The Bad, The Good and then Glowing

Did you just start using a new serum and instead of the skin glow you expected, you're left with breakouts and dry flaky patches? HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS — it could be a sign that your new serum is actually working. It's called skin purging.

What is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is the reaction your skin has to an active ingredient that's speeding up the skin cell turnover rate. This causes pre-existing clogged pores beneath the surface (microcomedones) to be pushed out, causing your skin to flare up. Think of it as a deep cleanse.

It takes up to 8 weeks for a pimple to show on the outer layer of skin. When you introduce new actives, your soon-to-be pimples get activated faster than they normally would. Purging gets all the nasty stuff out at once, leaving only the goodness behind.

What Does Skin Purging Look Like?

Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps that are painful to touch, often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause dry flaky patches. The flare-ups caused by purging heal much quicker than a normal breakout and tend to appear where you frequently break out. If you're seeing irritation on new areas, that's probably not purging.

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

Skin purging should not last longer than four to six weeks. After that, your skin should become used to the active ingredient. You can reduce the intensity by using small amounts of the product or using it less frequently. Not sure if it's purging or irritation? Read our guide on Skin Purging vs. Irritation: How to Tell the Difference.

The End Is in Sight

It may be tempting to stop using your new serum, but resist. Think of purging as the terrible twos of skincare — your skin may be throwing tantrums, but it's only a phase. In the bigger picture of having the skin of your dreams, is four to six weeks really that long?

Also read: Skin Purging 101: Why Breaking Out Might Be Your Ticket to Glowing Skin