The market is flooded with skin care products, so choosing the right one to resolve your skin woes is important. Some of these products can also lead to skin purging, a temporary reaction that can develop when you try out a new skincare product or treatment. It is characterized by an initial increase in acne or breakouts, but it is a sign that the product is working to accelerate the skin's natural exfoliation process. Skin purging usually lasts for a few weeks, followed by clearer, healthier-looking skin.
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What Is Skin Purging?
Skin cells typically renew themselves every 28 days, though it may take up to 40 days for older skin. Effective skincare products can help improve skin health and target specific concerns by speeding up cellular turnover. This process involves the skin renewing its cells at a faster rate, shedding dead skin cells, and simultaneously releasing impurities. Skincare products can improve complexion, smooth texture, and skin tone by stimulating the skin and increasing cellular turnover.
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Skin purging occurs as a natural reaction to certain active ingredients that prompt rapid cellular turnover. While it may seem like your skincare product is causing the purge, the reality is that these issues were already present—the purge accelerated the process.
Causes of Skin Purging
Skin purging is often caused by products that increase cell turnover rates, such as exfoliants, retinoids, or certain active ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). These products work by eliminating dead skin cells and unclogging pores, which can initially lead to an increase in acne or breakouts as the skin expels impurities.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Skin Purging
Introduce New Products Gradually
Introducing new products gradually into your skincare regimen allows your skin time to adapt and adjust. For instance, when using an anti-ageing retinol treatment, use it once or twice a week before increasing the frequency. This helps your skin acclimate to the product and build tolerance, reducing the risk of skin purging.
Change Your Pillowcases Regularly
Dirty linens and pillowcases can contribute to breakouts by absorbing dead skin cells, oil, sweat, residual hair and beauty products. These substances can clog pores and irritate the skin. Change pillowcases and any other linens that come into contact with breakout-prone areas frequently.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Your skin is more vulnerable during the skin purging process. Protect it with sunscreen to aid healing, reduce inflammation, and minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—the red or brown marks that can remain after acne breakouts. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or higher regularly, reapplying as needed to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Don’t Forget Toner
Maintaining your skin’s natural pH level can help mitigate the effects of skin purging. Since new skincare products can disrupt this balance, using a toner after cleansing (and before applying other products) can help ensure that your skin’s barrier remains intact and uncompromised.
Avoid Over-Exfoliation
While exfoliation can help improve skin texture, over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
Use Non-Comedogenic Products
Choose skincare and makeup essentials that are non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
Conclusion
Skin purging is a temporary reaction that occurs when starting new skincare products or treatments. It is a sign that the product is working to improve your skin's health. Following a gentle skincare routine and using effective home remedies can help treat skin purging and achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin. If skin purging persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
References:
Skin purging – What medications cause it and what to do about it?
Professor Chris Bunker
https://miiskin.com/acne/skin-purging/
Acne Purging: Full Dermatologist Guide
https://www.mdacne.com/article/acne-purging-full-dermatologist-guide
