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 .
Niacin, but not niacinamide, has been used since the 1950s to lower elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. However, side effects can be unpleasant and even dangerous. High doses of niacin cause: 1  Flushing of the skin. 2  Stomach upset (which usually subsides within a few weeks). 3  Headache.