From Breakouts to Breakthroughs: Understanding Skin Purging

Dealing with acne can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with ups and downs that test your patience and confidence. One of the most challenging aspects of the journey to clear skin is experiencing skin purging. Let's dive into what skin purging is, why it happens, and how to navigate it together.

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is most commonly caused by active ingredients that exfoliate the skin, such as those found in chemical peels, retinoids, and certain serums. These ingredients increase the rate at which your skin cells renew themselves. Typically, skin cell turnover happens about every 28 days, but when using products with active ingredients, this process is accelerated - think of it like hitting the fast-forward button on your skin's natural renewal process.

As a result, all the congestion lurking beneath the surface of your skin - like oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells - is brought to the forefront more quickly, leading to breakouts. This typically results in various types of inflammatory acne, such as pustules (red, pus-filled bumps) and papules (small, red, raised bumps).

It may seem like the product is causing your skin to break out, or feel disheartening, but it's a necessary step to achieve clearer, healthier skin. The good news is that skin purging is temporary and is actually a sign that the products are working! 

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts

Confusing skin purging with a regular breakout is easy, but key differences exist. 

First, is the cause. Breakouts are related to acne, triggered by excess or gluggy oil, skin bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation. Purging is associated with introducing a new treatment or skincare product that accelerates cell turnover.

Next is duration, as skin purging tends to heal quicker than regular acne. The life cycle of acne during a purge is faster than a typical breakout. If your breakouts last longer than four to six weeks, it might not be purging. 

When deciphering whether it’s skin purging or a breakout, take note of its location. Purging usually occurs in areas where you typically experience breakouts. If you're seeing breakouts in new areas, it's likely a regular breakout. 

Lastly, consider the products you use at home or those used in your professional skin treatments. Purging is often triggered by products containing active ingredients that promote exfoliation, such as retinoids, salicylic acid or chemical peels. Breakouts from other products, most notably various kinds of comedogenic makeup, are more likely traditional acne reactions.

Why Purging Is A Necessary Part Of Skin Recovery

Skin purging is an integral step towards clearer skin. During a purge, microcomedones (tiny blockages in your pores) that were previously invisible rise to the surface. This process, although difficult, is essential for long-term skin health. It helps to clear out deep congestion, leading to clearer skin in the long run. It's a challenging phase, but it’s a sign that your skin is detoxifying and beginning to heal.

Now, I get it. Learning about the purging process, you must be thinking, "Are you kidding me?! I've dealt with enough!". I understand how frustrating it can be that things often get worse before they get better when treating acne. Remember, you're not alone in this - it’s important to be patient and trust the process. Your skin is working hard to rejuvenate itself, and with the right support and care, you’ll soon see the clearer skin you’ve been striving for. Hang in there - clearer days are ahead!

So, How Does Biopeel Fit Into This Story?

Since introducing Biomimetic Chemical Peels at Skin Kind Studio, I've been doing a lot of Comedopeel Biochemical Peels, kickstarting skin-clearing journeys. This peel protocol reduces excess oil, unclogs pores, fights acne-causing bacteria, calms redness and swelling, and improves overall skin texture and clarity. 

With skin clearing, like the incredible results I am achieving with these peels, comes this purging process. This typically begins around 5-7 days post peel, and can last in varying amounts up to 4-6 weeks - for some it is minimal, and others more prominent.

As we perform the peels every 2-3 weeks, for approximately 3 session. The purging process can feel like it will last forever! Once the clearer, smoother and brighter skin starts making an appearance, my clients are super grateful for sticking with it.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to showcase that whilst it’s a frustrating part of the process, skin purging is a vital sign that your skin is welcoming clearer days ahead. 

The fundamental reason why I chose to add Larimedical peels to my menu is that they truly put the skin kind in Skin Kind Studio. 

Firstly, they treat a range of skin conditions with no peeling – yep, a peel with no peeling. They’re designed to be gentle yet effective, addressing skin concerns without causing those traditional side-effects of a chemical peel.

They also support the skin barrier throughout the treatment. Unlike traditional peels, Biopeels bypass the top layer of skin, delivering ingredients directly to where they are needed most, all while protecting the skin barrier. This leads to treatments that are incredibly comfortable, with minimal to no downtime, making them perfect for busy schedules.

To top it all off, each treatment is finished with a calming mask and a soothing scalp massage, ensuring you leave the studio feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

So, if you're experiencing skin purging, remember it's a temporary phase on the road to clearer, healthier skin. While it can be daunting, understanding the process and seeking professional guidance can make a world of difference.

Book a consultation to discuss how treatments like Biopeels can support your skin journey and help you achieve the results you desire.