too much Ultraviolet rays could degenerate changes in the cells, fibrous tissues, and blood vessels of the skin. American Cancer Society added that most skin cancers are caused by excessive skin exposure to Ultraviolet rays present in the sunlight. However, the American Cancer society emphasized that UV rays cannot penetrate deeply into the body, which will not cause cancer in internal organs. They also mentioned a study that shows people who use tanning beds have a higher risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. 

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