That flare up you got from trying a new serum, was it a result of your skin purging?
Purging refers to the type of breakout that sometimes occurs after you introduce a new product into your routine. When used for the first time, ingredients that promote cell turnover such as retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, prompt cells to turnover - a process that speeds up new cell formation. As these new cells come to the surface, they may bring up pimples from clogged pores that have been lurking underneath the surface of your skin, hence the angry breakout.
As distressful as it may be, It is an indication that the products are working and clearer skin awaits you with a little patience.
How long does purging last?
Purging will typically start in the first week of using a product, and may last up to six weeks as your skin cycle resets. This estimate is not random; it takes the skin anywhere from 4- 6 weeks to completely turnover and renew itself. If the breakouts continue beyond 2 months, then your skin is probably not purging and it just may be that the product does not agree with your skin.
How can I tell if this is purging?
Well for one, if you added a new product with any of the following as an ingredient(s):
- Retinoids and its derivatives
- Alpha hydroxy acids including glycolic, lactic, malic and mandelic acids
- Beta hydroxy acid also known as salicylic acid
- Other fruit acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
then there’s a good possibility that you are experiencing a purge. Also it typically is not just one stray pimple, they are usually a few of them that appear together in areas where you usually break out.
If however the product you just started does not contain any of the ingredients that promote cell turnover, then it is likely that you are sensitive to the product in which case it is advisable to stop using it.
How to minimize purging
If you have figured out that your skin is purging, it is important to keep going, as there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. You can however minimize the severity by cutting back on the quantity of product used and/or reducing the frequency of use. We always advise that when using products with any of the ingredient mentioned above, start really slowly with a small amount and then increase the size and frequency of use overtime.
