Nov 16, 2021
Categories
Skin Care
When you start a new skin-care routine, the last thing you want is for your skin to look worse after a week or two. Whether you’ve added stronger actives or simply stuck to a stricter cleansing routine, you might notice more pimples, clogged pores, or flaky patches. Are the new products to blame? Is this a temporary purge or a longer-lasting reaction? How can you tell? Let’s look into it.
What Is Skin Purging?
Introducing new products or treatments can sometimes cause breakouts or flaking — a process often called purging. This is a short-term, normal reaction where the skin pushes out trapped oil, bacteria, or dirt, says Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a triple board-certified cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon in New York. He notes these flare-ups usually clear faster than regular breakouts, and purging doesn’t happen every time you switch products.
Products that speed up cell turnover or exfoliate (the actives that shed dead skin to reveal fresher skin) are the ones most likely to cause purging. Not everyone will purge with exfoliation — it depends on your skin’s sensitivity and what’s lurking in your pores. As deeper, newer skin cells come up, trapped debris can appear as tiny whiteheads or blackheads, and you may also see peeling or dry, flaky skin.
Chemical exfoliants like hydroxy acids commonly trigger purging. These actives loosen congestion deep in the pores and move it to the surface, which can look like a breakout but is actually part of the skin’s cycle. Purging often involves microcomedones — very small pimples below the surface that appear during faster cell turnover. You may notice purging more in oily areas like the T-zone or where you typically break out, such as the nose, chin, or forehead.
Skin Purging vs. Reaction Breakouts
It’s important to tell the difference between purging and a true reaction so you know when to stop using a product.
Signs of purging:
– Mostly appears in spots where you already tend to break out.
– Clears up faster than a regular pimple.
Signs of a reaction-based breakout:
– New breakouts in places where you don’t usually get pimples.
– Takes longer to form and heal — often one to six weeks.
Using acid exfoliants for the first time can cause dryness and redness, especially if used too often. If non-active products like serums, toners, or moisturizers cause irritation or breakouts, you might be sensitive to a specific ingredient.
Remember, purging and acne have different causes. Acne is often driven by hormones, oil production, and bacteria. It helps to know the common types of acne and how they differ from purging so you can adjust your routine accordingly.
What to Do If Your Skin Is Purging
Keep your routine consistent while your skin purges. Although seeing purging can be discouraging, these tips can help your skin get through the transition.
Give it time
Most noticeable purging finishes after one skin cycle, but it can take four to six weeks to see the full benefit of strong active ingredients. Stick with your routine for at least one full cycle (about 28 days) before making changes, so dead skin can shed and the purge can run its course.
Introduce actives slowly
Add active ingredients, like acid exfoliants, gradually so your skin can adjust without a big purge or reaction. Start using a new product twice a week, then increase to three or four times over a month before moving to daily use or as directed.
Avoid extra-drying products
When using actives or exfoliants, avoid products that dry out your skin. Purging can involve getting rid of extra oil, so over-exfoliating or adding drying items may cause redness and irritation.
See a professional
If your skin is purging, consider booking a virtual or in-person consultation with an Eminence Organics Spa Partner and scheduling a facial. An esthetician can gently remove impurities and help restore your skin’s glow. You can also watch a video with Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar about purging versus breaking out.
What to Do If Your Skin Is Reacting
If the reaction looks worse than a purge, stop using new products for a week. If the breakouts fade, it’s likely you’re sensitive to an ingredient and that product isn’t right for you.
Using strong acne washes or active ingredients too quickly can cause breakouts, dryness, peeling, and redness. Easing into use over time can prevent this.
For personalized advice, consult a licensed professional at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner. They can assess your skin and recommend products that suit your needs. To learn more about which actives might work for you or to book a consultation, visit our Spa Locator.