Why Skin Purging is a Good Thing (and Why You Should Expect It)
If you’ve ever started a new skincare routine and noticed your skin breaking out, you may be experiencing skin purging—and believe it or not, it’s a good thing! Purging happens when active ingredients speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, pushing trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to the surface.
What Causes Purging?
Purging is often triggered by products containing ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or other exfoliants. These powerful ingredients accelerate cell turnover, causing underlying congestion to surface as your skin adjusts. – Did you know your pimples start 90 Days before they come to the surface!?
Why Purging is a Positive Sign
While it can be frustrating to deal with temporary breakouts, purging is a sign that your products are working. The skin is clearing out impurities that were already trapped beneath the surface, and once they’re gone, your skin will start to look clearer and healthier. Think of it as a detox phase—your skin has to clear the old to make way for the new!
How Long Does Purging Last?
Purging typically lasts for 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly your skin adjusts to the new products. It’s important to stick with your routine during this time and avoid switching products, as that can restart the purging process.
The Difference Between Purging and Breakouts
It’s important to know the difference between purging and a bad reaction to a product. Purging happens in areas where you usually break out, while a reaction can show up as irritation, redness, or breakouts in new areas. If your skin isn’t calming down after 6 weeks or you’re noticing sensitivity, it might be time to reassess your routine.
How to Manage Purging
Low and Slow: Avoid over-exfoliating or using too many active ingredients at once. Your skin is already working hard! Our philosophy at Skin By Ashley is to take the process slow so your skin does not become stressed and can heal in a positive way.
Hydrate: Make sure your skin stays hydrated to support the healing process. Any good regimen will push the hydration no matter whether your dry, normal or oily skin type.
Stick with It: Wanting to stop when your skin purges is tempting, but trust the process and stick to your routine. This may be the hardest part for our Acne Bootcamp clients. The ones that see this process through are ALWAYS happy that they did and get to reap the benefits after the purging is complete.
Purging may not be fun, but it’s a sign that your skin is turning over a new leaf. Be patient, and in time, your clear, radiant skin will reveal itself!