Why do some beauty products cause skin breakouts? It’s because of something known as a skin purge. Find out more about this process.
Have you ever switched beauty products and noticed an immediate skin breakout? It can be alarming but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The term ‘skin purge’ refers to an outbreak of pimples, stickiness or inflammation that happens in the first few days of using a new product. It is a phenomenon that has been confirmed by dermatologists.
If this is putting you off trying a new product or treatment, it shouldn’t! A purge is absolutely worth it. Take a look at some more information to explain what’s causing the changes.
What happens when your skin purges?
When you experience a skin purge, you may notice whiteheads, blackheads, acne flare-ups or even those irritating ‘below the surface’ pimples (known as papules).
This happens because the new product you are using is actually promoting cell renewal. Your skin renews itself naturally, however a new serum with a high concentration of active ingredients may speed up the process. New cells quickly form and any dirt, bacteria or toxins are expelled during the process.
Your skin is quickly ‘self-cleaning’ and while new, fresh cells are rising to the surface, acne or stickiness may appear ahead of them. You may even notice your skin dries out and peels a little.
So, with a new product, the sign it’s working may be that your skin looks worse! However, this should only be temporary and it is a good thing because it is a sign the product has all the right ingredients to do the job it is promising to do.
Skin purge vs breakout
Your skin is purging if the breakout is reasonably short-lived. If you’re noticing pimples and acne that don’t go away within 6 weeks, it may be time to see a specialist.
Getting through a skin purge
Sit tight while your skin is purging and avoid the temptation to return to using your old supermarket products as these will put you back at square one with skin that is clogged and dull.
Avoid products that have long ingredient lists that include ‘fillers’, which don’t impact the quality of your skin.
In the meantime, use a light cleanser and don’t forget to use sun protection (you should be doing that anyway). Avoid things like face masks or deep exfoliation as it may interrupt the skin purge process.
Of course it is also important to avoid the temptation to touch your skin. Leave any breakout spots alone as your hands can transfer more bacteria or cause further irritation.
If you’re concerned your skin may undergo a purge when you switch to a new product, be mindful of your timing. For example, don’t start using a dramatically more concentrated skin serum one week before your wedding.
Can a skin purge be avoided?
Not all skin will purge and not all products will cause a skin purge, even when they are high quality.
One way to avoid a dramatic skin purge is to start using a new product once a day, or every second day, and only use a small amount. You can build up to the recommended usage gradually.
Does Active Serums cause skin purging?
Because our serums contain highly concentrated fruit extracts that refresh, cleanse and restore the skin, a small number of people may experience a skin purge when commencing an Active Serums skincare regime.
This could include breakouts, pimples or even a ‘sticky’ feeling as your skin detoxes. However, if you push through this short period you will be rewarded by skin that looks and feels hydrated, clear and more youthful.
About Active Serums
Looking for a naturally derived, highly effective skincare range?
Our serums are 99.8% active and the fruit we use is sourced locally in Australia. The only added ingredient is a tiny amount of preservative to keep our serums fresh in the bottle.
Try the Active Serums range and discover how a high-quality, powerful skin serum like no other will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, healthy and balanced every day.