SKIN PURGING VS BREAKOUTS – HOW TO TREAT IT<\/p>\n\n\n\n
February 23, 2023 katesomerville<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, finding a skincare routine that provides noticeable results feels like a science experiment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One week you\u2019re using a chemical exfoliant and don\u2019t see an immediate difference. The next, you\u2019re trying a completely different acne treatment, only to notice your skin isn\u2019t any smoother. Rather, it\u2019s created its own unfavorable side effects, like flaky skin and\u2014gasp<\/em>\u2014new bouts of breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This leaves you to wonder\u2014are you dealing with an acne breakout, or are you experiencing what\u2019s known as skin purging?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you toss that new product in the bin (or blame your favorite frenemy, acne), it\u2019s helpful to have a clear understanding of the fundamental differences between the two. Then, you can figure out which one you may be experiencing\u2014and determine the best way to move forward for clearer skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes down to it, the question of the hour is\u2014what is purging skin<\/em>? Simply put, a skin purge occurs when your skin reacts to an active ingredient in a new skincare product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The skin purging process can easily be mistaken for an acne flare-up. With pimples, blackheads, redness, and bumps that give your skin a rough texture, it\u2019s easy to see why. But with the right information, you\u2019ll be able to tell if it\u2019s only a temporary setback like \u201cthe purge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, let\u2019s say you\u2019re using a product that contains ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or another exfoliating acid, which help to expedite cellular turnover. When you shed your dead skin cells, you\u2019re replacing them with fresh, more radiant, healthier skin cells underneath. If you\u2019re trying out a skin cycling routine<\/a>, we recommend working with a Skin Health Expert at our clinic<\/a> to help keep your skin healthy throughout a purge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That healthy complexion you\u2019re looking for wasn\u2019t built in a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before those new cells make way for brighter, smoother skin, you may notice other less pleasant <\/em>side effects, like pimples, that pop up first. That\u2019s because certain active ingredients speed up the rate of skin cell turnover, potentially causing temporary breakouts on your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As those blemishes make an expedited exit through the skin’s surface, they can take shape in a variety of forms. While the purging process is different for each person, generally, symptoms of skin purging include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Whiteheads<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Blackheads<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Papules<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Pustules<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Dry, flaky sensitive skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your skin is purging, you should begin to see clearer skin after four to six weeks of consistent use with your skincare treatment (approximately one skin cycle). Although a month filled with pimples and dry skin may feel neverending, the resulting rejuvenated skin is worth the wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the breakouts persist after six weeks, consider speaking to a dermatologist. They can give you recommendations regarding whether you should continue using that skincare product or seek a different form of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, acne is an inflammatory disorder that occurs when your pores become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. The resulting acne appears as raised bumps on top of (and underneath) the outer layer of your skin, usually in the form of pimples, pustules, and papules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To add to skincare aficionados\u2019 confusion, the appearance of acne is very similar to the pimples that form due to skin purging. However, the difference between the two is that skin purging usually occurs as a result<\/em> of individuals seeking to diminish their acne or acne scars through the use of products. And unlike skin purging, which goes away in about a month, bouts of acne can last for months or even years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a nutshell, one tool you can use to distinguish skin purging vs acne is time<\/em>. If you\u2019ve experienced acne breakouts before, and continue to experience them after trying a new product, purging may not be the culprit. But if pimples appear on relatively clear skin quite suddenly\u2014and coincide with a new item on your skincare shelf\u2014it\u2019s worth investigating if that product is the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because your skincare products contain active ingredients doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re destined for pimples and dry skin. You can lessen your chances by slowly easing products with active ingredients into your skincare regimen.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Tell If My Skin is Purging or Breaking Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is Skin Purging?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Skin Purging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does Skin Purging Last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Does Acne Compare?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Skin Purging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n