Skin Purge
Purging often happens within the first few days or weeks of using acne-fighting and anti-aging skincare products like retinoids, exfoliants, and salicylic acid. It causes temporary acne-like symptoms, like whiteheads and blackheads, that typically go away in a few weeks after your pores “clear themselves out.”
The skin’s outermost protective layer is the epidermis, which constantly purges itself to maintain proper function and a balanced microenvironment. The epidermis renews itself approximately every 28 days for young adults and every 40 to 50 days for the elderly. This process is commonly referred to as the skin cell turnover rate.
Although not formally recognized by dermatology, people commonly use the term “skin purge” to describe breakouts or acne caused by new products. Instead, it would be more accurate to describe it as bringing impurities to the surface and expelling them from the body. While some experts might avoid using the term “purging” because it implies that the skin is detoxifying itself, the skin cannot detoxify on its own. That’s the job of the liver and kidneys.
Skin purging happens when an active ingredient in a new skincare product increases the skin cell turnover rate. This rate refers to how quickly you shed old skin cells and replace them with new ones. As they generate new cells, they push toxins and impurities like dirt, oil, and dead skin cells toward the surface, which can cause pustules, whiteheads, blackheads, or acne clusters.
“The good news is that this annoying side effect is temporary. How long purging lasts depends on the individual, but on average, it lasts about a month. This also is the time it takes for your new skin to come through at the end of a skin cycle cell turnover cycle. If at the 6-8 weeks mark, you do not see that your skin is improving. This might be a time to either stop using the product or see a professional.”
What Are Some Active Ingredients That Can Cause Purging?
Skin purging is a common reaction to chemical exfoliants and retinoids, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep. It is important to know how to handle the situation once pustules appear on the skin’s surface. Should you continue the treatment or stop it? Continuing the use of the product helps the cells to further turnover, leaving the skin smooth and healthy. However, if the product causes discomfort, stop using it. For instance, if you are using a grainy exfoliant, switch to an enzyme peel such as pineapple, lemon * (make sure you are not allergic to citrus), or papaya. Keep in mind that skin purging will continue until they have expelled all the toxins and impurities. So, it’s best to relax and let the process happen. If your skin becomes red and sore, stop using all products, cleanse, and moisturize. It’s beneficial to use a steamer every three days to help your skin and mind relax.
*I had a client allergic to citrus. Her skin reacted and was hyper-pigmented. It took weeks for her skin to lighten in the affected area. Therefore, know what you are allergic to avoid this type of mishap. Always test for allergies.
What Are Some Active Ingredients That Can Cause Purging?
Skin purging is a common reaction to chemical exfoliants and retinoids, Salicylic acid is also an active ingredient that can cause purging. When using a new skincare product containing salicylic acid, it is common to experience temporary acne-like symptoms, like whiteheads and blackheads, which usually go away in a few weeks after your pores “clear themselves out.”
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep. It is important to know how to handle the situation once pustules appear on the skin’s surface. Should you continue the treatment or stop it? Continuing the use of the product helps the cells to further turnover, leaving the skin smooth and healthy. However, if the product causes discomfort, stop using it. For instance, if you are using a grainy exfoliant, switch to an enzyme peel such as pineapple, lemon * (make sure you are not allergic to citrus), or papaya. Keep in mind that skin purging will continue until they have expelled all the toxins and impurities. So, it’s best to relax and let the process happen. If your skin becomes red and sore, stop using all products, cleanse, and moisturize. It’s beneficial to use a steamer every three days to help your skin and mind relax.
*I had a client allergic to citrus. Her skin reacted and was hyper-pigmented. It took weeks for her skin to lighten in the affected area.
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