If you are struggling with acne, you have tried a new acne care system and suddenly experienced breakouts, wondering if it is a skin reaction or acne purging.
What is purging?
When you start using a new product with some exfoliating agents that promote skin cell turnover, it brings all the dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil beneath your skin to the surface.
For the treatment of acne, exfoliating chemicals are used to speed up the process of skin cell turnover. This process pushes old and dead skin cells and all the pore-clogging ingredients used in the product in the past.
What happens during the purging period?
For an average adult, it takes about 28 days for the skin cells to renew, which slows down as we age. So purging can last about 4-6 weeks. During this period, some people will experience some breakouts from small blackheads and whiteheads to papules or cystic acne.
Does purging happen to everyone?
Not to everyone. It depends on how much dead skin cells, oil, acne bacteria, and pore-clogging ingredients are clogging up the skin beneath; it is hard to predict who will purge and who won’t.
With our Acne Solution Program, we gradually introduce active products one at a time so that the skin does not purge.
How to Prevent and Treat Skin Purging
We understand that purging is not fun for anyone. So our Acne Solution Program is designed to prevent purging by gradually introducing active products. Our program is designed to avoid overwhelming the skin by using too many active exfoliating acids or strong chemical peels at first. Instead, we gradually introduce active products into your skincare routine one at a time. This method has prevented or minimized acne purging with many of our clients.
What to do and what not to do during purging.
Don’t pick!! You are spreading acne-causing bacteria. Moreover, you increase the chance of new breakouts, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Instead, do the following:
- Ice – Try our Icy Gel or use an ice cube and massage your skin for 2-3 minutes. Icing calms the painful acne breakouts.
- Apply a spot treatment. We have two spot treatment products. Acne Spot Eraser works well, drying up the pus and helping acne breakouts go away quickly. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend opting for Bye-Bye Pimple Powder, which you can mix with your moisturizer.
As always, if you are struggling with acne and need help with clearing your acne, we are here to help. Email us at info@facefiveacne.com with your questions.
