why the ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% is causing purging and breakouts 😅

Summary

In this video, the skincare expert dives into the potential causes of breakouts or purging after using The Ordinary’s 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc serum. They explain the benefits of niacinamide, how it might speed up skin cell turnover and lead to purging, and how to tell if you’re experiencing purging versus a breakout. The expert also provides helpful tips for managing skin reactions, such as introducing products gradually, patch testing, and simplifying your routine. Alternatives like lower concentration niacinamide products are also suggested for those who experience adverse effects, reassuring viewers that skincare is personal and trial and error is part of the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Niacinamide is a powerful skincare ingredient that can reduce acne scars, redness, and fine lines, but it can cause breakouts due to purging or irritation.
• 😀 Purging occurs when a new active ingredient brings up deep-seated clogged pores to the surface, leading to temporary breakouts. It typically resolves after 6 weeks.
• 😀 If your skin breaks out in a new area after introducing niacinamide, it may be a bad reaction, not purging. Keep track of where breakouts occur to tell the difference.
• 😀 Purging usually involves small red bumps, whiteheads, and blackheads, while a bad reaction can lead to irritation or acne in areas that are unusual for you.
• 😀 Introducing new skincare products too quickly can overwhelm your skin. Gradually add products and avoid using too many at once to minimize reactions.
• 😀 Patch testing helps identify how your skin reacts to a new product. If purging happens, it should resolve. If a breakout persists, stop using the product.
• 😀 If your skin has a bad reaction to a product, simplify your routine to just a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen until your skin recovers.
• 😀 Niacinamide in The Ordinary’s serum is at a high concentration (10%), which might be too strong for some, as studies show effectiveness with concentrations between 2-5%.
• 😀 Zinc in The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum should not be causing breakouts as it has anti-inflammatory and oil-controlling properties.
• 😀 If you experience purging with The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum, consider trying products with a lower concentration of niacinamide or a different formulation.
• 😀 Not every skincare product will work for everyone. If a product doesn't work for you, it's okay to stop using it and try something else that suits your skin better.

Q & A

What is niacinamide and why is it considered a superstar ingredient in skincare?

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is an active ingredient in skincare that offers multiple benefits. It is an antioxidant that helps with hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, redness, skin barrier improvement, and fine lines. It also has the ability to reduce sebum production, shrink pores, and smooth texture, making it a highly praised ingredient.

How can you tell if your skin is purging from niacinamide or if it's a regular breakout?

To distinguish between purging and a regular breakout, check where the breakouts are occurring on your face. If it’s in the same areas you typically break out, it’s likely purging. If it's in new areas, it may be a bad reaction. Also, purging should clear up within six weeks and the breakouts will reduce over time.

What is skin purging and why does it happen with active ingredients like niacinamide?

Skin purging happens when new products with active ingredients, like niacinamide, increase cell turnover. This process brings deep clogs to the surface faster, causing temporary breakouts. It’s not creating new issues but speeding up the clearing of existing ones.

What should you do if your skin is purging after using niacinamide?

If your skin is purging, it's important to give it time to adjust. It typically clears up in six weeks. You can also manage purging by introducing products slowly into your routine and patch testing to ensure your skin is reacting properly to each new product.

Can niacinamide cause irritation or breakouts in some people?

Yes, while niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience irritation or breakouts, especially with high concentrations like the 10% in The Ordinary’s formula. If irritation or breakouts occur, consider reducing the concentration or trying a different formulation.

What can you do if you experience a bad reaction to a niacinamide product?

If you experience a bad reaction, it’s best to stop using the product and revert to a simple skincare routine with gentle products. A basic routine with a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can help your skin recover.

Is the zinc in The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum causing the purging issue?

It's unlikely that the zinc in The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum is causing the purging. Zinc is known to help with breakouts by controlling oil production, balancing the skin's microbiome, and reducing acne-related redness.

Why does The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum have a higher concentration (10%) compared to other niacinamide products?

The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum contains 10% niacinamide, which is higher than the typical 2-5% used in many studies. While this higher concentration may offer more potent effects, it can also increase the risk of irritation, which may be the cause of purging or breakouts in some individuals.

What are some good niacinamide alternatives for people who have issues with The Ordinary’s formula?

If you’re having issues with The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum, you might want to try alternatives like Good Molecules’ Niacinamide Serum (10% niacinamide) or Good Molecules’ Niacinamide Brightening Toner (3% niacinamide), which are more affordable and might be gentler on the skin.

How do you patch test a new skincare product like niacinamide to avoid breakouts or irritation?

To patch test, apply the new product to a small area of your face, preferably where you typically experience breakouts. You can also test it on one side of your face. If the skin reacts with a breakout that doesn’t go away, it’s likely not the right product for you.