Your Guide To Skin Purging
Are you experiencing breakouts after starting a new skincare product? It could be skin purging. Our blog post explains skin purging, how it differs from regular acne, and why it occurs. We'll also offer tips on how to tell if you're experiencing skin purging or an adverse reaction to a product, and share strategies for managing and preventing purging. With our expert advice, you'll be able to confidently navigate the sometimes challenging process of introducing new skincare products into your routine. Read on to learn how to get the most out of your skincare products without sacrificing your skin's health.
Purging is an accelerated rate of exfoliation brought on by an active ingredient doing its job. This means that if you have clogged pores, they may seem worse or turn into pimples and active acne. If you have small pimples, they may turn into larger ones. This initial breakout generally goes away anywhere from 2 weeks (with AHAs and BHAs) to 6 weeks (with retinoids), and your skin improves.
The accelerated exfoliation helps to unclog pores of dirt, oil, and bacteria already under the surface of your skin, which may result in acne breakouts. Treatments that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and retinoids remove dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis. Retinoids can also increase the rate of cell turnover. What looks like a new breakout is just the appearance of a pimple that would have surfaced sooner or later. Skin renews itself normally every 28 days. It may be tempting to stop using your new skincare products or regimen completely before this period, but by sticking with it, clear skin is just around the corner.
A pimple doesn't begin when you actually see it. It starts as a clogged pore under the surface of your skin that you can't see, which can eventually become a full-blown pimple before it goes away. This process can take up to 8 weeks. If a skincare product increases the skin cell turnover rate, it speeds up this entire cycle, so youâll see many pimples appear. However, these pimples would eventually come to the surface of your skin.
Salicylic acid penetrates the pores, loosening the cellular debris and contents of congested pores. This may cause the blackheads to protrude until it extracts completely.
If you start getting tiny red bumps and/or itchiness, then those are probably signs of allergy or irritation. Allergic reactions to skincare products will usually go away with hydrocortisone cream, so if you use a mild topical hydrocortisone cream in addition to your new products and you still have bumps in places you normally don't break out after a few days, then it's probably the product that is breaking you out.
Irritation usually makes your skin feel hot and sensitive. For example, if your skin burns or stings when you wash your face with a regular cleanser or use your normal products, your skin is probably irritated. Stop using the product for a few days; if your skin feels calmer after taking a break, it is probably irritated. If your skin is the same after not using the product for a while (several weeks), you either really are purging or breaking out.
Be cautious about irritating your skin by exfoliating too much. Over-exfoliation can disrupt your natural skin barrier and make you vulnerable to bacteria and acne. Treatments can be very effective even if you aren't aggressive with your skin. A little can go a long way.
Click here to read more about managing reactions in medical-grade skin care products.
When using new skincare products or a brand-new regimen, you should give it about three months, but expect to see some slight improvement after 3-4 weeks of usage. If you are still breaking out after three months or don't see any improvement in your skin after one month, switch to something else. Three months is enough time for your skin to renew and push the would-be pimples out of your clogged pores.
If you want to limit the severity of a purge, introduce the new product slowly to your skin, which can help. Start at a lower concentration or smaller amount, or use less frequently before gradually increasing to the recommended amount. Or you can always patch test.
So what do you do when your skin freaks out, and you don't know which product is causing the issue? Stop everything you're using: makeup, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. Use mild topical hydrocortisone cream on your skin until your reaction decreases. Start adding products back in slowly. Eventually, you'll find out what's offending your skin. If your skin continues to react, see a dermatologist or skincare specialist, as it may be a more serious medical condition that needs special treatment.
Other than that, give your new skincare products a chance. Your skin may initially react to a new product with pimples and breakouts. After a while, your skin builds immunity to the products, and the breakouts subside.
Click here for more advice on starting a skincare regimen with active ingredients.
