Is Your Skin Purging or Breaking Out? How to tell the difference...

Let's chat about something that can be a little...jarring....when it happens - skin purging.

Purging happens when an active ingredient causes skin cells to turn over rapidly. This means your skin is pushing out (or "purging") all that congestion to the surface way faster than usual. The result? Breakouts - we're talking whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, the whole deal.

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but your skin can sometimes actually get worse before it gets better.

How long does Purging last?

Hang in there! This won't last forever, I promise.

Typically, purging lasts through one full cycle of cell turnover, which is about 4-6 weeks.

Some common ingredients that can cause purging are retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs (those lovely acids we use for exfoliation), though I see it most commonly with retinoids.

But wait - how do you know if it's actually purging?

Here's the thing: if your skin is naturally Acneic, we may be dealing with acne in general. But, if the breakouts started after a new product, it's more likely purging. If your skin continues to break out beyond that 4-6 week mark, or if it looks red and irritated, it's probably not purging, you might be using a product with comedogenic ingredients (meaning pore-clogging) or something that's irritating your skin.

Also, if your skin feels itchy, that's typically not a purge. Itchiness usually means irritation, sensitivity, or even an allergic reaction.

One more important thing: Do not pick at any purge spots! (I know...the temptation is real...) Picking can make the process last longer and might even cause scarring or pigmentation.

Not sure if your skin is purging or having a reaction? Let's figure it out together! Book an in-person consultation and we'll create a treatment plan that works for your unique skin.