Skin Purging: Why Is It Good and How to Distinguish It From Acne Breakouts?

Skin purging is a good thing, contrary to what many may believe. It is the process that helps skin adjust to new products and ingredients, eventually leading to clear and healthy skin. However, because skin purging can look like acne breakouts or allergic reaction, it's important to be able to distinguish between the two. In this post, we'll discuss what skin purging is, why it's beneficial, and how to tell if you're experiencing it. 

Why does skin purging occur?

Skin purging typically occurs when you first start using a new skincare product or ingredient that contains active ingredients, such as retinol or acids. These powerful ingredients work to exfoliate the skin, resulting in an increased production of sebum and other compounds. This can cause the pores to become clogged, leading to more breakouts on the surface. However, in the long run, skin purging is actually beneficial. As the pores become unclogged and the body adjusts to the new product or ingredient, your skin will begin to look clearer and healthier overall. Also, as skin cell turnover speeds up, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells faster than normal. That's how skin purge leads to healthier and younger-looking skin. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/how-to-exfoliate-lips-properly-ingredients-benefits/

Which skincare ingredients cause skin purging?

Most ingredients that are beneficial for your skin can lead to skin purging. These include AHAs and BHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid), retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and vitamin C. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/acids-in-skincare-how-to-use-them/ Or, to be more precise... All the active ingredients cause skin exfoliation which causes skin purification. These are the most common skincare ingredients, such as beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid and malolactic acid, retinoids, and octopamine. Vitamin C is also used to help your skin purge.

How do you tell if you're experiencing skin purging?

Still, there is a thin line between skin purging and breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. So, how to tell the difference? The best way to tell is to look at the area of irritation. Skin purging tends to appear as red bumps and pimples that are clustered around one spot or within a particular area. This is because active ingredients tend to target specific areas first, such as the cheeks and forehead. [caption id="attachment_9892" align="aligncenter" width="980"] The best way to tell the difference between skin purging and acne breakouts is to look at the area of irritation. Skin purging tends to appear as red bumps and pimples that are clustered around one spot or within a particular area.[/caption]

Skin purging vs. acne breakout

Acne breakouts, on the other hand, can be more scattered and unpredictable. They can also take longer to heal and may come with irritation such as itching or burning. If your breakouts are not too severe, then chances are it's just skin purging. However, if the irritation persists or worsens after a few weeks of product use, it might be time to switch to something gentler.

Can you speed up skin purging?

In general, skin purging takes about 4-6 weeks to complete. You can't speed it up, but you can make skin purging tolerable. For starters, make sure your skincare routine is tailored to your specific needs. Use products with active ingredients that are suitable for your skin type and gentle enough to not cause irritation. Also, try to keep your stress levels low with healthy habits such as regular exercise and meditation. Additionally, make sure you're getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure that your skin is able to renew itself faster. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/what-foods-you-should-eat-if-you-want-to-have-beautiful-skin/ Finally, make sure to use a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and protect it from further irritation. Also, you can use hydrating and purifying face masks, such as FOREO Green Tea UFO^TM activated mask. Made with green tea from Japan, these masks are formulated for all skin types - especially blemish-prone, oily, or environmentally stressed skin. Formulated with 93% natural ingredients, these ultra-smooth & biodegradable masks are made of 100% plant fibers. Available in 2 varieties: UFO^TM activated masks - specifically designed to be used with a UFO^TM device. Or dual-mode sheet masks - which can be supercharged with a UFO^TM device for a 2-min supercharged facial, or used alone as a regular mask for 20 mins. [caption id="attachment_11459" align="aligncenter" width="977"] Give your skin a refreshing break with FOREO Green Tea UFO^TM activated mask.[/caption]

Trust the process

Skin purging is a common side effect that occurs when switching to products with active ingredients. It's important to be patient and allow your skin time to adjust, but there are ways you can help the process along. With a tailored skincare routine and proper self-care, you can ensure that your skin is able to purify itself quickly and safely. And remember: never underestimate the power of a good moisturizer! It's essential for helping your skin through the purging process. Good luck!

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