When a pimple makes an appearance, most of us care less about the reasons why it showed up and more about how we can make it go away quickly. But as it turns out, the ‘why’ is something you should consider, particularly because it may not be a breakout at all, but instead might be skin purging.
Purging
What is skin purging? A purge starts when the rate of the skin’s cellular turnover is increased. It can push old dead cells- doing with other buildups- to the surface, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Purging appears as small clusters of whiteheads or blackheads.
Duration- How Long Does It Last?
Purging can last up around 4-6 weeks but it’s different for everyone- some skin might not experience it all. Note: If your skin is not clearing up after that, you should reach out to a dermatologist.
Tips For The Process- Skin Purging
Stay consistent. Do not be tempted to toss your products, keep it going. Additionally, don’t pick. By picking, you could be causing the spread of bacteria around the face. Also, opt for soothing products when you can. Lastly, hydrate. A dehydrated skin results in increased oil production (sebum) which can result in acne.
PS: If you start a new product and begin breaking out, consider whether you added any active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, and Vitamin C that speed up cellular turnover to your routine. If you have, you most likely are purging. If you haven’t, it’s probably just a breakout.
