Purging of Skin: Images, Reasons, and Remedies
Skin purging, a term commonly used to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skincare treatment, is a topic that has been gaining attention in the beauty industry. This phenomenon, while often mistaken for a regular acne breakout, is actually a temporary side effect caused by certain skincare ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover.
Causes of Skin Purging
Skin purging is primarily caused by an increased rate of epidermal (skin) renewal, which exposes and clears pre-existing congestion inside pores. This process is not a worsening of acne itself but a sign that the product is working to renew and clear the skin.
Treatments and Management for Skin Purging
When dealing with skin purging, it's essential to continue using the active product as long as the purging phase is temporary. Skin turnover typically completes a cycle about every 4 weeks, so purging often lasts 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes up to 8 weeks. If breakouts persist beyond this, it may not be purging but a true adverse reaction or new acne.
Avoid switching or stopping treatments prematurely, as this can delay improvement and reset the skin’s progress. Using gentle skincare products alongside actives to reduce irritation can also be beneficial. Some supplements, such as ClearPoint® Acne Supplements, are claimed to help regulate oil production and reduce the intensity and length of purging, though individual responses may vary.
If acne worsening continues for longer than expected or is severe, consulting a dermatologist is recommended to distinguish purging from irritation or allergic reactions.
Scientific Consensus
Skin purging is a temporary, treatment-induced phenomenon stemming from faster exfoliation and the surfacing of existing blockages, not brand-new acne formation. Products most commonly implicated include retinoids (like tretinoin), chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs), and benzoyl peroxide. Proper patient education and patience are essential as purging signifies skin remodeling toward improvement.
No definitive cure exists beyond time, continued gentle use of the active ingredient, and possibly supportive formulations. If acne worsens after 8 weeks, it is more likely related to an adverse reaction or a different cause and needs re-evaluation.
Managing New Skincare Products
When starting new skincare products, especially those containing retinoids or acids, it's crucial to follow a few guidelines to minimize side effects. These include slowly easing them into your routine, doing a patch test for new skincare products on a small area of skin for 7 to 10 days, and following the instructions on the product label or the advice of your dermatologist.
Wearing sunscreen daily is essential while using retinoids or acids to protect your skin from sun damage. If you experience mild irritation, reducing product frequency, amount, or strength, switching to a milder formula, using a calming moisturizer, and avoiding touching, scrubbing, picking, and peeling can help.
When to Consult a Professional
If you are experiencing new or concerning symptoms after starting a new skincare product, it's essential to consult a doctor or dermatologist. In rare cases, individuals may experience anaphylaxis due to a cosmetic product, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling of the face or mouth, wheezing, fast, shallow breathing, a fast heart rate, clammy skin, anxiety or confusion, dizziness, vomiting, blue or white lips, fainting or loss of consciousness. If someone has these symptoms, they should use an epinephrine pen, dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department, assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down, stay with them until the emergency services arrive, and use a second pen if the symptoms do not improve in 5 to 15 minutes or they come back.
In summary, skin purging is a scientifically recognized, temporary clearing phase caused by active ingredients speeding up skin renewal, leading to quicker emergence of clogged pores. Treatment involves continued use with patience and supportive care to avoid irritation, with dermatologist guidance if purging persists or worsens. When starting new skincare products, it's essential to follow a careful routine and consult a professional if needed.
- Skin purging, a temporary increase in acne after starting a new skincare treatment, is caused by an increased rate of skin renewal.
- This phenomenon is a sign that the product is working to renew and clear the skin, not a worsening of acne itself.
- The purging phase is temporary and typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes up to 8 weeks.
- If breakouts persist beyond this, it may not be purging but a true adverse reaction or new acne.
- It's essential to continue using the active product during the purging phase, but using gentle skincare products can reduce irritation.
- Certain supplements, such as ClearPoint® Acne Supplements, are claimed to help regulate oil production and reduce the intensity and length of purging.
- Proper patient education is crucial in distinguishing purging from irritation or allergic reactions.
- Products most commonly implicated in skin purging include retinoids, chemical exfoliants, and benzoyl peroxide.
- When starting new skincare products, especially those containing retinoids or acids, it's crucial to follow a careful routine and consult a dermatologist if needed.
- Wearing sunscreen daily is essential while using retinoids or acids to protect the skin from sun damage.
- If an individual experiences new or concerning symptoms after starting a new skincare product, they should consult a doctor or dermatologist.
- In rare cases, individuals may experience anaphylaxis due to a cosmetic product, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention.
