Cancer prevention in a pill: New York specialist suggests adding niacinamide to your skin protection regimen

The number of people getting diagnosed with skin cancers is at an all-time high. Of successfully treated patients, data sufficiently indicates they’re at an increased risk of developing other skin cancers in the future; for instance, patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) or Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are 10 times more likely to have a recurrence in the tissue surrounding the treated lesions within two years, according to the American Society for Mohs Surgery. However, there is an affordable, accessible, easy to use, low-risk, and effective way to prevent recurrences, when coupled with sun protection: Dr. Stephen L. Comite recommends niacinamide for the skin to patients who visit his New York City practice. As a board-certified dermatologist who has pioneered many advanced techniques featured on this website, Dr. Comite doesn’t take such recommendations lightly. You can trust that the products he recommends are clinically proven and safe for use.

Preventing skin cancer with niacinamide

Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a vitamin B3 supplement. As with other supplements, niacinamide is a pill taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. For skin cancer prevention, SkinProvement Dermatology New York recommends one, 500-milligram pill, taken twice each day. It is not to be confused with oral niacin, which supports healthy blood fat levels and is associated with dizziness, headaches, GI problems, flushing, and other side effects. Researchers have found that niacinamide cut the rate of common pre-cancers or Actinic Keratosis (AKs), and of new SCC’s and BCC’s among high-risk populations (skin cancer survivors), when compared with a placebo. Continue to take niacinamide as recommended by Dr. Comite, as the protective benefits fade when you discontinue use. Of course, it should be discontinued immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, peeling skin, and swelling.

While the mechanism of action isn’t completely understood, researchers believe that niacinamide prevents skin cancers by:

• Supporting the repair of DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays or artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sunlamps
• Supporting immune health and the function of the stratum corneum (skin’s outermost protective layer)

Prevention is more than a pill. When combined with regular, ongoing visits to SkinProvement Dermatology New York for professional skin checks, and protective measures (daily sunscreen, protective eyewear, and clothing), niacinamide provides a powerful tool to add to your prevention “kit.” Call (212) 933-9490 to book an appointment with Dr. Comite at the Murray Hill/Midtown office in Manhattan.

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