Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda, soda ash and soda crystals), Na 2 CO 3, is the water-soluble sodium salt of carbonic acid.
7. Improves Skin Function. Niacin helps protect skin cells from sun damage, whether it's used orally or applied to the skin in lotions . And recent research suggests it may help prevent some types of skin cancer . A 2015 study found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide (a form of niacin) twice daily reduced rates of non-melanoma skin cancer among people at a high risk of skin cancer .
There are two safe forms of niacin: 1  Immediate-release/crystalline niacin is available as a nutritional supplement and is inexpensive and effective. The niacin in each table is released immediately and usually provokes a âhot flush,â a warm, itchy feeling of the skin.