Breakouts and skin purging are both forms of skin irritation, but there are key differences between the two. Breakouts occur when pores become blocked by dirt, oil, and other debris, which leads to infection and inflammation. Skin purging occurs when an active ingredient in a new skincare product stimulates an increase in cell turnover rate on the skin’s surface which may lead to new clogged pores surfacing on the skin. This can cause irritation, redness, dryness, stinging or burning sensations as the body works to shed old layers of skin and regenerate new ones faster than usual. The effects of breakouts usually last longer than those of skin purging. Breakouts and extended skin purging can lead to scarring if not treated correctly. However, skin purging usually subsides after a few weeks as the body adjusts to the higher cell turnover rate caused by a new product.
If you’re experiencing purging, try reducing the number of products you are using or their concentration level to give your skin time to adjust. You should also avoid introducing additional treatments, like masks and exfoliators, until your skin has fully adjusted. It's important to remember that everyone’s skin reacts differently so what works for someone else might not work for you. Don’t be tempted to pile on a ton of products and treatments just because you saw someone else do it! Take your time and listen to your skin's intuition to find the right skincare practice for you.
Are you thinking of switching up your skincare routine? Did you recently purchase a new moisturizer or serum to use in your skincare routine? To make sure your skincare products work their magic, you should know that it takes time for your skin to adjust and get used to new products. Keep reading to know what to expect when trying a new product or giving your skin a break.
