Is your acne a purge or breakout?
Sometimes when you see new acne forming, it’s hard to know whether your skin’s purging or if it’s just a breakout! We’ve broken it down in this simple guide to help you figure it out:
WHAT IS PURGING?
Purging is when the skin reacts to a new treatment (or product) that brings all the congestion in your skin up to the surface! Pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads can also occur. We know it can be frustrating at the moment, it’s usually true when they say, your skin has to get a bit worse before it gets better—but trust us, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. P.S. If it’s painful, please see your doctor or dermatologist.
WHY DOES PURGING HAPPEN?
It’s important to keep in mind that purging doesn’t happen out of nowhere! Certain ingredients can kickstart a process called desquamation AKA ingredients that provoke peeling, exfoliation, cell turnover, and skin cells to shed. For example, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, and salicylic acid are a few products that can activate your skin to purge.
HOW TO DEAL WITH PURGING:
What we usually hear from our community is, your dermatologist will recommend a treatment that causes your skin to purge, but it’s crucial to stay on the treatment even though your skin may feel worse at the moment. Friendly reminder: trust your derm! Purging can last for 4 to 6 weeks until your skin begins to recover. Until then, keep a consistent (yet gentle skin) care routine with a calming cleanser for sensitive skin like Daydreamer Creamy Rescue Cleanser and hydrating moisturizer like Whirl Face Cream. Oh, and don’t pick at it!
Pro tip: prioritize your self care through these weeks <3
HOW TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE WITH PURGING VS. BREAKOUTS!
So, what’s the difference between purging and breaking out? A break out can be your skin reacting to a product or environment that it’s sensitive to. When breaking out, retrace the steps to your last few days and consider what could be irritating your skin… Did you just visit a new park? Try a different product? Been a while since you’ve cleaned your makeup brushes? Purging, however, can be a necessary process for your skin to get rid of congestion and eventually result in healthier skin.
HOW TO DEAL WITH A BREAKOUT
We’ve all experienced our own situations with a surprise break out—these days more than ever with mask-wearing! Whether or not you’re having a breakout, it’s always best to be prepared for whatever turn your skin may take. Remember to stay hydrated, use gentle, clean products with skin-loving ingredients, and try our #1 community favorite Meltdown Acne Oil for a soothing solution! Especially if you have sensitive skin.
