Which serum cause purging?

Author: Davin Blick  |  Last update: Thursday, August 28, 2025

What causes skin purging?
  • retinoids such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and adapalene.
  • alpha hydroxy acids.
  • beta hydroxy acids.

Which serum does not cause purging?

However, niacinamide can reduce skin purging with its anti-inflammatory properties. Integrating niacinamide serum into your skincare routine can help you effectively handle purging as the component can, Clarify skin by regulating excess sebum & oil. Reduce acne & blemishes.

What ingredients can cause purging?

Skin purges are usually triggered by chemicals that exfoliate your skin, such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you have used these for a while, or are not using them, then it is likely your skin is reacting to a non-purging product such as oil, sunscreen or make-up.

Does vitamin C serum make you purge?

Vitamin C should not cause purging. The only things that cause true purging are things like exfoliating acids and retinols. Sometimes your skin might get a pimple or something while adjusting to a product, sure, but vitamin c should never cause ``purging'' like this. This is some sort of reaction.

Does niacinamide serum cause purging?

Does Niacinamide cause purging? No, Niacinamide alone doesn't cause any purging of the skin. A product containing Niacinamide also contains other active ingredients like retinol, retinaldehyde, or AHAs, which can increase cellular turnover and shows signs of purging.

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

What serums cause purging?

If you've recently started using a product containing retinoids or chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or salicylic acid, there's a good chance your skin is feeling the purge. These ingredients work quicker by helping bring impurities to the surface and small red bumps can actually be a sign the product is working.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong?

For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.

Does hyaluronic acid cause purging?

It doesn't typically trigger the skin purging process, as it primarily focuses on hydration, not exfoliation. Purging usually occurs with ingredients that speed up cell turnover, like retinoids or AHAs. Since hyaluronic acid's role is to attract and hold moisture, it generally stays out of the purging business.

Why am I getting pimples after using vitamin C serum?

Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly.

Do AHA and BHA cause purging?

But majorly, retinoids and other exfoliating acids, such as AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, etc., are known to cause purging. Worried if it's normal for your skin to purge? The skin naturally sheds dead skin cells and renews itself, but specific ingredients like retinoids should accelerate it.

Why am I suddenly purging?

Purging happens when certain acne treatments, like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, make your skin renew itself faster. The increased rate at which your skin sheds old cells pushes out clogged pores, dead skin, and debris faster than usual.

Why is my skin getting darker after using niacinamide?

Some may also have skin discoloration due to using niacinamide combined with other active ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type. Niacinamide can also cause problems when it's mixed with the following substances: Acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.

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.

How to stop skin purging immediately?

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.

Can I use vitamin C serum every day?

While it is safe to use products with vitamin C serum for face twice a day, we recommend keeping your skin type and concerns in mind before you start. Ensure that you check the directions mentioned on the packaging to get the most out of your products.

How to know if niacinamide is working?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, you should notice more hydrated, smoother, and toned skin.

What does vitamin C 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.

Which is the best serum for acne prone skin?

Plum's best serums for acne prone skin
  • 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face Serum.
  • 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water.
  • 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Rice Water.
  • 3% Zinc Complex Face Serum with Green Tea.
  • 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with Mandarin (20ml)

When to stop using vitamin C serum?

If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction, you should stop using the serum immediately, and if you have ongoing concerns about vitamin C products or your skin health, be sure to speak to a medical professional immediately.

What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid on your face?

That's right—using too much HA in a dry climate can make your skin drier. Imagine applying HA in your serum, moisturizer, and those enticing sheet masks you love so much—a triple threat. In a dry environment, all that HA could backfire, sucking moisture from your own skin's reserves.

What does retinol purging look like?

For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.

Does skin look better after purging?

If anything in skin care embodies the phrase “it gets worse before it gets better” it's skin purging. But once you arrive at that “better” stage, it is the absolute best. Although it may not feel like it now, skin purging is a sign of fantastic things to come—namely, stunning long-term skin health.

Which is better 5% or 10% niacinamide?

As the percentages suggest, 10% niacinamide contains a higher concentration and strength than 5%. With twice the concentration of their 5% counterparts, 10% niacinamide products offer enhanced delivery of nutrients to skin cells.

What not to pair 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.

What not to mix with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

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