Winter has come in, bringing cold spells, drizzle and rain. Instead of spending your pay cheque on drinks in the beer garden with your friends, you’re probably ducking into the shops to avoid sudden downpours. Wandering through the ailse’s looking at all the products, you’re definitly starting to feel tempted. “A new moisturiser? Maybe it’s time to start using retinol. Should I try the viral azeliac acid? Oh! I heard that serum is good but… I know someone who said it made them break out.”
And what better time to try it then winter? When no one will see you in case the worst were to happen – purging.
What is purging in skincare?
Purging aka skin purging refers to a temporary acceleration of the natural exfoliation process which brings pre-existing microscopic clogs to the skins surface. Basically, as your skin cell turnover rate speeds up, dead cells shed faster. Skin purging is caused by an active ingredient in your skincare. The hidden blackheads, clogged pores and congestion are all brought to the surface by an active ingredient in your skincare which is helping speed up that cell turnover rate.
The most common culprits are
- Retinoids such as retinol
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) such as glycolic acid
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) such as salicylic acid
- Chemical peels or professional facials.
Thanks to this, it can be much easier to figure out if it’s skin purging or a breakout. The best way to figure this out is to either reduce the amount of the product or stop altogether. Purging only lasts around 2-4 weeks, meaning if you’re on week 6 of spots then it’s definitely not purging but more likely irritation or a full on breakout. Same goes if you’re seeing spots in places you never get spots: it’s more than likely not purging.
So what can I do about skin purging?
Just because it is purging doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating! There’s nothing worse than stubborn spots, especially if you’re acne prone or using a product to clear up or prevent spots. However if your solution is to jump onto the next product, you’re going to be right back where you started. When it comes to products that cause purging, the best solution is to slowly incorporate it into your routine – these products often say to limit frequency or duration.
Start by using the product one day a week, letting your skin get used to the active ingredient. From here, you can build it up to three or four days a week – most of these products should not be used daily.
As you deal with skin purging, it’s best not to do anything drastic. Like a lot of things with your body, unless it’s causing a severe disturbance to your day to day life, it’s best left alone. Cleansing well, covering it with a spot patch, NOT PICKING OR POPPING (we get it, it’s sooo tempting and satisfying but it does more harm in the long run), icing with a cold compress if it is really inflamed and the worst, keeping consistent. Starting and stopping the same products really just irritates your skin more.
Purging isn’t a bad thing. It’s not a sign that your skin is unhappy or that the product isn’t working. If anything, it shows the opposite. The product is doing exactly what it is designed for and if you stick with it, you will escape spots hell and see real results. You just have to be patient and consistent.
We know, the two worst words. But like most things in life, the most obvious answer is often the solution.
Need help with your skin? We offer facial treatments personalised and tailored to your skin type which can be booked right here on the Polished website. Want to learn more? Click here → https://polished.ie/facials
