Why do I have skin irritation after using Niacinamide soap?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have just used the Niacinamide plus Vitamin C soap, which has caused my skin to become excessively dry and flaky. It is now causing burning and itching whenever I go into the sun, and the dry skin is cracking on my face. Any moisturizer that I apply starts to burn immediately.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From the history and the attached picture (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), this appears to be an episode of acute irritant or contact dermatitis triggered by the use of a soap containing Niacinamide and Vitamin C. Such soaps can disrupt the skin barrier, especially on facial skin, leading to excessive dryness, flaking, burning, itching, tightness, and a stiff mask-like feeling. Sun exposure further worsens the irritation because a damaged skin barrier becomes extremely sensitive to heat and light.

At present, the priority is skin barrier repair and reduction of inflammation. Application of Hydrocortisone 1% cream once at night for seven days will help reduce redness, burning, itching, and inflammation.

In addition, tablet Cetirizine 10 milligrams (mg) once daily for seven days may be taken to control itching and any allergic component.

During the healing phase, only bland emollients should be used, such as petroleum jelly, white soft paraffin, or a Ceramide-based moisturizer. Fragrance-free formulations are preferred. Thick occlusive ointments may temporarily mask dryness, but if they cause stinging, heaviness, or discomfort, they should be minimized or replaced with a simpler emollient.

All active skincare products should be stopped immediately, including soaps, face washes, scrubs, vitamin C products, Niacinamide products, exfoliants, and cosmetics. The face should be washed only with plain water or a very gentle, soap-free cleanser. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible. If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, physical protection, such as a hat or scarf, is preferred over chemical sunscreens until the skin barrier has healed, as sunscreens may cause stinging at this stage.

This condition is very manageable and usually improves within five to seven days with appropriate care.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.