While ‘skin purging’ might sound slightly terrifying, this process can be a sign that a smoother, clearer and brighter complexion is just around the corner.
Purging refers to breakouts that happen when a new product is introduced to your skincare routine. It can look suspiciously like a standard breakout, so it’s important to work out exactly what’s going on.
Read on for our deep dive into skin purging, including why it happens and how to treat it.
Skin Purging 101
Purging describes the skin’s reaction to active topical ingredients, specifically those that trigger cellular turnover. The most common offenders are Retinoids and acids like Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic. Basically, these compounds speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process, which can bring underlying congestion to the skin’s surface – not exactly a good look or feel, right?
What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
Skin purging tends to look like a typical breakout, and can include blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). This might be accompanied by flaking, rough texture and dullness, which are also signs that your complexion is going through an adjustment period.
Should I Allow[RR1] [AN2] Or Encouraging My Skin To Purge?
While no one wants to break out, it’s beneficial in the long run as it will help to remove underlying congestion. The lesson here? Don’t let the fear of purging turn you off proven cosmeceutical skin care.
Is My Skin Purging Or Breaking Out?
Deciphering between the two can be tricky, but the most obvious indicator that you’re purging as opposed to breaking out is that you’ve introduced a product with one of the aforementioned active ingredients into your routine. More often than not, a purge presents as a series of small bumps where you typically get pimples (for example, the jaw or t-zone), whereas breakouts tend to be red or inflamed.
It’s important to remember that not every skin change is indicative of a purge and you might simply be experiencing a breakout or even having an adverse reaction. To help you figure things out, we’ve compiled useful information about skin purging and how to treat it.
Duration
Our skin renews itself every 28 days, so any purging should clear up within six to eight weeks. If symptoms continue, chances are the active product you are using is either not working for your complexion or it’s making things worse. If that’s the case, we suggest you pass it on to a skin-care-obsessed pal and try something else.
Ingredients
As we mentioned earlier, increased cell turnover is what triggers a purge, so if you’re not using a new Retinoid or chemical exfoliant, it’s likely what you’re experiencing is a breakout.
Can I Purge And Breakout At The Same Time?
The short answer is yes: technically, your skin can purge and break out at once. It comes down to many factors, but if you’re using the right skin care for your complexion, you should eventually see a reduction in blemishes, plus the end of any purging.
When it comes to skin clarity, a consistent routine is key. Active skin care doesn’t work overnight, so tricky as it may be, trust the process.
Why Is My Skin Still Breaking Out Even With A Good Skincare Routine?
Doing all the right things, but still chasing skin clarity? Firstly, ensure you’re not touching your face with dirty hands (or yapping on a germy iPhone). It’s equally important to frequently change your pillowcases and towels.
Here are a few other things to consider:
● Are you using too many skincare products? If your breakouts are coupled with redness, irritation or warmth, your barrier might be impaired. Here’s some advice for restoring balance.
● It goes without saying but drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced wholefood diet will support optimal skin health.
● Could it be hormones? An imbalance can trigger an overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts. In this case, it’s best to chat with your doctor.
● There might be another medical issue at play. If you’re experiencing chronic acne, speak to a medical professional.
Can You Prevent Purging?
The good news is that not everyone will experience skin purging when integrating new formulas into their routine.
If you are one of the unlucky ones, rest assured that purging is a good sign: it means the active ingredient is working. The long-term benefits – clear, radiant skin – will be worth the wait.
In the interim, you can support your complexion through the process with quality cosmeceuticals, which we discuss below.
How To Treat A Skin Purge
First of all, take comfort in knowing that skin purging is a temporary condition – good things take time, after all!
To manage symptoms related to purging, there are a number of things you can do.
Encourage skin renewal
This might seem counterintuitive but regular exfoliation will keep cellular build-up to a minimum, and this will reduce the severity of any purge-related pimples.
Use a dedicated exfoliating formula a few nights a week, as well as a daily exfoliating cleanser[RR3] [AN4] .
Glycolic Cleanser 12%: This lightweight gel gently resurfaces, rehydrates and revives the skin, leaving it smooth and purified.
Glycolic Scrub 14%: A Skinstitut bestseller for a reason, this scrub combines physical and chemical exfoliators to buff away flakes and smooth the skin’s surface.
Expert Glycolic Refining Solution: Packed with five per cent Glycolic Acid alongside Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and Green Tea, this leave-on toner dissolves expired skin cells, improving tone, clarity and softness.
Even Blend Serum: If discolouration is a concern, use Even Blend (which combines Glycolic Acid with Wakamine seaweed) to brighten dark spots and improve overall radiance.
Enzymatic Micro Peel: Whenever your skin is looking dull, apply this super-gentle yet effective treatment. Papain Enzymes together Niacinamide gently refine and calm skin while improving epidermal barrier function, reducing moisture loss.
Don’t skimp on hydration
When your skin is congested, it’s tempting to starve it of all moisture, but this will only exacerbate things. Instead, use a lightweight product that will hydrate without boosting oil production.
Moisture Defence Oily Skin: This light gel fortifies skin thanks to Niacinamide and Zinc, while humectants like Glycerin and Panthenol ensure long-lasting moisture sans shine.
Soothe and spot treat
One of the best ways to blitz temporary pimples is to spot treat them and keep the rest of your routine relatively streamlined. Reach for a soothing formula that will remove breakout-causing bacteria while calming the skin.
Laser Aid: This versatile salve is a godsend for skin that’s out of sorts. Because of its antibacterial properties, it makes for an excellent spot treatment or leave-on mask. It also works to alleviate redness and irritation.
Want more intel on bright, clear and breakout-free skin? Read up on all things congestion here, or explore our Clearing range.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2989803/
