Can you recall the last time you tried a new skincare product and then noticed a sudden flare-up of acne directly afterward? That’s skin purging at work. What is skin purging? Well, it’s an often frustrating aspect of how your skin reacts to acne treatments like adapalene gel. However, it is a natural part of the process that you need to be prepared for.
You see, when you’re expecting it to happen, you’re much less likely to assume that the acne product you’re using isn’t right for you and stop using it. Let’s waste no time in shining some light on the facts.
What Is Skin Purging?
So, what is skin purging exactly? It refers to the short-term worsening of acne when you begin using a new product that boosts skin cell turnover. One of the main things that adapalene gel does is speed up the shedding of dead skin cells, bringing any underlying clogged pores you have to the surface more quickly. Essentially, the breakouts that were already in the pipeline are pushed out faster.
When using an exfoliating or acne-fighting ingredient like adapalene, a topical retinoid, your skin undergoes a rapid process of renewal, which then leads to:
- Faster exfoliation: Old skin cells shed more quickly, allowing fresh, new skin to emerge.
- Increased visibility of clogged pores: Any existing microcomedones (tiny clogged pores that aren’t yet visible) are pushed to the surface, leading to temporary breakouts.
The important thing to remember is that this is part of the journey and it’s not an indication that you should cease using your adapalene gel. If you carried out a patch test before you started your treatment and there was no reaction, this further points toward the fact that it’s just your skin doing its thing.
So, How Long Does Skin Purging Last?
That’s a tricky question to answer accurately, as the length of time skin takes to purge varies a lot from person to person. Generally speaking, however, it shouldn’t last longer than four to six weeks. Do be aware that if the symptoms go on for longer than this or get markedly worse, it’s more likely to be irritation than purging.
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Here are some more tips on how to tell the difference:
- Purging most often occurs in areas where you usually break out, while irritation-related breakouts appear in new areas.
- Purging produces whiteheads, blackheads, or small pimples, whereas a reaction to an unsuitable product may cause redness, burning, or cystic acne.
If you’re going through skin purging, it’s important to stay calm and be patient. While it’s around, you should keep your routine simple, and use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to avoid further irritation. Also, avoid over-exfoliating, as it can add up to more than your skin can handle and worsen the purging.
What Is Skin Purging? Something You Can Handle With the Right Approach
There’s no point in sugar-coating things – skin purging can be unpleasant. What you have to keep in mind is that it’s temporary and by being consistent, your skin will adjust and the problem will fade. However, it’s also important to know the difference between purging and general irritation – something you now know quite a bit more about.
So, remember that you’ve got this! Get through just a few weeks of discomfort and you’ll give your adapalene gel time to work. After that, you can look forward to the confidence that comes with having clear, great-looking skin.
