Read this before you take any extreme measures.
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Do you know what skin purging looks like?
Chances are youll write the product off immediately and stash it away, never to see your face again.
Photo:Boyloso/Getty Images
So, how do you know if your skin is purging or breaking out?
What Is Skin Purging?
Whether youve heard of it or not, skin purging is incredibly common.
In basic terms, it simply refers to the reaction some skin has to certain ingredients, namelyretinolsand acids.
While nobody likes to see it, purging is actually a really good sign.
Topical retinoids enhance cell turnover and act like pipe cleaners for your pores.
In the process, they clear out blockages much more rapidly, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
How Long Does Skin Purging Last?
A skin purge can last from two to three weeks, according to dermatologists.
What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
On the one hand, you have your classic breakouts, which come in many different shapes and forms.
As youre probably well aware, breakouts are not a good thing.
Acne is inflammation that develops around your follicles.
The bad news is that skin purging can look almost identical to regular acne (i.e.
pustules, blackheads/whiteheads, and cysts).
That said, they are transient unlike traditional breakouts, which may need long-term intervention to improve.
In short, evaluate your routine and habits during the past couple days.
Ask yourself if youve tried any newskincare products, medications, or have changed your diet or sleep schedule.
This will help you determine any changes your skin might be adjusting to.
Here, we’ll delve into a few of the most common culprits.
Chemical peels also contain these acids in higher concentrations, which is why your skin peels.
It fights against the bacteria P. acnes and is used to treat acne vulgaris.
How Can You Treat Skin Purging?
If youre using a topical, consider cutting back on the amount or frequency in which youre using it.
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Matin T, Goodman MB.Benzoyl peroxide.
StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
