Consider skin purging as your skin’s natural mechanism for eliminating a buildup of impurities that clog pores. According to celebrity esthetician and co-host of the BeautyCurious Podcast, Ian Michael Crumm, “Skin purging is a response to active skincare ingredients, resulting in accelerated skin cell turnover.” He outlines several primary factors that can trigger this process, including:
- Initiating a new skincare routine featuring active ingredients known to speed up cellular turnover.
- Excessive exfoliation or overuse of potent skincare products.
- Transitioning to products with higher concentrations of active ingredients than the skin is accustomed to.
Crumm elaborates, stating, “This accelerated turnover can cause pre-existing microcomedones, which are tiny, early forms of acne, to come to the surface and become visible, resulting in a temporary uptick in breakouts.” The crucial term here is temporary. Ideally, this phase serves as a stepping stone toward achieving fewer actual breakouts—just remember to exercise patience during this process.
Identifying Who Is Prone to Experience Skin Purging
As Crumm noted, skin purging is particularly common among individuals utilizing high-strength exfoliating products—those that boost cell turnover such as retinoids and hydroxy acids. For instance, both lactic acid and glycolic acid are categorized as alpha hydroxy acids that specifically target surface cell turnover. Additionally, salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, penetrates deeply into pores to release trapped oil and dead skin cells. Furthermore, retinoids, which are derivatives of topical Vitamin A, are employed to enhance cellular turnover, ultimately promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion.
However, other variables can elevate the likelihood of experiencing skin purging. “The incidence of skin purging often depends on the specific skincare products used, an individual’s unique skin type, and their current skin condition,” Crumm explains. “It is more prevalent in those with acne-prone skin when they begin incorporating active ingredients that promote exfoliation. Additionally, this phenomenon is frequently observed after receiving professional peels from estheticians or dermatologists.”
Duration of Skin Purging: What to Expect
When skin purging occurs, it generally indicates progress towards achieving that coveted “better complexion,” but this process typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, and in some cases, it may extend even longer as the skin acclimates. Some oral medications designed to combat acne might exacerbate the situation temporarily, as the skin eliminates dead cells, excess oil, and impurities that have accumulated within the pores. However, similar to the primary topical treatments that induce purging, there is clarity and smoother skin on the other side of this purging phase. Therefore, don’t be disheartened by a brief breakout resulting from changes in your skincare regimen.
Distinguishing Between Skin Purging and Traditional Breakouts
Identifying the type of blemish can be challenging—although there are identifiable patterns associated with different types of acne based on their locations. Consider your personal history with acne to make informed conclusions: “Purging typically manifests in areas where you regularly experience pimples and tends to resolve more quickly than a standard breakout,” Crumm notes. “In contrast, breakouts may emerge in new locations and persist longer.”
It’s also feasible to have a breakout in a familiar area of your face. However, the purpose of using a product that enhances cellular turnover is to mitigate these types of blemishes in the first place, so it’s essential to stay committed to your regimen.
Effective Strategies for Managing Skin Purging
Managing skin purging involves a regimen similar to treating acne: Firstly, refrain from picking or squeezing blemishes, as this can exacerbate swelling and prolong the recovery period. Instead, incorporate sebum-absorbing ingredients such as salicylic acid, kaolin clay, willow bark extract, and benzoyl peroxide to target affected areas and unclog pores effectively. It’s also crucial to avoid using comedogenic ingredients that could contribute to further clogging, such as oil-laden moisturizers.
Additionally, consider using targeted acne patches, which can help diminish inflammation and may even deliver salicylic acid directly into the blemish through micro-dart technology (assuming they contain salicylic acid).
