We all want to have smooth, plump, and glassy skin. A proper skincare routine and ideal products are necessary to achieve that perfect glammed-up look. However, with the vast array of products in the skincare industry, you’re tempted to try new skincare products left and right.
Trying different skincare products to treat various skin problems can be exciting and stressful at the same time. There’s always that scary possibility that your skin will react negatively, such as minor flare-ups, irritations, and full-blown outbreaks.
While those mentioned above may seem to be adverse skin reactions, these skin breakouts may be telltale signs that you may have found your next holy grail. So, don’t fret! It may not have been an irritation but just skin purging. But, skin irritations are also likely. How could you spot the difference between the two?
What Does It Mean When Your Skin is “Purging”?
Have you ever wondered why some intense skincare products such as retinoids always produce pimple breakouts the first time you use them? This skin flare-up is called skin purging. Skin purging typically happens when a new product causes pimples to develop more quickly.
An increase in skin cell turnover rate causes these pimples and blemishes. Products like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs actively speed up this turnover process. These will help expose healthier skin cells. But, this exposure only happens after you’ve “purged” all the junk from beneath your skin.
Pores under the surface become clogged with bacteria or oil and rise to the surface as a blemish. This muck consists of dry skin flakes, pre-existing buildup, and excess sebum.
Skin Purging vs. Skin Irritation: Which is Which?
- Healing time
- Breakouts in random areas
- Use of products that commonly result in purging
It’s easy to mistake skin purging for a breakout. Doing so may lead to you dismissing the skincare products you’re using. It’s also likely that you might misunderstand irritation for purging. Then, you may continue to use a product that does more harm than good due to a mistake.
Having a better understanding of your skincare routine can give you healthy and great skin. However, knowing the distinctions between purging and breakouts can help you make an educated decision on whether to discard or keep these products in your regimen.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
Before making a decision, observe how and when your skin clears. The time it takes for your skin to heal from the sudden skin flare-up can help you determine whether it’s skin irritation or purging.
Unlike regular pimples, acne caused by a purge will develop and cure faster. The increased skin cell turnover rate causes the fast healing process of your skin. This distinct and speedy life cycle implies that your skin is detoxifying.
Another factor to take note of is where your skin is acting up. Breakouts caused by purging will most likely occur in regions where you regularly have blocked pores or imperfections.
If you begin to see redness in a skin patch that usually has no issues, you’re likely to be experiencing an irritation rather than a purge. It’s also vital to look at the skin irritation symptoms.
Symptoms such as flaking and redness that worsen over time show that you should get rid of that product because it isn’t working for your skin.
Some skin products are a lot more intense than others. Due to their chemical properties, they make your skin more plump and glassy. Despite their benefits, these products also make your skin more susceptible to purging. When integrating new products into your skincare routine, remember which can trigger skin purging.
Some of the products that trigger purging are retinoids. Examples of retinoids are tretinoin and fervid acids like salicylic acid. These products cause skin purging because they contain active components that stimulate and hasten skin cell turnover.
While tretinoin cures acne while improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, there are also some side effects. You may experience dry skin and excessive oil production when using tretinoin products.
Salicylic acid can also clear blackheads and decrease sebum production. However, its detoxifying effects can also cause new pimples to come and go.
Wrapping Up
Everyone is on a skincare journey right now, aiming to get clear skin. So, while you may be experiencing irritation or purging right now, remember that you’re not alone in this journey! Skincare has always been a trial-and-error feat. Your first purchase may not always be a hit. However, smooth and plump skin makes your skin look healthier. Additionally, it also improves your daily makeup looks. Hence, it’s worth a try.
Switching to new skincare products can cause unwanted pimple
breakouts, which can cause stress. Proper research will help you spot the
difference between purging and irritation. Just remember to listen to your body
and go with your guts!
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