Skin Purging: Here is why your new skincare could cause acne.
Let us examine this scenario; you just found out about a skincare line that would not only help you get rid of your acne but this product would also give you a nice natural glow.
And with great joy and excitement, you quickly buy this miracle in a bottle and could not wait to start using it!
Two days into the use of your new product and bam! There is a problem! Rather than your new skincare set giving you the glow you were expecting to see, instead, it darkened your face and increased the acne on your face😩. You are alarmed and about to trash it!
But wait! It is not uncommon for new skincare to cause more breakouts. In fact, it is believed that when it does this, it means that the cream is “working”.
Besides, two days is really too soon to discard a product as ineffective.
However, you need to find out what could be the cause of the outbreak. Is your skin screaming for relief or is the new acne a way for your skin to purify/purge itself?
What Is Skin Purging?
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, the board-certified dermatologist, said while speaking with health line.com that
“The term skin purging refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate”.
And as the skin cell turnover speeds up, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells faster than normal. Eventually, the fresh skin cells underneath are exposed, and clearer, younger-looking skin is revealed.
Skin purging often occurs in reaction to chemical exfoliants and retinoids.
In theory, Skin purging is a good thing. But the process before the clearer skin is exposed can be a worrisome one.
How to Treat a Skin Purge
- First off, keep using the skincare that is causing the purge. It may be tempting to stop using it but don’t.
- Simplify your skincare routine ie use a sulfate-free cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day.
- Keep your pillow case clean.
- Do not pick or pop the pimples.
Purging is an indication that your skincare is effective and doing the right thing. So be patient and within two to three weeks you will start to see an improvement.