Eczema is a common and often frustrating skin condition that can make everyday life uncomfortable. While it is most commonly seen in children, eczema can affect people of all ages and is often a chronic issue. Those who suffer from eczema know how challenging it can be to manage, with the condition causing redness, itching, dryness, and patches of inflamed skin. Traditionally, eczema has been treated with moisturisers, steroid creams, and other topical medications, but there’s growing interest in how niacinamide (Vitamin B3) can provide a gentler, effective approach to managing the condition.
While SolarCareB3 was formulated primarily to treat sun-damaged skin, the powerful properties of niacinamide make our products beneficial for people dealing with eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions caused by a compromised skin barrier.
What is Eczema and What Does It Look Like?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that results in patches of skin becoming red, inflamed, dry, and itchy. In more severe cases, the skin can crack, bleed, or become infected due to persistent scratching. Eczema typically flares up in response to environmental triggers such as cold weather, allergens, harsh soaps, or stress, but sometimes there’s no clear cause for flare-ups.
Common symptoms of eczema include:
- Red or brownish-gray patches on the skin, particularly on the hands, feet, neck, upper chest, or inside the elbows and knees.
- Itching, which can be severe, especially at night.
- Dry, sensitive skin that feels rough to the touch.
- Cracked or scaly patches that may ooze or bleed in extreme cases.
Common Treatments for Eczema
There are various approaches to managing eczema, and treatment plans can differ depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the more common treatments include:
- Emollient moisturisers to help restore moisture and prevent further irritation.
- Topical corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, to reduce inflammation during flare-ups. However, long-term use of steroids can lead to skin thinning and other side effects.
- Antihistamines to reduce itching, especially at night.
- Barrier creams to protect the skin from irritants and allergens.
While these treatments can be effective, some only provide temporary relief and others may come with side effects. This is where niacinamide has gained attention as a more gentle, long-term solution.
How Niacinamide (B3) Helps Eczema and Dermatitis
Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has become increasingly recognised in dermatology for its ability to improve skin health in a variety of ways. Its ability to help with eczema and dermatitis stems from several key actions:
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Strengthening the Skin Barrier:
Niacinamide increases the production of ceramides, lipids that are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier. A strong barrier helps the skin retain moisture and prevents irritants from causing further damage, which is crucial for people with eczema.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
One of the most debilitating aspects of eczema is inflammation, which causes redness, itching, and discomfort. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators in the skin, calming redness and soothing irritation.
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Improving Hydration:
Eczema-prone skin tends to lose moisture easily, leading to dry, cracked patches. Niacinamide boosts the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture, improving hydration and making the skin less prone to cracking and irritation.
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Reducing Sensitivity:
Over time, niacinamide can reduce the skin’s sensitivity to external triggers, making flare-ups less frequent. By enhancing the barrier function and reducing inflammation, niacinamide provides long-term relief without the need for stronger medications like corticosteroids.
SolarCareB3 Products to Help Manage Eczema and Dermatitis
Here’s how you can incorporate SolarCareB3’s range of products into your routine to help manage eczema, dermatitis, or dry, compromised skin.
The Intensive B3 Cream is ideal for areas that are particularly prone to eczema or dermatitis flare-ups, such as the hands, elbows, or knees. With a high concentration of 10% niacinamide, it’s formulated to repair the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups before they happen. Purchase here.
Personal Testimonial:“For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with extremely dry hands, especially the webbing between my fingers, which was always dry, itchy, and prone to flaking. It would often get so bad that my skin would split and bleed. The only solutions I was ever offered by doctors were hydrocortisone creams, starting with low doses and gradually increasing to the strongest available. I found myself stuck in a frustrating cycle—healing the skin only to have it dry out, flake, and split all over again. Then I started working for Bernier Pharmaceuticals and was recommended Intensive B3 morning and night. After just a couple of months, my skin barrier had completely healed. No more itching, flaking, or bleeding. I’m blown away it was that simple and over the moon that I can even wear my rings again! B3 has been a game changer for my hands, and I only wish I had discovered it sooner.” Taelor P |
If you are experiencing active flare-ups, especially in sensitive areas like around the lips or on smaller patches of skin around the body, the B3 Lip is a great option. This versatile product combines 5% niacinamide, 5% pawpaw extract, and petroleum jelly to soothe and heal.
– Niacinamide calms inflammation and reduces irritation.
– Pawpaw extract provides healing and nourishment, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
– Petroleum jelly forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture while allowing the skin to heal.
While it’s formulated for lips, this ointment can be used on any area experiencing particularly dry or compromised skin, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. For more on the multi-purpose benefits of B3 Lip, check out this blog post or purchase here.

For those with generally dry skin, skin that becomes patchy and irritated or may simply be prone to eczema, the SolarCareB3 5% B3 moisturiser offers all-over moisture barrier support. It contains 5% niacinamide, which works to maintain the skin’s hydration and prevent dry, flaky skin from becoming a larger issue. This lightweight moisturiser is perfect for daily use, helping to strengthen your skin’s defences while keeping it smooth and hydrated. Purchase here.
Sunlight can exacerbate eczema symptoms, as UV rays may increase skin sensitivity and worsen inflammation. Defence SPF 50 provides both effective sun protection and skin barrier support, essential for those with eczema or compromised skin. Not only does the formula shield against harmful UV rays, but it’s also packed with 5% niacinamide to reinforce the skin’s barrier. People with compromised skin barriers can be more prone to sensitivity with certain sunscreens, but Defence SPF 50 is crafted to be gentle while offering robust protection. The inclusion of niacinamide works to reduce inflammation and lock in moisture, making it ideal for daily use on eczema-prone skin, helping prevent flare-ups while keeping the skin resilient against environmental triggers. Learn more about Defence SPF 50 or purchase here.
A Note on Skin Health and Medical Advice
It’s important to note that while niacinamide can be incredibly helpful in managing symptoms of eczema and dermatitis, it is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are dealing with severe skin conditions or if your symptoms persist, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan.
Conclusion: Niacinamide for More Than Just Sun-Damaged Skin
Although SolarCareB3 was developed with sun-damaged skin in mind, the benefits of niacinamide make these products just as effective for people dealing with eczema, dermatitis, or compromised skin barriers. Whether you need targeted relief for active flare-ups, preventative care for eczema-prone areas, or daily hydration to maintain a healthy barrier, niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that can make a real difference. Shop the full range here.