How long does purging last for niacinamide?

Author: Stevie Maggio  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Purging should end if the breakouts last longer than these 6 weeks. Purging usually occurs when you start a new skincare product that accelerates the turnover rate of your skin cells. The most common culprits behind purging are acids (AHA, BHA), retinoids, vitamin C, or even niacinamide.

How long does the niacinamide purge last?

So, how long should you expect a purge to last? Typically, a purge is likely to last from 4-6 weeks after adding a new product into your routine. This includes products and treatments that contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide.

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 cancels out niacinamide?

Niacinamide & Acidic Ingredients It's the same rule as above, just switch retinol for niacinamide. Don't mix niacinamide with acidic skincare ingredients like AHA's/BHA's and vitamin C. Vitamin C is pretty darn famous in skincare, but you might not have heard of niacinamide.

How to avoid niacinamide purging?

If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.

Is Your Skin Purging or Just Breaking Out? Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Sam Ellis

How to know if niacinamide is breaking you out?

You might be experiencing breakouts if your skin is too sensitive to niacinamide or if you are using it in combination with other irritating products. These breakouts could be new pimples, redness, and inflammation in areas where you do not normally get acne.

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 should you never mix niacinamide with?

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.

What reacts badly with niacinamide?

Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.

Does hyaluronic acid cancel out niacinamide?

Pairing Hyaluronic acid with niacinamide is good because they both are water-based ingredients that combine to make the perfect regime for all skin types. Considering the nature of these acids, their chances of evoking a skin reaction are slim.

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.

How do you know if you are using too much niacinamide?

Niacinamide-containing foods or supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg daily. Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash.

What are the symptoms of niacinamide flush?

High doses (50 mg or more) of niacin can cause side effects. The most common side effect is called "niacin flush," which is a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or flushed skin. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes prior to the niacin may help reduce this symptom.

How long does the purging stage last?

Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.

How long does it take for niacinamide to get out of your system?

In most cases, your body absorbs and excretes niacin within 24 hours, but certain dietary choices can cause this nutrient to stay in your body for significantly longer.

Why take niacin at bedtime?

Also, ask about niacin extended-release formulations, as it causes less flushing. Finally, take higher doses of niacin at night before bedtime to help reduce the severity of side effects and sleep through any stomach upset.

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.

Which skin type should not use niacinamide?

In general, niacinamide is considered suitable for all skin types and, per the Cleveland Clinic, is rarely associated with side effects. Still, as with any skincare ingredient, it's best to introduce it to your skincare routine slowly to help minimize the potential for redness or irritation.

Why vitamin C Cannot be used with niacinamide?

The misconception that you shouldn't use niacinamide and vitamin C together originates from outdated studies conducted in the 1960s. These early studies suggested that combining these ingredients could render them ineffective or cause skin irritation due to the instability of vitamin C in certain formulations.

What conflicts with niacinamide?

Take for example Vitamin C and Niacinamide - two active ingredients we don't recommend using together in the same routine. The key word here is routine. You can use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the AM routine and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% in the PM routine -- just not together in the morning or evening.

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.

What is a good alternative to niacinamide?

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to niacinamide that can provide similar benefits. One of the most powerful is aloe vera. Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It's also a popular ingredient in natural skincare products.

Does niacinamide whiten teeth?

【Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste】Enriched with natural particles and nicotinamide essence, Bodyaccel Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste quickly eliminates years of coffee, tea, and wine stains for a visibly whiter smile.In addition to whitening, the toothpaste helps to repair and remineralize tooth enamel using calcium ...

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