Skin Purging – What You Need to Know

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is a temporary process where your skin reacts to new products by bringing underlying congestion to the surface. This happens because certain ingredients, especially those that accelerate skin cell turnover, push out impurities like clogged pores, blackheads, or pimples. Although it may seem like a breakout, purging is actually a sign that the product is working to clear your skin.

When introducing treatments such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, your skin may go through this initial reaction, which usually looks worse before it gets better. Purging is essentially your skin clearing out old cells and impurities faster than it normally would.

What Causes Skin Purging?

Skin purging is caused by products that increase cell turnover—speeding up the rate at which skin cells regenerate. When using active ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA), or benzoyl peroxide, these stimulate the skin to shed dead cells and renew itself. This acceleration brings underlying imperfections, such as oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, to the surface. To learn more about how AHA and BHA work in skincare, check out our post AHA and BHA: A Guide to Acids in Skincare.

The process reveals healthier skin in the long run, but during purging, your skin can experience temporary breakouts in areas where you typically get pimples. This is because purging affects existing comedones (clogged pores) that were already forming deep in the skin.

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

Skin purging typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin type and the strength of the product you’re using. Most people notice that the purging phase begins to subside within the first month, as your skin adjusts to the active ingredients.

If purging lasts longer than six weeks, it could be a sign that the product is too harsh for your skin or that you’re experiencing a regular breakout rather than purging. It’s crucial to monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust usage if necessary.

When Does Skin Purging Start?

Skin purging usually starts within the first 1-2 weeks of introducing a new product. Active ingredients that exfoliate or increase cell turnover initiate the process almost immediately, so you might notice more breakouts shortly after applying the product for the first time.

However, purging can also begin after a few uses, depending on how often the product is applied and how your skin reacts. It’s important to recognize that purging isn’t a sign to stop using the product but a normal reaction as your skin adjusts.


What To Do When Skin Is Purging

When your skin is purging, the best thing to do is to stay consistent with your routine while using soothing, non-irritating products. Stick with the treatment that’s causing the purge, as stopping it too early could halt progress. However, avoid introducing any new, harsh products like strong exfoliants or cleansers that could worsen irritation.

Here are some steps to help manage skin during purging:

  • Moisturize generously to support your skin barrier and reduce dryness.
  • Opt for mild, hydrating cleansers that preserve your skin’s moisture.
  • Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen irritation.
  • Limit the frequency of using active ingredients if your skin becomes overly irritated—try using them every other day until the purging subsides.

 

Does Retinol Cause Skin Purging?

Yes, retinol can cause skin purging. Retinol speeds up the skin cell turnover process, meaning it brings underlying congestion—like clogged pores, blackheads, and acne—to the surface more quickly than usual. This can lead to temporary breakouts, especially in areas where you normally experience acne.

Retinol purging can last up to six weeks as your skin adjusts, but the end result is clearer, smoother skin. It’s important to introduce retinol slowly into your routine, starting with a lower concentration and increasing usage gradually to minimize the intensity of the purging phase.

Does Spironolactone and Accutane Cause Skin Purging?

Yes, both Spironolactone and Accutane can cause skin purging. These oral acne medications work by affecting oil production and reducing acne-causing bacteria, which can lead to an initial flare-up in breakouts as your skin adjusts.

 

  • Spironolactone reduces excess androgen hormones that can cause acne, and this hormonal shift may lead to purging for some users in the early stages.
  • Accutane (Isotretinoin) decreases the size of oil glands and skin cell turnover, pushing out impurities and causing an initial purge that typically lasts a few weeks.

With both medications, the purging phase is common but temporary. It’s important to remain patient, as these treatments often lead to significant improvement once the skin adapts.

How To Treat Purging Skin

To treat purging skin, focus on gentle care that supports your skin’s healing process without causing further irritation. While you continue with the product causing the purge, avoid any aggressive treatments that can inflame your skin further.

  • Use calming ingredients, such as aloe vera, niacinamide, and ceramides, to soothe irritation.
  • Hydrate regularly by using non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
  • Skip harsh exfoliants during this time to prevent over-exfoliation, which can damage your skin barrier.
  • Keep your routine simple, focusing on a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Remember that purging is temporary, and treating your skin gently will help ease the discomfort while allowing the product to work effectively.

How to Differentiate Skin Purging from Breakouts

To differentiate skin purging from regular breakouts, pay attention to the timing, location, and duration of the reaction.

  • Timing: Purging happens shortly after introducing a new product (1-2 weeks) and lasts up to 6 weeks. Regular breakouts can occur at any time.
  • Location: Purging usually occurs in areas where you’re prone to breakouts (for example, the T-zone or cheeks). New breakouts in areas where you don’t typically get acne could indicate irritation, not purging.
  • Duration: Purging clears up within 4-6 weeks. If breakouts persist beyond this timeframe or get worse, it’s likely a reaction to the product or a regular breakout.

By monitoring these factors, you can better understand if what you’re experiencing is purging or a reaction to the product.

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