How do you deal with skin purging?

How long does skin purge last?

Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist. It could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of application.

Is skin purging good?

Skin purging may give you horrible high school flashbacks, but what you're experiencing is actually beneficial. Here are some of the benefits of skin purging: Your treatment is working – The sudden increase of blemishes means that the product is successfully increasing the skin cell turnover rate.

What are signs of skin purging?

Skin purging is a temporary skin reaction to specific ingredients that may cause breakouts, skin dryness, flaking, and peeling. It typically occurs when trying a new skin care product or certain facial treatments.

How can you tell the difference between Breakout and purge?

So what's the difference between a skin purge and a breakout? Skin purging is when your skin is adjusting to the new product. Spots appear where you frequently get them and they go away faster than a normal pimple. Purging is a sign that the product is working and you should continue with the treatment as prescribed.

A Dermatologist's Guide To Acne Purging

Why does skin purging happen?

Skin purging occurs when you start using a new product that contains chemical exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and retinoids, all of which speed up the rate of skin cell turnover (the rate at which you shed dead skin cells and replace them with new cells), says Dr. Gonzalez.

Is skin purging itchy?

Purging should also not be confused with an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction will look red, bumpy, scaly and they are classically itchy. “Itchiness isn't a common characteristic of purging,” says Doyle.

Does your skin get worse before it gets better with new skincare?

Skin purging is a process that happens when certain skincare ingredients increase skin cell turnover. This encourages shedding of old, dead cells and growth of new, healthy ones. Unfortunately, this process often makes the skin look worse before it looks better.

Does niacinamide cause purging?

Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.

Does purging cause whiteheads?

It may seem like the product is “making” your skin break out, but because the ingredients that lead to purging simply exfoliate skin—in turn leading to the production of new cells—what often happens is that acne symptoms that were already forming under the surface simply pop up sooner than they would have.

Why did I break out after using niacinamide?

A proven anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing ingredient, Dr Ho explain that it is uncommon to experience a bad reaction from using niacinamide. If a bad reaction does occur, she observes that it is, “most likely an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity—which can occur if the concentration of niacinamide is too high”.

Why am I breaking out after using niacinamide?

Most niacinamide products also contain a variety of other ingredients. If any of these ingredients increase skin cell turnover then they may be behind any 'purging'. Some ingredients can also be 'comedogenic' which means that they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.

Can niacinamide worsen acne?

Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory and is a natural way to fight acne. It can be used as a moisturizer, as a foundation ingredient, and as an acne treatment. Because it's a natural ingredient, it's less likely to irritate the skin's surface.

What ingredients cause purging?

That's why you'll commonly find more AHAs (such as glycolic acid) in brightening toners and facial peels and BHAs (like salicylic acid) in skincare for acne-control. Both types are active ingredients that can cause an increase in cellular turnover where purging is a possibility.

How long does it take for skin to clear up?

Speaking to The Independent, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr Melanie Palm said: “It takes approximately 30 days for the epidermis or top layer of the skin to turnover once.”

Does skin purging come in waves?

Skin purging—which usually results in a wave of new pimples alongside peeling skin—is a common side effect of any new retinoid routine, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating.

Does purging have pus?

This is how inflammation occurs and why pimples are often red, swollen and pus-filled. This means that acne from skin purging can materialise as pustules, whiteheads, blackhead or cysts. But remember, skin purging pimples last only a short period of time so like, there is a silver lining.

Can I put niacinamide on popped pimple?

Can I apply niacinamide on popped pimples? Yes, you can apply niacinamide on popped pimples. The only concern is, the pimple shouldn't have been popped in the first place, but we understand you're only human.

How do you know if niacinamide is not working?

4 tips for when niacinamide fails

Signs it's not working: You're not seeing results and you notice the product is pilling on your skin. Also, if you experience redness, itching, or burning, you might want to skip this ingredient.

What ordinary products cause purging?

And as per my experience The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% does cause skin purging. So if you have congested, oily breakout prone skin, you can give it a try. Bu do keep in mind that it can cause purging as well as irritation so start slow.

What happens if you use too much niacinamide on skin?

Another possibility is that you're overdoing it on niacinamide, according to one expert. "When used in high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and redness," Talakoub says. "Especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes."

How quickly does niacinamide work?

While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. "You have to remember that it doesn't take two days for spots to form so you can't expect them to be removed in two days either," explains Engelman.

Can hyaluronic acid cause purging?

Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause the Skin to Purge? No, hyaluronic acid won't cause the skin to purge. If you have been using a skincare product that contains hyaluronic acid as a main active ingredient and are experiencing more frequent breakouts than usual, this does not mean that the ingredient is causing a purge.

Can vitamin C serum cause purging?

Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly. Products that can trigger purging include: Hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs) and fruit acids.

Can purging leave scars?

Purging pimples do not leave marks or blemishes on your skin. It actually heals the skin to form fresher skin cells. Breakouts don't benefit the skin; they leave marks and blemishes when they go. The cell turnover is faster to remove dead cells.