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    BEAUTY //

    Skin Purging: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Deal with It

    Skin purging can feel like your skincare routine turned against you, but is it really a bad sign? In this article, we unpack what skin purging actually is, why it happens when you start new products, and how to navigate the temporary bumps on the road to glowing skin. Whether you're new to actives or just curious, we've got you covered with tips to soothe, support, and stick with it.

    By Harriet Ishbel Sweeney / Jan 06 2025
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    If you've recently introduced a new skincare product into your routine—whether it's a serum, exfoliant, or treatment—you might have noticed a sudden flare-up of blemishes or breakouts. It’s frustrating, we know, but don't panic just yet. What you're experiencing might be skin purging.

     

    Skin purging is a term that’s thrown around in the beauty world, but not everyone really understands what it means. In this article, we’ll break down what skin purging is, why it happens, and how you can tell if it’s something temporary or a sign to reassess your skincare routine.

    what is skin purging?

    Simply put, skin purging is your skin’s reaction to a product that speeds up cell turnover. Essentially, your skin is “purging” the impurities that would have surfaced later. It’s a process where your skin pushes out old cells to make room for new, healthier ones. When this happens, it can bring existing breakouts or clogged pores to the surface faster than usual, resulting in a temporary increase in acne or irritation.

    This phenomenon usually happens when you start using products with active ingredients—such as retinoids, exfoliating acids (like AHAs or BHAs), or vitamin C—that accelerate cell turnover. These ingredients help reveal smoother, clearer skin in the long run, but they can cause a purging phase as your skin adjusts.
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    how do you know if it’s skin purging?

    It can be tricky to differentiate between skin purging and a normal breakout. Here's how to tell the difference:

     

    Timing: Skin purging typically happens within the first 2-4 weeks of using a new product. If your breakouts appear within this window, it's more likely to be purging rather than a reaction to the product.

     

    Location: The breakouts you experience during purging are usually in areas where you typically get pimples or blackheads—like your forehead, chin, or around the jawline. If you’re noticing new pimples on areas that don’t usually break out, it might be more than just purging.

     

    Type of Breakouts: During a purge, you may notice more whiteheads, blackheads, or tiny bumps on your skin. If you're experiencing cystic acne or larger, more painful breakouts, it’s probably not purging and may indicate that your skin doesn’t react well to the new product.

     

    Consistency: Skin purging is a short-term process, so if you’re still seeing breakouts after 4 weeks, it might be time to rethink your skincare choices.

    why does skin purging happen?

    To get a little more science-y, skin purging occurs because certain skincare ingredients increase the rate at which your skin sheds its dead cells. When the skin renews itself faster, it brings underlying impurities—like oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells—up to the surface, where they can lead to breakouts. It’s your skin’s way of doing a mini “spring cleaning,” even if it looks a little messy at first.

    Here are some of the common ingredients that can cause skin purging:

     

    Retinoids (like Retinol and Retinoid-based products): Retinoids are known for their ability to speed up cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. But when you first start using them, they can cause your skin to purge as the old cells are sloughed off.

     

    Exfoliating Acids (AHAs and BHAs): Acids like glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) work wonders for clearing clogged pores and exfoliating the skin. However, they can initially bring impurities to the surface, causing purging. 

     

    Vitamin C: While Vitamin C is great for brightening and fading dark spots, it can also cause a purging phase as your skin adjusts to the increased cell turnover.

     

    Chemical Peels: If you’ve recently started using a chemical peel or started seeing a professional for one, your skin might go through a purging phase as well.

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    how long does skin purging last?

    While it’s annoying, skin purging is typically temporary. Most people will experience purging for about 2-4 weeks before their skin starts to clear up. It’s important to stick with the products and give your skin time to adjust. If you start seeing clearer skin after this period, then it was likely just a purging phase.

     

    However, if your skin continues to break out for longer than 4 weeks, it might be time to reconsider your product choice. Sometimes, your skin might just not be able to tolerate certain ingredients, or you might need a gentler formula.

    how to deal with skin purging

    No one likes breakouts, even if they’re temporary. If you’re in the middle of a skin purge, here are a few tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

     

    Don’t Stop Using Your Products: It might be tempting to throw out that new serum or acid treatment, but consistency is key. Your skin needs time to adjust. Stopping mid-way through will only delay the benefits.

     

    Be Gentle with Your Skin: During the purging phase, your skin can be more sensitive. Avoid harsh scrubbing or using abrasive tools. Instead, focus on gentle cleansing, moisturising, and applying soothing ingredients.

     

    Hydrate: Skin purging can dry out your skin. Keep it moisturised with a hydrating product to avoid excess irritation. Look for products with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or ceramides.

     

    Spot Treatment: If the breakouts are bothering you, consider using a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help calm the inflamed areas. But don’t overdo it, as this can make your skin more irritated.

     

    Be Patient: We know it’s hard, but patience really is key. It can be frustrating to deal with a sudden surge of breakouts, but if you stick with your new routine, your skin will likely look better than ever in a few weeks.

    should you keep using your products?

    The golden rule when it comes to skin purging is to give it time. If you’re seeing breakouts or irritation within the first 2-4 weeks of introducing a new product, it’s likely purging and not an allergic reaction or irritation.

     

    However, if the purging doesn’t subside after a month, it’s worth reevaluating your skincare choices. You may need to consult with a dermatologist to see if the product is right for your skin or if there’s an underlying issue.

    final thoughts

    Skin purging can feel like a rollercoaster, but it’s usually a sign that your new skincare routine is doing what it’s supposed to do—helping your skin renew itself. With patience, consistency, and a gentle skincare routine, you’ll likely come out the other side with smoother, clearer skin.

     

    Remember, every skin type is different, so listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed by the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice.

     

    And don’t forget: Your skin is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. So give yourself grace through the purging process, and soon enough, your skin will thank you for it.

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    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

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