Niacinamide is an incredibly effective skin care ingredient that’s been around for decades.
But it doesn’t work for everyone, and if you’re one of those people who experiences a niacinamide purge period, then you’ll want to know how long your skin will be in this purging state.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to shorten your niacinamide purging period—and none of them involve giving up the treatment altogether!
How long does purging from niacinamide last?
The length of a purge varies from person to person, but in general, it can take anywhere from six months to one year for your skin to fully clear up.
It is important to note that this time frame will vary depending on how much pimples you have before starting niacinamide as well!
If you have a lot of acne, it will take longer for them all to go away than if you only had a few pimples here and there.
What causes niacinamide purging?
The most common cause of niacinamide purging is an allergic reaction to the ingredient itself.
Histamine and other chemicals released by your immune system as a result of this allergy may cause inflammation in your skin, which results in redness, irritation, flaking, and other symptoms associated with niacinamide purging.
It’s important to note that nothing about this reaction is permanent—it can be managed by avoiding or reducing exposure to whatever triggers it.
For some people with sensitive skin who are prone to allergies or disorders like rosacea, this type of reaction can be a serious issue when using topical treatments containing niacinamide because they might trigger a reaction every time they use the product.
What are the symptoms of niacinamide purging?
If you’re experiencing flushing, itching or a rash, redness and blotchy skin (like rosacea), dry skin that feels tight or peeling are all signs of niacinamide purging.
If you notice these symptoms after starting a new product or regimen containing niacinamide, the most likely culprit is your skincare.
Can you prevent niacinamide purging?
If you’re concerned about niacinamide purging and want to prevent it, consider avoiding the following:
- Using niacinamide during the day or with other acne medications. For best results, use niacinamide at night only.
- Using it in the summer months (or any time your skin is more oily). Niacinamide can cause increased oil production, which may lead to clogged pores and breakouts if used improperly.
Is there anything you can do to shorten your niacinamide purging period?
The most straightforward way to reduce your purging period, other than simply stopping use, is to decrease the amount of niacinamide you are using in your routine.
For example, if a high-dose vitamin C serum is causing purging, try applying it every other day or every third day instead.
This will help lessen the amount of time spent on your skin with high concentrations of vitamin C and therefore reduce the severity of any reactions.
You could also switch brands for some time until you can build up an understanding of which products don’t cause negative reactions to your skin.
The same goes for different niacinamide serums and gels; choose one with fewer ingredients that might be triggering your irritation (more on this later).
Will the results of your niacinamide treatment last longer than the purge period?
Yes, the results of your niacinamide treatment will last longer than the purge period.
Your skin will continue to improve for weeks or months after you stop using niacinamide.
In addition to reducing hyperpigmentation, people often see a reduction in pore size, an increase in skin firmness/elasticity, and an overall improvement in their complexion with regular use (though these improvements are not as dramatic as those seen during the purge phase).
Why is it important to use sunscreen during a purge period on top of using a medication like niacinamide?
It’s important to use sunscreen during a purge period on top of using a medication like niacinamide because the sun can cause skin damage that leads to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t happen immediately, but rather over time.
For example, if you’re outside in the sun without sunscreen for 30 minutes on an unprotected area of your body, there is a chance you’ll get some form of sunburn (or worse).
This can lead to hyperpigmentation or other forms of dark spots on your skin. In addition, UV exposure causes collagen breakdown which results in fine lines or wrinkles.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to niacinamide purging.
The good news is that most people can recover from this phenomenon within a few weeks or months.
However, if you do notice any of these symptoms after using this product for a while, it’s important to stop using it immediately and consult with your dermatologist before trying again later on down the road.
