With more knowledge of the adverse effects of synthetic ingredients, more and more people are switching to natural skincare.[1]
But imagine if you recently switched to a new natural skincare product, expecting a fresher and smoother skin within the first 2 days, but instead start noticing acne breakouts, whiteheads, blackheads or flakiness. This can be disappointing, but might not necessarily be a bad thing.
If anything, the product could be doing what it’s meant to and that’s manifesting in the form of purging. It could also be getting rid of the chemical buildup that might have been caused by the synthetic products.
So, what’s purging?
When you add active agents like acids (AHA or BHA), retinoids, enzymatic exfoliants, or vitamin C to your skin, they help quicken the skin turnover process. This is the process where the dead upper skin layer is shed off and a fresher and healthier skin is revealed.
However, it’s not just the healthy skin that’s revealed. Even the acne that was already forming underneath will also be pushed to the surface. And so, as the skin turns over faster, the acne also appears faster. You may find that the acne that was to appear in a week or a month will all appear at once.
This is what purging is, and when it happens, you may be tempted to drop the product as it can be very disturbing.
However, it is advised that you keep using the product for 4-6 weeks, which is the approximate length of a full skin cycle in young adults, and 8 weeks for the elderly.[2]
After this, the purging should be reduced and the results of a smoother and fresher skin should be more visible. But, not all acne breakouts are purging. Some could be as a result of damaged skin barrier or other causes.
How do you know the difference?
The Differences Between Purging and Breaking Out
Causes
Skin purging is caused by active ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover and pushes acne from underneath the skin onto the surface, preventing future breakouts.
On the other hand, breakouts are caused by blocked pores, excess sebum or acne bacteria. It could also be caused by over-exfoliation. To avoid this you can use gentler exfoliants, like our cleanser RELEASE, which will turn over your skin in a more natural way.
Signs
Skin purging is characterised by papules, whiteheads, blackheads, and sometimes tiny pre-pimples that feel rough to touch. They should however not irritate the skin or increase its sensitivity. Your skin may also look flaky and dry. Incorporating a moisturiser or face oil can help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Breakouts can also be in the same form. However, they will irritate the skin, cause redness or increase its sensitivity.
Location
Skin purging will appear where you normally experience breakouts. For instance, if you mostly experience breakouts on your cheeks, that’s where you’ll notice purging when you use the mentioned ingredients. On the contrary, breakouts will often appear anywhere on the face.
Aftermath
The aftermath of purging is a clearer and smoother skin with no scars, unlike breakouts which leave the skin with spots and marks.
Period
Purging signs often appear all together within 2-6 weeks, but will disappear after a while and not reoccur. Breakouts, on the other hand, will appear and reappear randomly and may take longer to disappear.
Dealing with Purging When Switching to Natural Products
Both synthetic and natural actives have the ability to cause purging. But because botanical products take time to rejuvenate your skin and take it back to the natural renewal process, the purging might take time, about 4-6 weeks.
The benefit is, you don’t have to worry about the ingredients being too harsh and potentially damaging your skin barrier, an effect typical with most synthetic products.
Besides, when it’s all done, you gain a cleaner and healthier skin with an intact skin barrier. You cannot stop the purging process, but you can prevent it from going on for too long by taking care of your skin. Here’s how:
- Stay Consistent: Stick to your new natural skincare routine to allow your skin to adjust and complete the purging process.
- Moisturise: Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser or face oil to support the skin barrier.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation: While it might be tempting to exfoliate more to deal with breakouts, over-exfoliation can irritate your skin and prolong the purging period. Gentle exfoliants, such as those with natural ingredients, offer effective results without damaging your skin barrier.
- Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Keep it Simple: Avoid introducing too many new products at once, especially ones with active ingredients. Using one brand at a time is also recommended.
- Be Patient: Understand that purging is a temporary phase and a sign that your skin is adapting to the beneficial effects of natural ingredients.
What if It’s an Allergic Reaction?
It’s important to differentiate between purging and a reaction. Purging generally involves breakouts in areas where you typically get acne, whereas an adverse reaction might include redness, irritation, or breakouts in new areas. If you suspect an adverse reaction, it’s best to discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Gentle and Soothing Product Recommendation to Manage Purging
We understand how purging can be disturbing when you switch to natural products with active ingredients. To manage the effects, we advise using moisturising and hydrating products that are gentle on the skin and help soothe irritation while supporting the skin barrier.
Our face oil, RETREAT does a good job at that.
Benefits of RETREAT
- Gentle Renewal: Contains Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, to reduce discoloration and improve texture without harsh irritation.
- Soothing Properties: Copaiba Resin, Baobab, and Passionfruit oils calm and reduce redness, making it ideal for sensitive, purging skin. Copaiba is also effective in controlling breakouts and blemishes.
- Deep Nourishment: Açaí, Sacha Inchi, and Borage oils provide essential moisture, maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- Restorative Ingredients: Seabuckthorn, Frankincense, Evening Primrose, and Rosehip CO2 extracts support skin healing and radiance.
- Relaxing Experience: Mandarin, Ylang Ylang, and Neroli oils offer a calming sensory experience, enhancing your skincare routine.
RETREAT helps soothe, calm, nourish, and restore your skin during the purging phase, ensuring a smoother transition to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
References
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- Emerald, Mila & A, Emerald & L, Emerald & Kumar, Vikas. Perspective of Natural Products in Skincare. Pharmacy & Pharmacology International Journal. 2016 4. 1-3. [ResearchGate]
- Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Dec 14;4(12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp) [PubMed]
