Is Skin Purging Real or Are Your New Products Irritating Your Complextion?

Your skin may be your body's largest organ, but it's not infallible.  In fact, it's absolutely prone to irritation, especially if you regularly test new facial products; these could cause a flaring up on your complexion.  But it's important to note that general irritation or dermatitis (which feels itchy and more like a rash) differs from purging-which can be a sign that a new product is working!  The products that cause the phenomenon are often retinoid-based.  If you notice increased breakouts after you begin use (I DID!!!!) you are likely experiencing it first hand.  

But what is this condition and how is it different from acne? 

What Cause a Skin Purge?

Skin purging happens when your skin cell turnover cycle rapidly increases after a procedure or a chemical application.  Skin cells turn over every 14-28 days normally.  However, with the addition of a product, inflammation underneath the skin's surface can be brought to light more immediately.  

How is a Skin Purge different from Acne?

Inflammation associated with a "retinization period" more often results in redness, dryness, and scaling....as well as worsened acne.  A common warning is things may get worse before they get better.

Acne is generally caused by hormones, stress, diet, and genetics when pores get clogged by oil.  Skin purging on the other hand, will usually happen 4-6 weeks after the use of a new retinol or vitamin A based product.  

What are treatment options for Skin Purging?

How to heal your skin during a purge....start slow.  The Clinical Solutions $120 product I used recommends an 8 week retinization period where you begin once a week and increase it as tolerated.  If skin is still irritated I recommend the Moisture Renewing Gel Mask $22 or the Intense Moisturizing Cream $32.  Daily gentle cleansers like the Volu-Firm Cleanser $28 also help heal the skin.

For more information about purging, check out the Facebook study group I created to support women through the retinzation period and treating the process. 

Retinol Focus Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/retiknow

Adult Hormonal Acne Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164076597262404

Shop 24/7:  https://www.marykay.com/bstillings