SKIN PURGING: INITIAL AGGRAVATION OF THE SKIN
SKIN PURGING: INITIAL AGGRAVATION OF THE SKIN
Unsettled skin after the introduction of new skincare products? You may be dealing with skin purging. Find out here what skin purging is, how it differs from common blemishes and how you can minimize it.
If you want to optimally support your skin during skin purging, protecting and strengthening the skin barrier is crucial. The Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream has been specially developed to support your skin barrier.
WHAT IS SKIN PURGING?
Skin purging describes a temporary initial aggravation of the skin that often occurs after the introduction of new skin care products. Skin purging can occur particularly with active ingredients that promote skin renewal and accelerated cell renewal, such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliants. These active ingredients increase the skin's cell turnover rate, which means that skin cells die faster and are replaced by new ones. This process can lead to an initial skin reaction where existing impurities come to the surface. Although this phase can be uncomfortable, it is often a normal part of the skin's adaptation to new, active ingredients.
WHY DOES SKIN PURGING OCCUR?
The causes of skin purging lie in the biochemical processes of the skin. The use of active ingredients such as retinoids (retinal), acids (AHA, BHA) or other exfoliation products leads to accelerated skin cell renewal. This accelerated cell renewal leads to dead skin cells being loosened more quickly and deeper impurities being brought to the surface of the skin. The result is a temporary worsening of the skin's appearance in the form of spots, blackheads and other blemishes. Unlike common blemishes, skin purging usually occurs within a few days or weeks of introducing a new product and subsides after a few weeks.
Skincare products with vitamin C can trigger a "vitamin C first aggravation". The Serious C Complex Antioxidant Serum contains effective vitamin C derivatives that are less likely than pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to cause an initial aggravation of the skin. Nevertheless, a gradual introduction of active ingredient cosmetics is recommended, the so-called sneaking in of products into the skin care routine. This means using the new product less frequently at first - every second or third day, for example - in order to slowly acclimatize the skin to the ingredients. This method minimizes the risk of skin irritation that could result from introducing the product too quickly. As soon as the skin tolerates the product well, the frequency of application can be gradually increased and the product integrated into the daily routine.
Exfoliating toners or serums that contain hydroxy acids such as BHA (salicylic acid) can lead to a short-term "salicylic acid first aggravation" in some users. Similarly, the skin may initially appear worse after professional cosmetic exfoliation, but this is often a temporary effect. The Active Acids Exfoliating Solution contains hydroxy acids of the AHA and BHA class, among others. These promote skin renewal and in rare cases can trigger "AHA purging".
The Absolute A and Absolute A+ retinal serums contain effective ingredients such as encapsulated retinal. This retinoid supports natural skin renewal and can cause an initial skin reaction in the form of a so-called "retinoid purge" in some users. This initial aggravation often occurs in the first few weeks of use.
Niacinamide - known for its skin-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties - can also initially lead to skin blemishes. "Niacinamide newbies" occasionally report so-called "niacinamide pimples", which is a typical reaction to the introduction of a new active ingredient. Azelaic acid can also trigger a temporary purging phase. Other clarifying ingredients can also cause temporary blemishes before the skin visibly improves. One example of this is benzoyl peroxide (BPO), an active ingredient that is usually used in medical products for acne treatment.
TIPS FOR MINIMIZING SKIN PURGING
To avoid an initial aggravation of the skin, it is advisable to introduce new products slowly into your skincare routine. Start with lower concentrations of active ingredients and only increase them gradually if they are well tolerated. Mild cleansing and a barrier-strengthening cream form the basis of your routine to optimally prepare the skin for the changeover. During this phase, other potentially irritating active ingredients and exfoliating toners should be avoided for the time being so as not to put additional stress on the skin.
Gentle Gel Cleanser
Pre- and postbiotics support the skin microbiome, have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
13 amino acids strengthen the skin barrier and moisturize.
Allantoin promotes skin regeneration and has a strong antioxidant effect.
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
MOISTURE LOCK - GENTLE CLEANSING - BARRIER PROTECTION
I am so excited, never had such a great cleanse before!!!
NADINE F.
I am really delighted with the cleanser! You get everything off and at the same time it is very mild, no burning in the eyes. Skin is very soft afterwards.
PETRA L.
My absolute favorite cleanser! I tolerate it very well!
ELISABETH W.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE SKIN PURGING
SKIN PURGING VS. BLEMISHES: RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCES
It can be difficult to distinguish between skin purging and breakouts, as both can show similar symptoms such as pimples and inflammation. However, there are some important differences:
Duration: Skin Purging is temporary and usually only lasts a few weeks, whereas normal skin blemishes can persist for longer.
Location of occurrence: Skin purging often occurs in the same places where blemishes were previously present, while breakouts can occur in any new location.
Timing: Skin purging typically begins shortly after the introduction of a new product with cell-renewing ingredients, such as retinoids or hydroxy acids, while skin breakouts can occur at any time.
If the symptoms persist for longer than 6 weeks or worsen, it is advisable to stop using the product and seek dermatological advice if necessary.
SKIN PURGING VS. ALLERGIC REACTIONS: RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCES
An important aspect to note is the distinction between skin purging and an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are often manifested by symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling and burning. In contrast, skin purging leads to temporary skin blemishes without such symptoms. If you suspect an intolerance to salicylic acid, for example, which manifests itself in severe redness or itching after using products, you should seek professional help from a dermatologist.
SKIN PURGING VS. RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PERIODIC DERMATITIS
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by red, inflamed rashes around the mouth that can be accompanied by burning and itching. Unlike skin purging, perioral dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that requires specific treatment. It is important to correctly identify the two skin conditions in order to choose the right care or treatment.
HOW LONG DOES SKIN PURGING TAKE AND WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
The duration of Skin Purging varies, but usually lasts between two to six weeks. If the skin does not improve afterwards or the blemishes persist for longer than six weeks, this could be an indication that the product is not suitable for your skin and should be discontinued. If skin problems persist, it is advisable to seek professional help from a dermatologist.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Skin purging is a temporary initial aggravation of the skin that often occurs when new, active skin care products such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or vitamin C are introduced into the routine. These active ingredients promote accelerated skin cell renewal and can cause existing blemishes to surface more quickly. It is important to differentiate skin purging from normal blemishes and allergic reactions as it is temporary and shows up in specific areas, whereas allergic reactions can cause itching and redness. To minimize the intensity of the initial aggravation, new products should be slowly integrated into the skin care routine and mild, moisturizing skin care products should be used. Products from DR. EMI ARPA SKIN such as Absolute A Retinal Serums and Serious C Complex Antioxidant Serum can trigger skin purging in some people due to their active ingredients. If skin problems persist or you are unsure whether skin purging is occurring, you should seek professional help from a dermatologist.
FAQ on skin purging
Skin purging usually appears shortly after the introduction of a new product with active ingredients that accelerate skin renewal, such as retinoids, AHAs or BHAs. It often occurs in areas where the skin has already had blemishes and the symptoms usually subside within a few weeks.
If you suddenly have worse skin after introducing a new skincare product, it could be skin purging. This is a normal reaction of the skin as it adapts to the new active ingredients. The skin may appear uneasy at first before improving.
Yes, this can be normal if you are using a new product that stimulates skin renewal. Suddenly having lots of small pimples on your face could indicate skin purging, especially if the product contains ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, AHA or BHA.
An initial aggravation of the skin with daily use of salicylic acid (BHA) can occur in the first few weeks of use and usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks. If the skin continues to react strongly afterwards, there may be an intolerance.
Don't forget: Retinoids such as high-dose retinol and retinal make the skin more susceptible to sun damage such as sunburns, hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing. Therefore: Always apply sun protection (at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50) when using Retinal - even in fall and winter.
The skin renews itself approximately every 28 days, but this process can vary depending on age, skin type and products used. Active ingredients that accelerate cell renewal, such as retinoids or AHAs, can enhance this process.
Skin regeneration can also take around 28 days, depending on individual factors such as skin care, age and environmental influences. This process can be accelerated with active ingredients, which can lead to skin purging.
The skin usually needs 4 to 6 weeks to become fully accustomed to new skincare products. During this time, skin purging may occur, especially with products containing active ingredients.
Skin purging is usually characterized by a temporary deterioration of the skin, which subsides after a few weeks. Intolerance, on the other hand, is indicated by persistent symptoms such as severe redness, itching or burning. If these symptoms persist for longer than 6 weeks, the product should be discontinued and professional help from a dermatologist should be sought.
Related blog posts
Dorwart, L. (2023, August 28). How to Tell If Your Skin is Purging or Breaking Out. Health. https://www.health.com/skin-purging-7852167 [accessed: 12/19/2023].
Jordan L, Baldwin HE. (2016). Stratum Corneum Abnormalities and Disease-Affected Skin: Strategies for Successful Outcomes in Inflammatory Acne. J Drugs Dermatol, 15(10), 1170-1173.
Smith EV, Grindlay DJ, Williams HC. (2011). What's new in acne? An analysis of systematic reviews. Clin Exp Dermatol, 36(2), 119-22.