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Writer's pictureLala The Esty

What is Skin Purging?

Updated: Apr 17

Hi and welcome to my blog, the Aesthetik Skinny. Indulge your senses and embark on a transformative journey towards luminous, rejuvenated skin with our sanctuary of self-care and skincare wisdom.



Skin purging refers to a temporary reaction that may occur when you start using certain skincare products, particularly those containing active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), or certain forms of Vitamin C. During the purging process, the skin may experience an increase in breakouts, blemishes, or other skin issues.

This happens because these active ingredients accelerate the skin's cell turnover rate, causing the skin to shed dead cells more quickly. As a result, clogged pores beneath the surface may come to the surface faster, leading to the appearance of new blemishes.

Here are some tips to deal with skin purging:

1. Understand the difference between purging and a bad reaction: Purging typically occurs in areas where you normally break out and usually subsides after a few weeks. If you experience irritation, redness, or breakouts in new areas where you don't usually break out, it could be a sign of a bad reaction to the product.

2. Start slowly: When introducing a new active ingredient into your skincare routine, start with a lower concentration or frequency to allow your skin to acclimate gradually. For example, if using a retinoid, start with applying it once or twice a week before increasing the frequency.

3. Be patient: Skin purging is usually temporary and should subside within a few weeks as your skin adjusts to the new product. Avoid over-analyzing and give your skin time to adapt.

4. Avoid picking or squeezing: As tempting as it may be, avoid picking or squeezing the blemishes that arise during the purging process. This can lead to scarring and further irritation.




5. Stay hydrated and moisturized: Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized can help mitigate some of the dryness or irritation that may accompany skin purging. Look for non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores.

6. Protect your skin: Since some active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it's important to wear sunscreen daily, even if you don't typically burn easily. This helps prevent further irritation and sun damage.

7. Consult a dermatologist: If you're unsure whether your skin is purging or having a negative reaction to a product, or if the purging lasts longer than a few weeks without improvement, consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.


Remember it's a marathon not a sprint. You can do it!

Be patient,

Lala The Esty



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