Have you ever started a new skincare product or treatment only to find your skin breaking out more than usual? You might be experiencing skin purging – a common but often misunderstood skincare phenomenon. Let’s dive into what skin purging is, why it happens, and how to navigate this process whether you’re trying new at-home products or undergoing professional treatments.

What is Skin Purging?

Skin purging occurs when a new skincare product or treatment accelerates your skin cell turnover rate. This brings underlying clogs, microcomedones, and early pimples to the surface faster than usual, resulting in a temporary increase in breakouts.

Why Does Purging Happen?

Purging typically happens with products and treatments that contain or use active ingredients known to exfoliate and increase cell turnover. These include:

1. Retinoids (like retinol and tretinoin)
2. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid
3. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid
4. Some vitamin C serums
5. Chemical peels
6. Microdermabrasion
7. Laser treatments
8. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy

These ingredients and treatments work by encouraging your skin to shed dead cells and produce new ones more quickly. While this process is beneficial in the long run, it can initially lead to more breakouts as your skin adjusts.

Purging vs. Breaking Out: How to Tell the Difference

It’s crucial to distinguish between purging and a negative reaction. Here are some key differences:

Purging:

• Occurs in areas where you typically break out
• Clears up faster than a normal breakout
• Happens soon after introducing a new active ingredient or treatment

Breaking Out:

• May occur in new areas
• Lasts longer and may worsen over time
• Can happen with any new product, not just actives

How Long Does Purging Last?

For at-home products, skin purging typically lasts for 4-6 weeks, which is about one full skin cell turnover cycle. With in-clinic treatments, the purging period can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment and your skin’s sensitivity.

Managing Skin Purging: At-Home and In-Clinic

1. Be patient: Remember that purging is temporary and often a sign that the product or treatment is working.
2. Don’t pick or pop: This can lead to scarring and further irritation.
3. Keep your routine simple: Avoid introducing other new products during this time.
4. Use gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen to support your skin barrier.
5. For at-home products, consider reducing the frequency of use if irritation is severe, then gradually increase as your skin adjusts.
6. For in-clinic treatments, follow your practitioner’s post-treatment care instructions carefully.

Minimizing Purging in Your Skincare Routine

1. Introduce new active ingredients gradually, one at a time.
2. Start with lower concentrations and frequencies, then slowly increase.
3. Maintain a consistent routine, giving each new product at least 4-6 weeks to show results.
4. Pay attention to product layering, generally applying from thinnest to thickest consistency.
5. Always follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen.

When to Stop Using a Product or Seek Professional Advice

If you experience severe irritation, redness, burning, or breakouts in areas where you don’t typically have acne, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist. For in-clinic treatments, contact your practitioner if you have concerns about your skin’s reaction.

Conclusion

While skin purging can be frustrating, it’s often a necessary step towards achieving clearer, healthier skin. By understanding the process and practicing patience, you can navigate this temporary phase and emerge with improved skin on the other side. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for others may not work for you. Always listen to your skin and consult with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

My Aesthetics Dr. is a medical aesthetics clinic located in Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC, proudly serving all of Western North Carolina, including Arden, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Brevard, and surrounding areas. We specialize in Botox, lip filler, facial balancing, microneedling, and HydraFacials.