Skin Purging: The Ultimate Guide

As your skin acclimates to new skincare products, it’s frustrating to experience a “purge” in the form of breakouts. An annoying–but good sign, our team of skin experts is here to help you decipher this condition so healthy cells can cycle to the skin’s surface, revealing your clear, naturally radiant skin. 

What Is Skin Purging? 

Our skin naturally renews itself every 28 days. A skin “purge” begins when the rate of cellular turnover, or the speed at which healthy, new cells reach the skin’s surface is increased. This can lead to dead skin cells, excess sebum, and congestion coming up to the epidermis, causing breakouts and clogged pores. 

Although not a technical term formally recognized in dermatology, the process of certain active ingredients promoting cellular turnover is agreed upon by experts in the field. Actives that may lead to a skin “purge” include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol.  

Is Skin Purging Normal? 

Skin purging is a completely normal, short-term skin response. You may experience pustular breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads as your skin rids itself of underlying bacteria, dirt, and oils. 

How Long Does a Skin Purge Last? 

The duration of a skin “purge” can vary depending on the individual and the product or treatment being used. In general, purging can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some people may never experience a purge. If your skin continues breaking out after a 4-6 week period, stop using the topical. 

What to Do During a Skin Purge? 

As unsatisfying as it's to hear, the best thing to do during a skin “purge” is to wait for it to subside. Resist the urge to pop or pick any pimples–this can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring. If you aren’t experiencing irritation, continue using the new skincare product. Breakouts aren’t fun, but purging is a sign the topical is starting to work. 

How to Treat a Skin Purge?

We recommend continuing the use of the skincare product or treatment as directed. Patience is key! A skin “purge” is typically a temporary side effect and will resolve on its own within a few weeks. In the meantime, keep your skin clean and well-hydrated by using a gentle facial wash and non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging) moisturizer daily. 

Can You Prevent a Skin Purge? 

While there isn’t a way to prevent a “purge” if your skin is susceptible, there is a way to minimize its effects: slowly ease into using new skincare products. For example, start by applying actives 2-3 times a week and increase usage from there. 

Skin Purging or Acne Breakout?

At a basic level, skin purges and acne breakouts have the same result: more breakouts. The key difference, however, is that purging occurs as a result of incorporating new actives into your skincare regimen. This causes the rate of cellular turnover to increase and existing debris to come up to the skin’s surface. Acne breakouts, on the other hand, have various causes including the use of comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, diet, stress, etc. 

Skin Purging or Allergic Reaction?

The skin purging process may include an increase in breakouts, redness, dryness, itching, and a feeling of warmth on the skin. These symptoms are temporary and will resolve on their own once the skin has adjusted to the new topical. An allergic reaction, on the other hand, occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a substance (such as a new skincare product) that it perceives as harmful. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe with symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and hives. If you continue experiencing these symptoms, discontinue the use of the new topical. 

Purging with Revea 

Our custom serums contain active ingredients so it’s possible for a skin “purge” to occur. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, but if you’re noticing new breakouts, give your skin a few weeks to acclimate to the ingredients and push out any debris. Remember to keep your skin hydrated with a daily moisturizer– if the skin feels dehydrated it will produce more oils, potentially making acne breakouts worse. 

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