What to avoid when skin is purging?

Author: Liliana Gutmann IV  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

Picking is the worst thing you can do during a skin purge. Not only will this increase the time needed to heal, but it also increases your chance of scarring, infection, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

What not to use when skin is purging?

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.

What should I do when my face is purging?

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.

How long does your skin purge before it clears up?

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.

Does skin look better after purging?

If anything in skin care embodies the phrase “it gets worse before it gets better” it's skin purging. But once you arrive at that “better” stage, it is the absolute best. Although it may not feel like it now, skin purging is a sign of fantastic things to come—namely, stunning long-term skin health.

PURGING OR IRRITATION? | Esthetician Explains How to Identify and Treat Both Conditions

Should I stop using niacinamide if I break out?

Niacinamide skincare products can sometimes cause breakouts in people who are acne-prone. If you start to experience more breakouts while using niacinamide products, discontinue use immediately.

Why am I getting more pimples after using salicylic acid?

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.

What does retinol purging look like?

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.

How do I heal my skin barrier?

How to prevent and heal damage to your skin barrier
  1. Wash with warm (but not scalding) water. ...
  2. Use a soap-free cleanser. ...
  3. Exfoliate gently. ...
  4. Don't over-cleanse. ...
  5. Keep skin moisturized. ...
  6. Wear sunscreen! ...
  7. Treat pimples with care. ...
  8. Keep your skin's pH balanced.

How to stop skin purging immediately at home?

It's recommended to keep your skincare routine to a minimum during skin purging. Aside from the new product that you're testing, stick to the skin-friendly products you've used before. Concentrate on your fundamentals, such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF.

Should you pop purging pimples?

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.

How to treat sudden face breakout?

You can try to avoid or control mild or moderate acne with nonprescription products, good basic skin care and other self-care techniques:
  1. Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser. ...
  2. Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling. ...
  3. Avoid irritants. ...
  4. Protect your skin from the sun.

What triggers skin purging?

“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.”

How long does the purge last?

The films present a seemingly normal, crime-free America in the near future. However, the country is a dystopia which observes an annual event known as "the Purge", in which all crime, including murder, is legal for a 12-hour period.

What skincare does not cause purging?

One product that can help you avoid skin purging while still effectively treating acne is CLn Acne Cleanser. This non-comedogenic cleanser is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and does not cause skin purging, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

How do you survive retinol purge?

  1. Know that it's common. It's hardly glamorous, but “purging” is a natural part of the retinol process. ...
  2. Start low and slow. AND WEAR SPF. ...
  3. Be gentle on the skincare. Being gentle might mean you have to step down in other areas of your skincare. ...
  4. Leave the spots alone.

How many days does purging last?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with your how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

Is retinol ruined my skin?

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.

What is the difference between purging and breakouts?

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.

How long does salicylic acid take to stop 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.

Does snail mucin cause purging?

Here's the scoop: While snail mucin, for the most part, won't cause purging like a hardcore retinoid, ingredients in certain other products — COSRX chief among them — have been known to cause cystic acne breakouts, so choose your essence wisely. Your best bet is to listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed.

What cancels out niacinamide?

Niacinamide and vitamin C

This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.

What does tretinoin purge look like?

“The symptoms related to tretinoin purging typically involve acne breakouts, severe skin dryness and peeling, redness and irritation, but it is important to know that this phase is temporary and once it's over, the skin will generally begin to improve, and you will be able to see the positive effects.

Which serum is best for acne and dark spots?

Acne Scars
  • 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA - 30ml. ...
  • 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid - 30ml. ...
  • 0.3% Retinol Serum - 30ml. ...
  • 3% Kojic Acid Dark Spot Corrector Gel with Azelaic & Tranexamic Acid - 30g. ...
  • 3% Niacinamide Foaming Face Wash - 100ml. ...
  • 0.1% Retinol Serum - 30ml.

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