It might have happened with you many times when you start using a new product, your skin reacts to it with new breakouts. This would confuse us all. If the product is helping out, or is it worsening your skin condition?
Let’s see what the difference on, whether your skin is purging or breaking out from a new product?
What is skin purging?
Skin purging happens when you start using a new product, which increases cell turnover. This process of skin renewal causes the impurities and dirt to push out, which is already brewing under the skin. When you use a new product that promotes faster cell renewal, breakouts happen faster than usual. This sign shows that the product is working.
What are breakouts as a reaction to the new product?
When you use a new product, and instead of positive signs, you see negative reactions, like:
- Redness and irritated skin
- New breakouts in new areas where you don't generally break out
- Looks like inflamed acne and
- The condition continues to worsen the longer you keep using the product.
The difference between breakouts due to product use and skin purging.
|
Skin Purging |
Breakout (Reaction): |
|
|
Cause |
Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol or vitamin C help shed dead skin, as a result, pimples form faster than usual |
Breakouts as a result of irritating or pore-clogging ingredients that your skin can’t handle |
|
Pimples that were already forming under the skin come out together all at once |
Your skin is reacting as a sign that it’s not suitable for your skin |
|
|
Timeline |
Lasts for two to four weeks |
Worsen the condition over time |
|
Temporary. Your skin starts looking clear gradually. |
Skin starts calming down as you stop using the product. |
|
|
Area |
Pimples appear in the same area where they usually happen |
Pimples forming in different areas where you don’t breakout generally |
|
Ingredients |
Caused by products such as Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol or vitamin C |
Caused by products that your skin does not tolerate, mostly due to synthetic dyes or allergens, fragrance or essential oils, and alcohol-heavy toners. |
What should you do when you are not sure if that is skin purging or breakouts?
When you are not sure if your skin is breaking out due to the reaction of a new product or it is skin purging, you can stop using the product for a few days and observe the reaction.
If your skin starts healing and you see improvements in your skin conditions, it might be because of introducing a new product. However, you can again try introducing that product after a few days to give it another shot. Start using the product with a patch test first, and apply a small amount on your jawline or behind the ears. Wait for 24 to 48 hours and notice changes and reactions. Pay close attention to the skin and monitor how it is reacting. Are you getting redness, irritation or new breakouts? If you are still not able to identify, and in case the condition worsens, get in touch with a dermatologist.
How do I minimise skin purging?
To minimise the effect of skin purging, you can introduce the actives like retinol and other exfoliants at a slow pace. Instead of using the product daily, start with an alternate day or twice a week. This gives your skin time to adjust to the new product. Use the product at night, which helps your skin repair itself during rest time.
In case you are using it during the day, avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen without fail. Going out without sunscreen can worsen the skin purging, as sensitive skin is more prone to sun damage. A little extra care, and you can manage skin purging effectively.
Final thoughts:
Noticing the difference in breakouts due to the usage of the new product and skin purging is just a little tricky and needs extra attention on how your skin is reacting to the new product. When the skin purging or breakout happens, don't overreact, stay calm, observe the changes mentioned above, and take good care of your skin. If you figure out that it is worsening the condition, make a wise decision to stop using the product. It is always best to get in touch with the dermatologist in case your skin does not recover.
