Yay, you just bought a new skincare product! You're excited to start using it and reap the benefits.
Sometimes, a day or two later, you might see clusters of small red or white bumps on your cheeks, forehead, and chin.
What the heck? š±
Don't fret! Most likely, what you are experiencing is skin purging, not a breakout. Yes, it can be annoying ā but itās also a good sign!
What Causes It?
Skin purging is a reaction to an active ingredient in the new skincare product that is increasing skin cell turnover rate (the rate at which you shed dead skin cells and replace them with new cells).
This process of skin cell turnover cycle will help reveal healthier skin cells, but not without first āpurgingā all the gunk (like dry skin flakes, buildup, and excess sebum) that was hiding underneath your skin.
How Long Does It Last?
āDepending on how congested your skin is, a purge can last from two to three weeks,ā Dr. Rita Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.
Here are some tips to help get you through the purge:
- Try to avoid picking at or touching your skin excessively.
- Avoid using harsh scrubs during the purge.
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser (like our skin-loving MOISTURIZING WASH)!
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