Skin Purging vs. Breakouts - Is It Helping or Hurting?

So you just started using your new skincare line that promises clear, glowing skin, and you are EXCITED. You can finally say goodbye to those pesky breakouts. Two to three days in you are getting anxious because not only is there no improvement, but your skin looks worse. 

It is common for new skincare to cause more breakouts than usual. The key is to figure out whether the new acne is your skin purging or crying out for help.

What is Skin Purging?

You don't want your acne to get worse...you want it to heal! But sometimes things have to get worse before it gets better. Acne happens when your pores get clogged with dead skin, sebum, and bacteria. This clog happens deep within the skin and takes some time before reaching the surface. Purging is the process of your skin clearing out all the backed up bacteria and acne hiding in your pores. The sooner you clear that out, the sooner clean skin is in your grasp. 

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

A good rule of thumb to follow is to give your skin about a month to start seeing results when trying new products and letting your skin adjust to the ingredients while going through the turnover process. 

The average skin cycle lasts about 28 days, so staying consistent with a routine is important when introducing new ingredients on the skin. Everyone's skin type is different and it usually takes only one cycle to notice the completion of purging; however, it could take four to six weeks to truly see benefits from using any potent skin care ingredients.

What Should You Do If Your Skin Is Purging?

1. Continue your routine. Consistency is key! If you keep starting and stopping, the purge is going to restart itself each time and the cycle will never end.
2. Refrain from picking at bumps and pimples. Leave your skin alone to prevent further redness, inflammation, acne, and discoloration.
3. Keep skin hydrated. Oil production increases when skin is dehydrated, leaving room for acne to keep growing.
4. See a professional. A good facial can remove the build up of bacteria and sebum that were once clogging up your pores. 
5. Clean up your diet. Sugars from junk food and fast food can cause hormonal imbalances and exacerbate acne.

Takeaway Message?

Embrace the purge to achieve the results you desire. Make sure to always give your skin a good cleansing, especially at night. Fight the urge to be lazy because your skin is worth more than that, and you are worth more than your skin!