How long does purging skin last? It generally lasts around 4 weeks (an average skin cycle length) but it can last up to 8 weeks. If you're still breaking out more than usual after this period of time, consider what else you're using in your routine, as it may not be purging.
Since it occurs as a result of cell turnover and movement of deeper clogs to the surface, purging should last for about one complete skin cycle, which is about 28-40 days or four to six weeks.
It depends on the product, but generally, it should start working within a few days. You can also expect your skin to change over time as you continue using the product. If you're new to acids, start with an AHA or BHA-based toner before moving on to more potent exfoliants like PHA serums and Glycolic acid peels.
Yes, it is completely normal for your skin to purge after the first time using a BHA.
Skin purging is a supercharged cleanse for your complexion. It is usually caused by an active ingredient in a skincare product or a process that speeds up the skin's cell shedding and renewal phase. These ingredients stimulate cell renewal turnover rate leaving behind clearer, smoother skin.
Sensitive skin types might react differently to snail mucin. Apply a small amount on your arm before slathering it on your face. Then, wait a day or two to see what happens. If there's redness, itchiness, or any signs of an allergic reaction, snail mucin might not be your slime of choice.
Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
If you are new to using salicylic acid products, we recommend initially using one twice a week and then gradually build up usage to once or twice daily.
When the skin begins to purge and get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells, it's preparing to clear what isn't needed out of the body. While it goes through this process, acne and breakouts improve over time. Avoid touching, picking, or popping pimples.
If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.
1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.
When purging your skin, you'll typically see blackheads and small, flesh-coloured bumps rather than inflamed pustules, nodules or deeper cysts. But this is not an absolute rule. Overall, acne caused by skin purging often tends to appear and then disappear much faster than classic breakouts.
BHA's. If you're using BHA's (Beta Hydroxy Acids) to target blackheads and acne, you should notice your pores looking clearer as soon as a week or two of use.
Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.
During the purging process, be patient and gentle with your skin. It's very vulnerable and sensitive at this point. Here are some tips for you to follow while your skin is purging: Avoid popping any of those pimples or excessive touching of the face.
"*Some* people experience an initial “purging” effect when using a BHA exfoliant for the first time. Why? One theory is that as the BHA loosens the gunk deep in the pore and speeds cell turnover, causing the clog to surface faster.
That said it is very rare for this to happen with our products. If purging occurs, we recommend to continue using the products for at least three weeks to allow them to work.
Irritating for some
Since BHA clears out the oil in your pores, it's not as good for dry skin types. This skin type instead needs to stimulate oil production.
☀️ Either can be used morning or night, but don't forget your SPF 30+ during the day, as these ingredients increase your sensitivity to the sun! Get our NEW 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant & our iconic 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in-store & online at @sephora , @sephoracanada & Sephora at @kohls.
Although our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum is gentle and soothing – you shouldn't reach out for it more than thrice a week. Using the serum daily can lead to over-exfoliation which zaps natural oils from the dermis. It can make your skin dry, and uncomfortably tight and even cause inflammation.
Finally, there's the undeniable debate about companies using animal by-products in beauty. Even though snails aren't typically harmed in the process, it still involves an animal, so isn't ideal for people who prefer vegan or plant-based alternatives.
Snail mucin is a wonder K-beauty ingredient which can deeply hydrate skin, heal acne scars and even give you glass skin – and while there's plenty of evidence to back this up, I've tried a bunch of products with snail mucin only to find that they're too sticky for my skin.
Time Will Tell: Unlike breakouts, purging should be short-lived, generally subsiding in a few weeks. If your skin behaves otherwise after using snail mucin, consider looking at other culprits or halting certain potent medications or products that may be causing prolonged disruption.