Skin Purging 101: Is My Skin Purging or Breaking Out?

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Have you ever been super excited to try a new skin care product, only to wake up with blemishes the next morning? We’ve all been there, and it sucks because your skin is flaring up and you don’t know whether it’s just purging and you should continue using the product, or if it’s breaking you out and you need to throw it in the trash.

Rest assured, there are ways to tell the difference, so let’s get into it!

What is a reaction or a breakout from a new product?

Unfortunately, your skin won’t like every product you try. Sometimes your skin will negatively react to a product, and you’ll see/feel an increase in irritation and/or breakouts. This happens when your skin is sensitive or allergic to an ingredient within the product you’re using or the product formula itself.

A breakout from a new product usually happens in areas where you aren’t prone to breaking out. These breakouts usually take a few days or even weeks to form.

What is skin purging?

Skin purging appears to be a typical breakout, but it actually occurs when your skin is being introduced to a new product. Purging is a good sign because it indicates that the new product is working by speeding up the process of cellular turnover rate. Rapid exfoliation helps to quickly unclog pores by pushing out all of the bacteria lying under the skin. This results in blemishes coming to the surface quicker than they normally would. This means that those pimples that you see now would have shown up up regardless, but weeks later. Purging typically occurs in areas of the skin where you normally breakout.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to minimize the effects of a purge, but you should wear sunscreen, & avoid using harsh acne treatments and touching your face. Purging may suck in the moment, but it’s a promising sign that the new product you’re using will improve your skin in the long run, so try to weather the storm and continue using the product.

What products cause skin purging?

Skin purging is caused by products that exfoliate the skin and increase cellular turnover rate. These are typically classified as “active-ingredient” products. Some examples are:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide

  • Vitamin C Treaments

  • Chemical Exfoliators (Salicylic Acid Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and other Hydroxy Acids)

  • Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin, etc.)

  • Chemical Peels

  • Microdermabrasion Tools

  • Laser Treatments

  • Enzyme Treatments

  • Physical Exfoliants (Scrubs, Cleansing Brushes, etc.)

Sooooo…How do I tell the difference between purging and a breakout?

There are different factors (ex. diet) that may change the script a bit, but these are general key indicators that can help you determine whether you should put your trust in a product or toss it:

  • Products

    • If your skin is breaking out from products that don’t contain any active ingredients/exfoliating properties, than your skin is probably negatively reacting to a product; not purging.

  • Timing

    • The skin renews itself every 4-6 weeks, so your purging should stop by then. If you’re continuing to see breakouts after 1-1 1/2 months of using a product, you should probably toss it.

    • You can also get an idea on whether your skin is purging or not by how long it takes the blemishes to appear on your skin. Blemishes from purging may appear within a day or two, or even overnight, whereas a typical breakout may take a few days/weeks to form.

  • Location of Breakout

    • Blemishes from purging appear on areas of your skin where you usually see breakouts. If you’re breaking out in random areas/places you’re not prone to breaking out, than you’re probably not purging. Purging just brings under-the-skin acne to the surface; it doesn’t trigger breakouts in different areas of your skin.

  • Skin Irritation

    • Yes, mild irritation can come with purging, but aggressive or long-lasting irritation, including dryness, redness, burning, or itchiness are indicators that you’re not going through a purge. The product is likely not a good match for your skin, and you should stop use of it immediately. There’s a very low chance that your skin will adjust to this product, and you will only further damage your skin by utilizing a product that’s incredibly irritating.

Happy Holidays!!!!! & always feel free to hit me up if you have any questions. New posts will start back up in 2020!!!!! 🥳️

- Riss ❤️️

BeautyMarissa WilliamsSkin Care, Tips