When starting a new skincare routine or trying a new product, it’s common to expect immediate improvements and for breakouts and other imperfections to quickly disappear. However, skin purging can sometimes occur as an unexpected phase between you and your skincare goals.

What is skin purging?

Skin purging is a response to ingredients that accelerate cell regeneration, drawing impurities and clogged pores to the skin’s surface, often resulting in breakouts.

Although it may seem like a setback, purging is actually a beneficial phase. It helps to bring pimple-causing impurities—such as excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells—that were already trapped beneath the surface to the forefront. Without this process, these impurities would have surfaced eventually, but likely at a later time.

This is common when introducing products containing different acids, as well as vitamin C or retinol.

Why is my skin purging?

Skin purging usually happens when you use a skincare product that accelerates the movement of existing impurities to the skin’s surface. This process helps your skin shed dirt and dead skin cells that are clogging your pores, allowing the product to work effectively.

What does skin purging look like?

Skin purging often appears as increased breakouts, such as small, inflamed pimples, whiteheads or blackheads, usually in areas where impurities were already present. This is a temporary phase as your skin clears out clogged pores.

How long does skin purging last?

Purging is temporary, usually lasting between 3 and 6 weeks, which helps distinguish it from other skin issues. It’s recommended to continue using your current products to allow the process to complete, even if you feel tempted to stop. Be patient and allow the process to run its course. Introduce the product gradually, starting with a low concentration and limited applications. You can begin with one application per week and gradually increase the frequency, which can help reduce the severity of purging.