What is what to do when skin is purging?

When your skin is purging, it's reacting to a new active ingredient by bringing underlying congestion to the surface faster than usual. This can manifest as breakouts, whiteheads, blackheads, or small red bumps. Here's what you can do:

• Confirm it's purging, not a breakout: Purging vs. Breakout - Purging is usually triggered by exfoliants and retinoids and occurs in areas where you frequently experience congestion. Breakouts can appear anywhere and may be caused by irritation or allergies.

• Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to your new skincare routine. Stopping and starting can disrupt the process and prolong the purging phase.

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a Gentle Cleanser to avoid further irritation. Avoid harsh scrubs or excessive washing.

• Hydrate Your Skin: Keep your skin moisturized with a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer. Hydration helps support skin barrier function.

• Avoid Picking: Picking at the blemishes can lead to inflammation, scarring, and infection. Let the blemishes heal naturally.

• Spot Treatment (Optional): A gentle Spot Treatment with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid sparingly can help reduce inflammation and speed up healing, but use with caution and only on individual blemishes.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen is crucial, especially when using exfoliants or retinoids, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen daily.

• Patience: Purging is temporary, usually lasting between 2 to 6 weeks. If it persists longer than that or becomes severe, consult a dermatologist.

• Re-evaluate Products: If irritation is severe or you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue the product and consult a dermatologist. Sometimes, what appears to be purging is actually a reaction to an ingredient that doesn't agree with your skin.

• Don't Overdo It: Avoid introducing too many new active ingredients at once. Gradually introduce new products to minimize potential irritation.