PURGING after a Chemical peel ?
What is purging ?
“Purging” refers to a temporary worsening of skin condition that can occur when you start using certain skincare products or treatments, especially those that increase cell turnover like chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs), retinoids, or some acne treatments.
During purging, your skin may experience increased breakouts, redness, flakiness, or other types of irritation. This happens because these products accelerate the shedding of dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can initially bring existing acne lesions to the surface faster
Skin Purging vs. Breakouts
It’s important to note that purging is different from a typical breakout or adverse reaction to a product. Purging usually occurs in areas where you commonly get breakouts, and the duration is relatively short, typically a few weeks. (4/6 weeks)
Purging is when the acne isn’t very deep, and the pus is gentle coming to the surface, often forming a whitehead while breaking out is when the acne is very “angry”, inflamed, and deep (plus they also developed quite suddenly).
How to recognize purging?
- Existing comedones are getting inflamed or coming to the head (turning into whiteheads)
- Smaller comedones are getting bigger
- Breaking out more where you usually have congestion and acne
If you are getting acne where there wasn’t any before, you see comedones in unusual places, and this phase is lasting longer than 4-5 weeks (meaning, your skin isn’t calming down at all), you are BREAKING OUT.
Skin Purging Means Your Skin Is Improving
How Long It Lasts PURGING?
The amount of time a person has to deal with skin purging will vary. When starting a new acne treatment, giving it roughly four to six weeks to take effect is essential.7 During this time, the skin purging will typically clear up within the first two weeks.
What should I do when I purge ?
When experiencing purging, it’s important to follow a gentle skincare routine and be patient. Here are some tips on what to do:
1. Continue Using the Product: Unless you experience severe irritation, continue using the product that’s causing purging. It’s a sign that the product is working to clear your skin. If your purging is happening after a procedure consult with your professional to add some products for acne
2. Be Gentle: Avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive acids that can further irritate your skin.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
4. Protect Your Skin: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage, especially if you’re using exfoliating or acne-targeted products.
5. Patience is Key: Purging is temporary and should subside within a few weeks. Be patient and consistent with your skincare routine.
6. Consult your Professional to guide you during the process
Overall, purging is a natural part of the skin’s response to certain skincare ingredients and procedures and with the right care and patience, your skin will improve over time.
Gentle Ingredients to Use During a Skin Purge
During the purging process is important to use some gentle products and some products to treat the acne . The gentle products will help to restore the integrity of the skin barrier. While some cleansers that contain low salicylic acid and a noncomedogenic moisturizer will help with breakouts. It’s recommended to use Retinol as spot treatment. Avoid touching, picking, or popping pimples.
