Dermatologist Review of Nia 24

The NIA24® skin care line was launched by Niadyne Inc. in 2006. Niadyne was founded in 1997 in North Carolina and maintains research facilities in Arizona. NIA24 is a compact yet complete skin care line consisting of seven distinct products with a unique niacin-based cosmeceutically active ingredient.

NIA24 was developed under the direction of Drs. Myron and Elaine Jacobson, a husband/wife team of Pharmacy Ph.D. Professors at the University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy. The Jacobsons have been leaders in researching the role of niacin and niacin based molecules on human health for over 25 years and have published many papers on the topic. Over the past ten years or so the couple has focused on incorporating the potential benefits of niacin therapy into topical products for improved skin health and appearance. This focus led to the formation of Niadyne, Inc. and NIA24.

The key ingredient in NIA24 is Pro-Niacin®. This patented molecule is formed by attaching a fatty chain onto the niacin molecule. This fatty chain allows the niacin to better penetrate the skin and become bioavailable within the epidermis and dermis. Niacin is notorious for causing flushing of the skin which is generally perceived as undesirable. Pro-Niacin is absorbed more slowly into this skin which prevents or minimizes this flushing tendency.

Niacin is a relative newcomer to the cosmeceutical arena. Currently, however, there are several brands that incorporate non-patented niacin into their formulas as a key ingredient. The rush to include niacin as a key ingredient is based in large part on research performed by the Jacobsons and associated contract laboratories. A series of clinical studies published by the group have demonstrated significant improvements in epidermal thickness, epidermal and skin barrier function, and dermal thickness. Also, niacin containing products appear to have a beneficial effect on hyperpigmentation. Finally, niacin is thought to have beneficial effects on DNA metabolism and thus may reduce the risk of skin cancer.

NIA24 is a compact skin care line containing a non-foaming facial cleanser for daily use, a physical cleansing scrub for 2 -3 time per week use, a lightweight daily moisturizer, a thicker moisturizer mainly for night-time use, an eye cream, an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen and a hand/chest cream. The entire product line contains Pro-niacin. I have experienced NIA24 and particularly liked the Eye Repair Cream and Intensive Recovery Complex. These products are effective moisturizers that have a silky feel. The eye cream is somewhat heavy so it is probably best used at night and very minimally or not at all in the morning. The mineral sunscreen was a nice product, especially for those who do not tolerate chemical sunscreens. The white residues associated with the zinc and titanium formulation disappeared when massaged into my light skin. It seems that combinations of zinc and titanium tend to disappear into the skin better than either agent alone. The product is not water resistant, however, which may limit its usefulness for some people such as those who perspire, tear or plan on swimming activities. Also, these mineral sunscreens may lose some cosmetic elegance when applied to darker skin types. During my testing, I experimented with NIA24 to confirm lack of flushing. Even when I applied NIA24 to my lip mucosa I was unable to induce flushing. These findings support Niadyne’s claim regarding the exceptional tolerability of their Pro-Niacin formulations.

NIA24 is smartly packaged in tubes and jars. The name, logo, package branding and color scheme are all extremely well thought out. The brand image appears to have been designed by talented and experienced marketing artists. NIA24 has, in fact, been extremely well marketed. The brand continues to be featured and reviewed in several leading magazines. Many of my professional colleagues in dermatology have given positive reviews of the product line that are available online. Most of these colleagues are well respected amongst their peers and well known within the cosmetic dermatology world.

NIA24 is a new arrival in the cosmecutical world with a patented key ingredient. The product line has received great reviews by the dermatology community. Niadyne has marketed the product effectively via print and online media. NIA24 products are pleasantly packaged and easy to use. There is a certain body of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of its key Pro-Niacin ingredient and it appears that more data may be on the horizon. With a great start it looks like NIA24 will become increasingly well known with time.