When your skin is purging, it's most likely due to ingredients bringing already-clogged pores to the surface. If your skin is negatively reacting to a new product you're using, it's most likely a breakout.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts. As well propylparaben, shown further down on the extensive ingredients list, is ranked at 7 out of a scale of 9 in regards to safety.
If you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea/eczema/psoriasis, this cleanser will sting your skin and /or cause a rash or acne in the very first week. If you have normal skin, it will eventually sensitive your skin and it will thereafter start reacting to PG.
Ceramides on their own, won't clog skin, but be mindful of the formulas you choose for your skin. “Skin which is prone to acne congestion and clogged pores will benefit from a lighter oil-free ceramide serum rather than a thicker cream which can be a little too rich,” explains Waterman.
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand*, and our products for acne-prone skin promote a clear complexion without dryness or flaking while helping maintain the skin's barrier with three essential ceramides.
Purging is a sign that the product is working and you should continue with the treatment as prescribed. After a few weeks of purging, your skin and acne will have noticeably improved. Breaking out is when your skin is reacting because it is sensitive to something in the new product.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
This product is perfect for those who don't experience rampant acne but get acne when their hormones act up. It can be used as a spot treatment for active breakouts because it contains salicylic and lactic acids, which clear clog pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
However, it can take six to eight weeks to see an improvement,10 so it's important to continue using anti-acne products to achieve the results you want. When looking for a solution, try to choose a simple, yet effective regimen.
In the case of acne-prone skin, CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is formulated to thoroughly dissolve dirt and excess oil while clearing acne and allowing your skin to heal.
The unifying concept is that of strengthening the skin barrier; while these products won't brighten, resurface or plump like an active-packed regime, they will keep your skin surface protected which, in turn, prevents a host of skin issues (such as moisture loss and irritation) from arising.
Be patient for one skin cycle, or about 28 days
Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist.
Retinoids such as Tretinoin, acids such as salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide are just a few of the products that cause purging. These products contain active ingredients that increase the skin cell turnover rate, therefore causing your skin to purge.
How to treat skin purging. “If the skin barrier is compromised when you see purging then start ingredients which help with barrier repair, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formulation. If you are using a treatment or product continue with a slower approach.”
Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.
Skin purging occurs because newly introduced skincare ingredients increase the rate at which your skin cells turnover, causing you to shed more dead skin cells than usual. This, in turn, pushes layers of dead skin off and also brings clogged pores to the surface, Chang says, resulting in more breakouts.
Breakouts that are the result of a skin purge will heal (read: go away) faster than other blemishes, says Dr. Gonzalez. (Because they're caused by an increase in cell turnover rate, the healing process also happens faster.) In short, keep an eye on how long your newly-formed pimples last.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand for acne*, and our new Acne Control Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid is formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM Ultra Lightweight
"All very good ingredients which will help with dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles." "Niacinamide stimulates fibroblasts that make collagen, so it helps with fine lines." Dr. Jaliman explains.
When it comes to removing dark spots, you aren't limited to just serums and treatments. A gentle, fragrance-free formula like CeraVe's lightweight lotion can get the job done without irritating your skin.
Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.
For those who want to tackle the hormonal breakouts that every young person struggles with from time to time, Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser and SA Smoothing Cream (€12.50 each at pharmacies nationwide) are a great teen skin combination.