Quite often, cosmetologists recommend a substance such as nicotinic acid to improve the skin of the face or hair. The instructions for use describe the substance as vitamin PP or vitamin B3. It is widely used to treat certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the vascular system, as well as in cosmetology.
Composition of the preparation
Visually, nicotinic acid is a white crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in alcohol and cold water, only in hot water. The taste of nicotinic acid is bland with a slight sourness.
Scientifically, this substance is called 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
It is obtained by the action of nitric acid on nicotine. The modern chemical industry makes it possible to extract nicotinic acid in other ways.
You can buy the drug of the same name in pharmacies. In addition to nicotinic acid, it includes auxiliary substances: stearic acid, glucose and povidone.
Why does the body need nicotinic acid?
A person needs nicotinic acid for the normal functioning of the body: with its participation, about 5 hundred different biochemical reactions, mainly oxidative ones, take place. This substance helps to extract energy from the obtained proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
What nicotinic acid controls in the body:
- blood glucose levels;
- the amount of "harmful" cholesterol in blood vessels and tissues;
- the amount of free radicals: the effect of nicotinic acid in this case is comparable to that of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Vitamin PP is used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Due to its ability to control the release of insulin, niacin is quite useful in diseases of the metabolic system, and especially in diabetes and obesity.
How is nicotinic acid deficiency manifested?
With a lack of nicotinic acid in a person, various disorders of the body can form. One of them is the dangerous disease pellagra. Scientists called it the disease of the three "D": diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia.
Thus, with a lack of vitamin PP, various organs and tissues can suffer:
- intestines,
- brain,
- leather
- vessels.
Pellagra symptoms:
- Specific rashes appear on the skin, which visually resemble burns from prolonged exposure to sunlight. If a person spends time in the open sun, spots can grow, become dark and flaky.
- Disruption of bowel function leads to constant nausea and vomiting. The person begins to suffer from diarrhea, which is accompanied by bleeding.
- A person quickly gets tired, but at the same time he is constantly tormented by insomnia. Due to lack of sleep, a feeling of fatigue appears, depression, psychosis and hallucinations can develop.
- The mucous membranes become inflamed and turn bright red.
The main cause of pellagra is a small amount of niacin or its complete absence in the human diet. Some diseases can also lead to a deficiency of vitamin PP. With Hartnup disease, the body loses its ability
Indications for use
Nicotinic acid can be used, according to the instructions for use, as a vitamin for prophylaxis and as a complete drug. Quite often, doctors prescribe vitamin PP as a drug that is included in complex therapy. Using niacin without a doctor's approval can be dangerous.
Indications for the use of nicotinic acid:
- Osteochondrosis of the spine (the solution is used for electrophoresis).
- Violation of blood circulation in the tissues of the brain.
- Vascular diseases that arise from a critical amount of bad cholesterol.
- Obesity caused by lipid metabolism disorders.
- Liver disease.
- Circulatory disorders in the lower body.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Trophic ulcers.
- Deterioration of vision and hearing.
Nicotinic acid, instructions for use indicate this, must be used in the treatment of alcoholic and drug intoxication. With a lack of this vitamin in a person, malfunctions occur in almost all parts of the body.
Experts recommend using vitamin PP at risk of occupational intoxication.
In this case, the property of nicotinic acid to protect a person from the harmful effects of free radicals helps to save health.
For prophylaxis, niacin preparations can be used in the following cases:
- when losing weight;
- with some types of gastritis;
- at risk of developing cancerous growths;
- to improve cognitive functions of the brain and vision.
Recently, nicotinic acid has been especially popular in various cosmetic procedures. It is recommended to use it to improve the condition of the skin and hair.
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Nicotinic acid should not be used on an empty stomach. This increases the risk of a wide range of side effects. Before using vitamin PP, especially when taken orally, be sure to consult with a specialist.
There are the following contraindications for the use of nicotinic acid:
- allergic reactions to the substance;
- stomach ulcer;
- low blood pressure;
- liver failure.
In addition, doctors prohibit the intake and use of nicotinic acid for cosmetic purposes during pregnancy and lactation.
Instructions for use
Ampoules
Ampoules and tablets of nicotinic acid are most often used for the prevention of diseases and a lack of B vitamins, in addition to this, the instructions for use describe other possibilities for using the substance. Also in ampoules, vitamins are used to prepare various skin and hair care products.
To treat an acute lack of vitamin PP (pellagra), you need to take 2 ampoules (tablets) 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
For the purpose of prevention, the dosage is calculated based on the weight and age of the person.
This can be 1-2 tablets once a day. If nicotinic acid is an auxiliary drug for the treatment of any disease, you must take 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Prophylactic receptions of vitamin PP can be prescribed not only for hypovitaminosis.Doctors recommend drinking nicotinic acid courses for diseases of the vascular systems of the upper and lower extremities every spring and autumn.
Injections
Most often, nicotinic acid injections are prescribed for an acute shortage of B vitamins (for example, the instructions for use advise it for severe alcohol poisoning or chronic alcoholism).
But there may be other reasons for prescribing injections:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which nicotinic acid strongly irritates the intestines;
- circulatory disorders in the brain tissues;
- severe pain in the spine;
- the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
For treatment with injections, 1 mg of a 1% solution for injection is used. Nicotinic acid can be injected intramuscularly, into a vein, or under the skin. You can use injections once or, in certain cases, twice a day.
Injection with nicotinic acid is recommended only in a medical facility. Thus, it is possible to prevent the development of an acute allergic reaction and other side effects in time.
Interaction with other drugs and alcohol
Alcohol and nicotinic acid are incompatible. Ethyl alcohol and vitamin PP, when ingested, affect cognitive functions: attention, reaction speed and thinking.
When combined, these substances cause extreme drowsiness. In addition, alcohol neutralizes all the beneficial properties of niacin and flushes it out of the body.
If a person additionally uses vitamin PP, it is imperative to talk about this with the attending physician.
Nicotinic acid is not combined with the following drugs:
- antithrombotic drugs;
- aspirin;
- certain diabetes medications;
- substances that lower pressure;
- hypolipidemic agents;
- some antibiotics and hormonal drugs.
If a person takes niacin and an anesthetic at the same time, the effect of the latter may be enhanced.
Side effects
The most common side effect of nicotinic acid is an allergic reaction. The instructions for use describe that it can manifest itself both when using tablets (injections) and when using the vitamin in the form of a cosmetic.
Due to the ability of niacin to dilate blood vessels, the following side effects may appear:
- decrease in pressure;
- redness and burning of the skin in the upper limbs and on the face;
- dizziness;
- stomach ache.
Nicotinic acid can also cause drowsiness and increase appetite.
Overdose
An overdose of PP vitamins can occur when nicotinic acid is used in large quantities for anti-aging masks. The first sign is severe facial redness.
The danger of nicotinic acid lies in its ability to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels and the bloodstream.
With a large amount of vitamin, it negatively affects the state of the nervous system. The person becomes more depressive inhibited.
Overdose symptoms:
- extreme sleepiness;
- apathy;
- stomach ache.
There is no specific treatment for nicotinic acid overdose. The patient must be put to bed and given a drink of warm sweet tea. If there is a severe overdose with pills, you need to urgently flush the stomach.
Terms of sale and storage
Nicotinic acid is available as an injection or tablet by prescription. The instructions for use indicate that it is dispensed without a prescription for use in vitamin complexes.
The shelf life of the substance is on average 5 years. But it may differ depending on the auxiliary components of the drug. Store vitamin PP in a cool dry place where the sun's rays do not enter.
Nicotinic acid electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is a method of physical therapy in which specific areas of the body are affected by electrical impulses.The use of electrophoresis in combination with nicotinic acid helps the substance to penetrate tissues faster and to act more effectively.
Nicotinic acid electrophoresis is most often used to treat osteochondrosis.
Penetrating into muscle tissue, vitamin PP affects the lactic acid accumulated there and removes it from the body. Local exposure helps to reduce pain, remove swelling and restore normal mobility.
For electrophoresis, a solution of nicotinic acid and aminophylline can be used. Most often, this combination is prescribed for the treatment of infants who have suffered as a result of birth trauma, entanglement or hypoxia. For adults, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid and aminophylline helps to get rid of excess cholesterol, improve the condition of blood vessels and skin.
Application in cosmetology
Slimming
Nicotinic acid has only recently been used as a weight loss aid. This is due to the properties of vitamin PP to oxidize and break down carbohydrates and fats. Also, with a lack of nicotinic acid, people are "drawn" to eat more sweets.
Nicotine properties that help in the fight against excess weight:
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- stimulating digestion;
- elimination of toxins and toxins from the body.
The use of nicotinic acid is recommended only in combination with diet and exercise. The daily dosage of the substance should not exceed 1 g. It should be borne in mind that part of the PP vitamin enters the body with food. Exceeding the dosage can cause toxic liver damage and digestive disorders.
For face care
The use of niacin for facial care is encouraged due to its ability to influence blood circulation. Due to its improvement, metabolic processes are accelerated in the skin tissues, the blood quickly delivers the necessary proteins and minerals.
Vitamin PP can be used for the face in the form of cosmetics components and in tablets.
Comprehensive care allows you to achieve the following results:
- improve skin color;
- increase elasticity and smoothness;
- protect the skin from the effects of free radicals.
You can use nicotinic acid when preparing homemade masks. For this, the substance tablet is ground and added to masks or serums for the face. Do not do them too often, otherwise redness and rashes may appear on the skin.
Vitamin PP is necessarily prescribed for women who do face plastic surgery. This helps to restore the skin faster and slow down the aging process.
For hair care
For hair care, ampoules with a solution of nicotinic acid are used. The vitamin can be used as a remedy for alopecia or severe dandruff, and as a hair care agent.
Regular use of nicotinic acid courses helps to achieve the following results:
- stimulating hair growth;
- stopping excessive loss;
- protection against dandruff and other fungal diseases;
- stimulating blood circulation and nutrition of the scalp.
Upon contact with the skin, nicotinic acid penetrates into the hair follicles and improves their nutrition. Thereafter, hair growth is accelerated and hair loss is significantly reduced.
One ampoule of the substance per day is enough to achieve a positive result. To do this, use your fingers or a syringe without a needle to apply nicotinic acid to the scalp. Make sure your hair is clean. When using vitamin PP, do not wash your hair with shampoos with silicone. It blocks access to the hair structure and hair follicles.
Nicotinic acid can be used daily for 1 month. Then you definitely need to take a break for the same time.
Analogs
Pure nicotinic acid can cause allergic reactions. Most often, this is local irritation after electrophoresis or injection.It can be characterized by redness, rash, itching, and tissue swelling.
Replacing vitamin PP is quite difficult. In case of intolerance to nicotinic acid, it is necessary to replace it with preparations based on vitamins of group B. It is best to contact a doctor with this question, especially if a child has an intolerance.
Preparations that serve as analogs of pure nicotinic acid:
- Apelagrin;
- Liplit;
- Niacin;
- Nikoden and others.
All of the above drugs are sources of nicotinic acid or its derivatives, but in smaller quantities than pure vitamin PP.
Foods containing high amounts of nicotinic acid
According to most doctors, vitamins that enter the human body from food are best absorbed. This is why pellagra occurs in people who eat mostly corn.
Most of all, pregnant and lactating women need nicotinic acid. But they are contraindicated to use this vitamin substance in the form of tablets or capsules. For adult men and women, nicotinic acid is the prevention of many diseases and the opportunity to maintain their beauty longer, children need less vitamin PP, but it is vital for normal development.
The following foods help maintain optimal niacin levels:
- Liver... The liver of any animal, but primarily of cows and pigs, is a rich source of vitamins B and PP. It is a good dietary product for both pregnant women and small children. The only negative is the increased availability of vitamin A. You need to eat the liver no more than 1-2 a week.
- Peanut... Groundnuts contain almost all the vitamins of the group, and niacin in 90-100 grams. enough to cover the daily allowance for an adult. With a lack of vitamin PP, it is necessary to eat nuts with a film - there it is most contained.
- Mushrooms... To replenish the lack of niacin, doctors advise eating some types of fungus. Boletus and boletus boletus in dried form are leaders in the content of this substance. But children and breastfeeding women are better off not using them.
- Wild rice... This product is recommended for young mothers and pregnant women, as well as for children of different ages. Besides nicotinic acid, rice is a source of calcium, magnesium and fiber.
- Sea fish... Halibut, salmon and tuna contain a large amount of B vitamins, but they should not be consumed too often due to the presence of mercury in fish meat. The leader in the content of niacin among marine life is the swordfish.
What do the reviews say?
Good reviews on the use of niacin are much more common than negative ones. The results are consistent with the instructions for use. The intake of the substance helps people cope with skin and hair problems, improve the metabolism and improve vascular health. Many people recommend the use of nicotinic acid when treating cigarette addiction.
Vitamin PP helps to cope with the urge to smoke.
Negative reviews are associated, first of all, with the negative experience of using nicotinic acid for cosmetic purposes. Some people develop allergic reactions and symptoms of vitamin intoxication. Quite often, people find that with prolonged use, they become less collected and drowsy.
Video on the use of nicotinic acid:
Is nicotinic acid effective for hair loss, the opinion of the trichologist in the video clip:
Nicotinic acid in the treatment of osteochondrosis, see the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsgXo2kMmjw