Can niacinamide irritate skin at first?

Author: Kathryne Padberg  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Niacinamide and retinol It also improves collagen and elastin production, keeping the skin hydrated and radiant. However, it can also cause skin irritation, especially for beginners.

What does a bad reaction to niacinamide look like?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Is niacinamide supposed to burn a little?

Niacinamide cream might cause mild burning, itching, or redness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Niacinamide is likely safe when taken in recommended amounts.

Can niacinamide make skin worse before better?

Niacinamide isn't typically known to cause purging, but some people may experience mild breakouts as their skin adjusts. These usually clear up within a few weeks.

How long does it take for skin to adjust to niacinamide?

How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.

PURGING OR IRRITATION? | Esthetician Explains How to Identify and Treat Both Conditions

Will niacinamide irritation go away?

Mild, undesirable side effects of niacinamide include redness, itching, and mild irritation, especially when starting a new product. These symptoms often subside over time as the skin adjusts to the new ingredient.

Is it okay to use 10% niacinamide for beginners?

Concentration: Niacinamide serums typically range from 5% to 10% concentration. For beginners, a 5% concentration is a good starting point. You can increase the concentration as your skin gets accustomed to the ingredient. Skin type: If you have sensitive skin, look for a fragrance-free and gentle formulation.

How long does niacinamide flush last?

Niacin users often experience “prickly heat” or a sense of warmth in the face, neck, ears, trunk, and, less frequently, the upper or lower extremities. Other common features include erythema, itching, and tingling. Symptoms typically last for less than 1 hour to 2.5 hours.

What does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

Is 10% niacinamide too harsh?

Now, most people can tolerate niacinamide well even at 10% twice daily. But if you have a mysterious skin rash or unexplained irritation, it could be time to take a closer look at your niacinamide levels. One of the biggest issues of overdoing niacinamide isn't necessarily the one 10% product you may have.

What not to mix with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

How should skin feel after niacinamide?

Reddening of the Skin.

It's caused when niacinamide dilates the blood vessels, which brings more blood to the surface of your skin. For most people, this redness is mild and disappears within a few minutes. However, for those with sensitive skin, it might be accompanied by itching, stinging, or mild burning.

What does niacinamide purging look like?

Skin purging looks like: Red bumps on skin and accompanying facial redness. Breakouts and blemishes dotted along where you've applied the chemical exfoliant or retinoid product to your skin. Dryness and flaking can appear alongside bumps and breakouts.

How do you soothe niacinamide reaction?

How To Treat An Allergic Reaction To Skin Care Products
  1. Remove the product immediately.
  2. Rinse the area with clean cold water.
  3. Apply a cold compress to the area, to relieve heat and itching.
  4. You can also apply some aloe vera gel to relieve itching and promote healing.

Why does niacinamide sting my skin?

When used in high concentrations, niacinamide can cause skin irritation and redness. If you happen to be in the unlucky minority who have a bad reaction to a product with niacinamide, there are three primary possibilities: you're allergic, there's another ingredient causing irritation, or you're using too much.

Should I stop using niacinamide if it burns?

If you're usually sensitive to new skin care products or ingredients, use niacinamide products with lower doses at first before using those with higher strengths of niacinamide. If you have any reaction to niacinamide, stop using it and see a dermatologist.

What does a niacin rash look like?

Niacin supplements can cause a flush of red, warm, or itchy skin on the face, arms, and chest. But it's not dangerous. Taking the supplement with an apple and avoiding hot showers can help lower the chances of experiencing niacin flush.

Am I allergic to niacinamide?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Can I put niacinamide on a popped pimple?

Yes, you can apply niacinamide on popped pimples. The only concern is, the pimple shouldn't have been popped in the first place, but we understand you're only human.

What happens to your skin when you start using niacinamide?

"Niacinamide reduces sebum production, which can both help prevent acne and also diminish shine," says dermatologist Kenneth Howe, MD.

Is 20 percent niacinamide too much?

Is 20% niacinamide too strong? While 20% niacinamide is potent, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that it is safe to use concentrations up to this amount.

Is niacinamide 10% too harsh?

But also, a word of warning: Dr. Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr.

What not to pair with niacinamide?

Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.

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