

If you’re using products outside of this category, such as serums, toners or moisturizers that don’t contain active ingredients, and find your skin gets irritated or breaks out, your issue could be a sensitivity to a particular ingredient. The timeline from development to breakout and subsequent healing runs much longer - about one to six weeks.įor most skin types, using acid exfoliants for the first time could lead to some level of dryness and redness in the beginning, especially if used too frequently. Reaction-based breakout: You’re getting breakouts in new areas where you don’t often get pimples.

Skin purging also clears up much faster than a pimple or reaction.

And although purging may occur, it is not a guaranteed concern when switching products,” he says.Īny time you use ingredients to promote cell turnover and skin peel (think: actives that shed dead skin cells to reveal fresh, younger-looking cells), there’s a good chance you’ll experience a period of purging as well! “These flare ups usually have a shorter lifespan than your usual breakouts, which can last up to six weeks. Khorasani is a triple board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon based in New York. This is a normal, short-term condition where the skin will rid itself of underlying oil, bacteria, or dirt, according to Dr. This process is sometimes called purging. When you start a new skin care routine or you incorporate new products into your current regimen, you may experience breakouts or skin flaking. Key questions to consider: are these new skin care products the source of your issues? Are they causing a temporary purge or a permanent reaction? How can you tell if your skin is purging or breaking out? Let's find out! What Is Skin Purging? Whether you’re using more active ingredients or staying diligent with a cleansing routine, you might be wondering what on earth is causing the increase of pimples, noticeably clogged pores or even patchy dryness. When you’re trying to care for your skin with a proper new routine, the last thing you want to see after a week or two is a worsening complexion with breakouts. Updated by: Thea Christie, November 16, 2021
