Have you ever tried a new skincare product, only to discover that it makes your skin flare up with pimples? This could be one of two things. Your skin is either purging VS experiencing breakouts.
Table of Contents
What is Purging
When your skin is adjusting to the new product, and persevering with the product will eventually make your skin better. In fact, the sudden crop of pimples means that it’s working as intended.
What is Skin Breaking Out
When your skin is breaking out because it’s sensitive to something in the product. It could be clogging your pores, or causing an allergy, or just plain old irritation. Continuing with the product will just make the situation worse.
If your skin is purging, you need to keep going.
If your skin is reacting, you need to stop using the product.
How do you tell the difference? Here’s the lowdown:
What Causes Purging
To understand the difference between purging and plain old breakouts, we need to understand how they happen.
How a Pimple Forms
Firstly, we need to look at how a pimple forms. A pore becomes clogged. Usually by dead skin cells that don’t detach and get to the surface properly. Then, forms what’s called a microcomedone.
Microcomedones aren’t visible at the surface of the skin. Sometimes they’ll develop into a whitehead, blackhead, pimple or full-blown cyst. Sometimes they’ll go away on their own without you noticing. It can take up to 8 weeks for a microcomedone to surface.
How Purging Happens
Here’s how purging can actually work. If a product speeds up skin turnover (the rate at which skin cells are shed and replaced), then the entire cycle will be accelerated and microcomedones will turn into whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts more quickly. So, you’ll suddenly see a rush of blemishes rearing their ugly heads.
If the product is irritating (which most skin turnover-accelerating products are), some microcomedones that weren’t going to show up might join the party too, since inflammation is one of the factors causing acne. However, these microcomedones were in the skin before you started the new product, not new blockages caused by the product.
Now, remember how the microcomedone started as dead skin cells that didn’t detach and get to the surface properly? Products that increase skin turnover target this exact process to treat acne!
So as the product starts to work, less microcomedones should form, and after the initial angry-volcano stage your skin should become clearer than when you started the product.
Don’t miss: How Does Rejuvenating Set Treat Pimples?
Purging VS Breakouts
On the other hand, a reaction will occur when the product is either causing new clogged pores, or increasing irritation without an improvement in how your skin is functioning because you’re sensitive to it. New clogged pores means more blemishes overall, while irritation means inflammation, which means a larger proportion of your microcomedones are flaring up.
There’s a small chance that your skin will get used to the product over time, but most of the time you’ll just cause further damage and it’s time to find a better product.
A lot of “all-natural” companies like to claim that their products are causing purging because your skin is detoxifying from all the synthetic chemicals you’ve been using previously – this is a big fat lie. Why would your skin suddenly get angry about having less synthetic chemicals on it? (Even if synthetic chemicals were bad – which they’re not!)
Unless there’s something increasing skin turnover in the natural skincare product (e.g. fruit acids, which contain AHAs), the more likely explanation is that there’s an irritating ingredient giving your skin grief.
So is it Purging or a Plain Old Breakout
There are a few things to consider to work out if it’s purging or a reactive breakout, and therefore whether you should dump your product or persevere. A lot of the time it can be difficult to tell which it is, but hopefully these guidelines can help you narrow it down.
What Sort of Product is it
Products containing active ingredients that increase skin turnover can cause purging. Purging is a well-documented response to tretinoin, for example, although you won’t find the term “purging” used in the scientific journals (they use descriptions like “exacerbation of inflammatory lesions at the start of treatment” or “initial flare up of acne lesions (acne flaring)”).
Active ingredients and treatments that increase skin turnover include:
- hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic, salicylic, lactobionic acids; gluconolactone; “fruit acids”)
- retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretinoin, retinyl palmitate)
- benzoyl peroxide
- chemical peels, lasers, microdermabrasion
- other exfoliants (scrubs, brushes, enzyme exfoliants)
Most other products, like moisturizers and cleansers without these actives, won’t be able to cause purging and you should switch to a different product.
Read also: Do’s And Don’ts When Using Rejuvenating Set
Where are the Breakouts Occurring
If it’s purging, it should only make pre-existing microcomedones come to the surface faster, so if you’re breaking out in places where you don’t normally experience breakouts, it’s likely that the product is wrong for you. However, if it’s an irritating product, it could be making the type of acne you’re experiencing worse.
For example, an area where you used to have clogged bumps and whiteheads could start developing full-blown pimples thanks to the extra inflammation.
How Long is The Purge
Purging should only last for about a month, since that’s the length of time it take for your skin to completely renew itself. If your skin isn’t getting better after around 6-8 weeks with the new product, ditch it.
Also read: Rosmar Kagayaku Rejuvenating Kit
How Can I Reduce the Severity of a Purge
If you’re about to start a new product with an ingredient that can cause purging and you want to limit the severity of a purge, there’s some evidence that introducing the new product slowly can help. This means starting at a lower concentration, starting at a smaller amount, using it less frequently, or washing it off after a few minutes before gradually increasing to the recommended usage.
Helping your skin function at its best will also reduce irritation and speed recovery: ensuring that your skin stays hydrated with the use of humectant moisturizers and moisturizers in general, using a gentle cleansing routine, using anti-irritant or anti-inflammatory products and protecting your skin from the sun.
Have any question or inquiry, please comment below.
Hello po admin. 1 week napo ako nagrerejuvinating toner Rdl3 po gamit ko. Parang dumami po yung black heads and white heads and some pimples po normal lang poba yun? Sana masagot. Salamat
Hello JudyAnn Dayrit,
Yes continue.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
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Pahabol question ko po admin.
Normal lang po yung biglang pag-itim nang mga tigyawat ko sa mukha kapag nag dry na?
Di naman ganito pimples ko noon nung di ako gumagamit nang rejuv.
Sana masagutan.
Thankyou.
Hello Ashley,
Are you exposing to sun frequently?
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: What Will Happen If I Stop Using Rejuvenating Set?
Hello admin.
Gaano po katagal mawala ang purging? brilliant po gamit ko.
Dumami po kase tagyawat ko tska malapit na din pasukan.
Hello Ashley,
Please check the following article for some tips: Rejuvenating Sets For Sensitive Skin, Teenagers, Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: Skin Magical Rejuvenating Set No. 1
Hello po.
What if po may natira sa sunscreen at kojic soap ko after a month of using, pwede ko pa ba yun gamitin hanggang maubos?
Wala pong negative effect kapag lagpas a month ko ginamit yung sunscreen at soap?
Thanks!
Hello Kristen,
Sure you can keep using the soap and sunscreen. Actually it is recommended.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: Dr Alvin Rejumax Program 3 Success Story
Hi! Normal lang po ba na humapdi at umitim ang gilid nang labi at ilong?
Hello Mon,
Yeah it’s normal in some cases. It should subside gradually.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: Hydroquinone FAQ
What if di po nawala at mas lumala pa?
Hello Mon,
Always do a patch test before using.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: How Many Days Does Peeling Last When Using Rejuvenating Set
Hello po. Nag patch test po ako. So far wala namang negative reaction yung face ko, sa gilid nang lips at sa gilid nang ilong lang po tlga umitim.
Hello Mon,
Don’t use the toner and rejuvenating cream around the lips and eyes. These areas have thin skin.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: Fucidin Cream Review – Comprehensive Research-Based Review
Hey have been using brilliant hydroquinone rejuvinating for 1 week and have experience redness , itchy and pimples should i stop
Hello i benn using brilliant rejuv for 10 days now, can I use oxecure spot treatment while using rejuv(hydroquinone brilliant)
Hello Rhealyn,
It is not recommended to use both Brilliant Rejuv and Oxercure spot treatment at the same time. Brilliant Rejuv contains hydroquinone, which is a bleaching agent that can be used to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Oxercure spot treatment also contains hydroquinone, as well as benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent that can be used to treat acne. Using both products together can irritate your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: SkinLite Hydroquinone Tretinoin Mometasone Furoate Cream: Composition, Concentrations, Benefits, and Usage
Hello,
Purging, redness, itchy skin are side effects of using Hydroquinone/Tretinoin.
To control such side effects, read some tips in this article: Is Brilliant Rejuvenating Set Safe For Sensitive Skin
Regards,
Admin
More to read: Rosmar Kagayaku Rejuvenating Kit
Good day!
I have been fairyskin derma for 2weeks now and so far konting peeling na lang and kitang kita na yung effect. Pwede ko na ba i.stop ang paggamit neto then switch to my maintenance na milder which is Dr. Sensitive?
Thank you po.
Hello,
Please check this article: How to Stop Skin Rejuvenating Set
Regards,
Admin
Recent article: FAQ About Melacare Cream
Hello i would like to ask if it is safe using peeling mask to remove blackheads or whiteheads while on the process of using rejuvinating set? Because it’s been a week i’ve been using sy glow rejuv set and yeah like u said earlier its normal to have purging. But my black heads and white heads also are coming out and i want to remove them. So is it safe to use peeling mask?
Hello,
It is not recommended to use peeling mask while using rejuvenating set. You can use your peeling mask one week after you are done with the rejuvenating set.
Regards,
Admin
Recent article: Rosmar Kagayaku Bleaching Whipped Soap
hi, I’m currently using Calmglow this is my 4th day I feel like my face skin is rough and itchy. Is this normal?
Continue using so the old rough skin flakes shed away and new smoother ones appear.
hi I use south girl reju its my 1st week using it and I experience pimple breakouts should I stop using it or continue ? pls help me
Hi,
Continue.
Hello I’m using skin perfection rejuvenating set in 1 weeks and 4days then it itchy and grow so many pimples what should I do?
Hi Julang,
Your skin might be purging. Continue using. Don’t stop. How old are you?
hi, recently i’ve been using skin perfect rejuvenating set for days and my skin looks like it get ran over by a caterpillar ( tilas) should i continue or stop?
Hello chelseaa..,
While it is true that some side effects like skin peeling and initial skin sensitivity can be normal when using a rejuvenating set, it’s crucial to assess the severity of the side effects. If the “ran over by a caterpillar” appearance is causing significant distress or discomfort, it may be wise to discontinue use or take a break for a couple of days until the side effects subside.
Regards,
Admin
Rejuvenating Sets
While you’re here, check out: What is the No. 1 Rejuvenating Set?
I’m currently using Skin Sensation’s rejuv set. It’s my 6th night. My routine is
6 am : Kojic-toner-sunblock
10am: Kojic soap
12nn: Bathing (Kojic soap in face)
4pm: Kojic Soap
8pm: Kojic-toner-Rejuv cream.
Mali po ba na palagi akong naghihilamos gamit yung Kojic? Sobrang hapdi din po kasi. And pag mahapdi, hindi ko na kaya yung sobrang tagal. 20 seconds palang, nagbabanlaw na ako ng face. Is it okay?
We recommend you follow the steps mentioned in the following article:
Skin Expert Orange Peeling Lotion 150ml
Hi, Im using ryx clearbomb as my rejuv set for 3 days now. Tiny red bumps like rashes appeared on my face, but it isn’t itchy nor painful. Should I continue using the product?
Bsn,
Sure.
You can read the following article for more information: Rejuvenating Set Side Effects
Hi. I’ve been using ryx clearbomb for at least 6 days now. In the first 3-4 days my face starts to peel and my face get tighten it is hard to open my mouth because its causing me pain and also some part of my face becomes dark. This is my first time to use a skin care product. How long should I wait to stop using the product? or should I continue applying or should I stop now to prevent damaging my skin? I am worried that my skin will not go back to normal. Thank you.
Hi Anj,
These are side effects of rejuvenating set. We recommend you to continue using. Such flare ups should subside as your skin adjusts to the products. Don’t forget to wear sunblock as always.