Everything you need to know about Skin Purging!

Skin Purging! Many of us have experienced it, and those two words make me shiver in horror, possibly the most annoying little skincare side effect that generally happens after having facial, it does not happen all the time but facials with active ingredients and prior skin sensitivity can be a recipe for a skin purge. It isn't all that bad, because eventually your skin does heal and improve.

Why does it happen?

Skin purging’ refers to a reaction usually a breakout to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate, As skin cell turnover speeds up, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells faster than normal. This means some pimples in places you never had, like your jawline and cheeks. Skin Purging looks different from person to person but you may get whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and even the tiny ‘pre-pimples’ that aren’t visible to the eye but are underneath the skin. The end goal, is to release the congestion and impurities to reveal clearer, younger-looking skin.

How do I know if my skin is purging or breaking out?

Purging is a sign that the product is working and you should continue with the treatment as prescribed. After about 3 weeks of purging maybe less depending on your skin, your skin and acne will have noticeably improved.

Breaking out is when your skin is reacting because it is sensitive to something in the new product. It feels more irritated, inflamed, itchy and is constant, it also takes a lot longer to heal and go away. If you are having a breakout and it has been an ongoing issue, it is a probably a wise decision to stop using the product and find something less active and more calming.

What should i do if my skin is purging?

- If you have started purging because of a facial, just be patient there's nothing you can do other than wait it out. However, avoid heavy makeup and allow your skin to breathe. Continue your skincare routine and do not pick at your skin.

- If your skin has started purging after using a new product, again do not pick at your skin, be patient and monitor if you notice more pimples then stop the product and use a product that does not contain active ingredients.