Skin purges are usually triggered by chemicals that exfoliate your skin, such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you have used these for a while, or are not using them, then it is likely your skin is reacting to a non-purging product such as oil, sunscreen or make-up.
If you've recently started using a product containing retinoids or chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or salicylic acid, there's a good chance your skin is feeling the purge. These ingredients work quicker by helping bring impurities to the surface and small red bumps can actually be a sign the product is working.
Patch testing in one place is a good way to tell you if something breaks you out- I usually smear it across a place I break out and a place I don't, and patch test for about a week while not changing anything else.
Supporters of the skin purging concept have several theories about why it may occur. Some say it is a result of toxins or impurities coming to the skin's surface, resulting in acne. However, there is no evidence to support this. Others claim that skin purging occurs due to increased skin cell turnover.
Skin purging can show itself as red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads on the face. In addition, it causes dead skin cells to surface, which results in flakiness and dryness. These signs can also indicate your skin is getting accustomed to a product.
During this turbulent time for your skin, it is important to be kind to it. Stick to a gentle and basic skin care routine to avoid further inflammation; a gentle cleanser, a soothing hydrating moisturiser, and sunscreen during the day. Don't stop using the product that has triggered the purge, but do limit its use.
It doesn't typically trigger the skin purging process, as it primarily focuses on hydration, not exfoliation. Purging usually occurs with ingredients that speed up cell turnover, like retinoids or AHAs. Since hyaluronic acid's role is to attract and hold moisture, it generally stays out of the purging business.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
Redness is also one of the common signs that your new skincare product isn't working. This happens when your skin is inflamed. Sometimes it could also feel itchy and burning. This won't stop until you stop using that product, and you need to give your skin time to recover before trying any other products.
The most common culprits behind purging are acids (AHA, BHA), retinoids, vitamin C, or even niacinamide. So, if you find yourself breaking out shortly after introducing one of these products, chances are you are purging, not breaking out.
Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin. Purging usually appears where acne is common, like the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
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.
Can retinol damage your skin? If you use retinol, you'll sunburn more easily, which can damage your skin. Using high doses of retinol may also be associated with the development of skin cancer. Be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight (with clothing and hats) while you use retinol products.
“Ingredients like retinoids, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and some types of vitamin C can trigger purging by bringing hidden pimples to the surface of the skin faster than usual.”
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Certain new products can cause a purge, including retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and enzymes like bromelain or papain.
The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.
Accelerated Cell Turnover
Shedding the Old: Korean skincare products, particularly those with active ingredients, accelerate the shedding of old, dead skin cells. Revealing the New: This process helps to unearth the congestion that's been lurking beneath your skin's surface, hence the initial breakout.
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.
The right way is to change one product at a time. If you are changing your cleanser this week, change the moisturizer in a gap of 7-8 days. Similarly, if you are introducing an active ingredient, give it a week to settle on your skin.