The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and the safety of topically applied 4% niacinamide gel in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

A single center, open study was conducted for up to 12 weeks. A total of 30 patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled into the study. Patients were instructed to apply the 4% niacinamide gel twice daily over the affected area for 12 weeks. The patients were seen at every one month period to evaluate the lesions and side effects. To determine the efficacy we used both total lesion counting (TLC) which includes all comedones, papules and pustules and acne severity index (ASI).

The mean TLC in the patients was 35.8 before the treatment and it was reduced to 20.33 (43.21% reduction) at the end of the treatment. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean ASI score in the patients was 26.36 before the treatment and it was reduced to 11.05 (58.08% reduction) at the end of the treatment. The difference was statistically significant too (p<0.05). When baseline scores were compared to the scores of 12th week, clinical improvements were as follows; for comedones 24.1%, for papules 55.68%, for pustules 84.13%. While the differences between at baseline and at 12th week lesion counting for papules and pustules were statistically significant (p<0.05), for comedones, it was not statistically significant.

The result of the present study shows that 4% niacinamide gel applied twice daily is effective and safe in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris especially inflammatory types.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, niacinamide, treatment