Published: March 3, 2022.
The term ‘skin purging’ gets thrown around quite often but it’s important to understand how the skin works in order to know what is meant by this popular term. Skin works by shedding layers of dead skin cells and bringing forth new skin cells. It’s how the top most layer of the epidermis stays fortified and strong enough to protect everything underneath.
Skin purging is constantly happening which is often what causes acne, pimples, and breakouts. As dead skin cells begin to shed, they can attach to dirt and grime, clogging pores and creating blackheads, pustules, and zits. The buzzword we keep seeing throughout beauty blogs refers to the process in which certain skincare ingredients increase the largest organ’s natural turnover rate - making skin visibly look like it is ‘purging’ or ‘detoxifying. A few things to keep in mind:
"The stress of everyday life easily alters our natural ability to detox, and as our skin is connected to our immune system function, it's important to regularly purge the skin. It's a benefit to the entire body!"
- Elisabeth Nehme, Board Certified Esthetician and [ comfort zone ] Master Educator
This process generates a host of symptoms, depending on the type of skin you have. However, a majority of people who are experiencing skin purging because of a purging or detoxifying product they are using may notice the following:
Skin may become transparent and disconnected from itself, layering or flaking off in chunks.
As old skin begins to fall off, some may get stuck in pores causing it to appear like you’re having a very bad bout of acne.
Skin may struggle to remain hydrated by producing sebum. This can lead to multitone skin or dry patches.
Chances are, you’ve selected a product that is working to increase the skin’s cell turnover rate. While this is most frequently the cause, there are a host of other reasons that skin may suddenly decide to purge itself.
Don’t panic if your skin has suddenly started to purge. It’s not a bad thing. Skin goes through phases and has all the power it needs to equalize itself back out after you’ve introduced healthy, natural skin care products to your routine.
Skin cycles every 28 days or so.
It’s tempting to want to remove flakey layers or pop pustules, but this is no good. You may end up scaring the skin or causing it to purge for even longer.
Continue your routine treatments unless otherwise advised by a dermatologist or trusted esthetician. Your skin is most likely purging because you were using toxic cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to begin with.
Makeup can dry out the skin even more. Try your best to avoid using it and instead opt for a non comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF 30 to SPF 50.
If you have acne-prone skin or oily skin, it’s likely you’ve utilized face washes with benzoyl peroxide. If your skin starts purging because of a change in skin care routine, injury, or diet, take a break from using harsh active ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide.
Skin cells require hydration to remain plump and refreshed. As old skin sloughs off, you’ll want the new cells to be hydrated and healthy as they fill in.
Both of these spa procedures quicken cell turnover while offering skin a large dose of hydration and oxygen. Both are vital to health cell production.
Choosing high quality products is essential to creating a healthy, glowing complexion, no matter the cleansing regimen one intends to implement.
[ comfort zone ] products utilize high quality ingredients that are never tested on animals and don’t compromise the planet's health.
