Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B 3 that has been shown to reduce the number of skin cancers. In a randomized controlled trial performed in Australia (published in the New England Journal of Medicine), the risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly reduced — by 23%.

There are certain antioxidants, like nicotinamide, that can help reverse that damage to some extent, Fieleke says. Not only did the study show a decrease in basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, it also reduced patients’ risk for developing actinic keratosis, a common pre-cancer of the skin.

Nicotinamide has been shown to enhance the repair of direct and oxidative DNA damage in human keratinocytes and human skin. It has the potential to prevent UV -induced immune suppression, shown in a study of volunteers with a positive Mantoux test (positive tuberculin sensitivity test). The Mantoux reaction can be suppressed by exposure to UVR.

Based on the scientific literature to date, it is reasonable to recommend niacinamide for people at high risk of skin cancer. It is, however, is only one of the pillars of sun safety. Using sunscreen and sun-smart clothing, avoiding sun exposure during the middle of the day and being aware of new or changing spots on the skin all remain crucial.