Picture this: You've just introduced a new skincare product into your routine with high hopes of achieving radiant, flawless skin. But suddenly, your face breaks out in an unexpected flurry of pimples and blemishes. Um, rude.

Before you swear off the product and revert to your old routine, hold on!  What you might be experiencing is not a skincare disaster, but rather a phenomenon known as "skin purging". In this blog, we're diving deep into the world of skin purging, uncovering its secrets, and helping you navigate your way to your end goal: a clear, glowing complexion.

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts: Decoding the Difference

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of skin purging, let's clear up a common confusion: Is it purging or just another breakout?  Skin purging is not a villain; it's more like a superhero in disguise. Unlike the pesky breakouts that occur due to clogged pores, purging is a positive sign that your new skincare product is working its magic. Essentially, it's the process of pushing out impurities and accelerating the skin's renewal cycle, leading to fresher, healthier skin.

Want more information on breakouts? See: Decoding Acne - 8 Types of Acne: Navigating the Bumpy Journey

The Science Behind Skin Purging

Now that we've established that skin purging is your skin's way of saying, "Out with the old, in with the new," let's get scientific. Skin purging is a phenomenon often triggered by the introduction of potent, active skincare products, and is rooted in the accelerated turnover of skin cells. When you introduce a new product with active ingredients like exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs), retinoids, or vitamin C, it stimulates cellular turnover kicks into full gear. This increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities and congestion – a mix of dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities dulling your skin's natural radiance – to the surface, where the upward surge of debris initially manifests as a cluster of blemishes and breakouts. It's almost like a spring cleaning for your skin, making way for a fresher, clearer complexion down the line.

Support your skin through the purging phase with our best-selling Clear as Clay Mask, formulated to detoxify skin from impurities and clear congested skin, reduce inflammation, and provide nourishment with power ingredient Hemp Seed Oil. The combination of Kaolin and Bentonite Clay also contributes to reducing acne breakouts and assisting in the healing of scars and blackheads. 

What to Expect When You're Purging

During the skin purging phase, your skin may appear to rebel against your newfound skincare regimen. But fret not; this is a sign that positive change is underway. Here's a glimpse of what you might experience:

1. Short-Lived Stay: Unlike stubborn breakouts that tend to linger, purging-induced blemishes start shortly after introducing a new routine and typically have a shorter lifespan of around 4 to 6 weeks. Why? Because that's how long it takes for your skin's natural turnover process to renew itself.

2. Eruption of Small Bumps: You might notice an influx of small, superficial bumps and/or comodones that gradually rise to the surface in areas where you usually experience them. These are often mistaken for breakouts or a reaction, but they're actually a part of the purging process. 

3. Know the difference: Got redness, hives, itching and/or rashes? This is a skin reaction, not a skin purge. It can manifest immediately or a few days after using a new product, appearing anywhere on the face or body with various blemishes. Reactions don't follow a set timeline and persist as long as the product is used, therefore stop, minimise usage and/or review the appropriate usage of the product (especially potent ones!). 

What Can you Do? 

Patience is key when it comes to skin purging. It's easy to feel disheartened, but remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is flawless skin. Be consistent and stick to your new routine, maybe consider slowing down the frequency of product application if the purging seems too aggressive. Consult a dermatologist if you're unsure or concerned about the intensity of the purge.

Hydrate: Your skin may feel inflamed, a tad sensitive and/or dry. So, it's important to retain skin's hydration levels by both drinking enough water per day and apply a hyaluronic acid to the skin to maximise moisture retention. 

Support Skin: Take care of your skin's needs with the Clear Skin All-Stars bundle. This thoughtfully crafted 4-step routine focuses on combatting impurities and congestion, calming inflammation, aiding in skin repair, and reducing hyperpigmentation and scarring. It includes:

• Daily Hemp Gel Cleanser to gently cleanse whilst reducing excess oils and bacteria without stripping skin
• Hemp Clay Mask to draw out impurities to clear and brighten skin
• 10% Niacinamide + Hemp Serum to repair skin barrier and improve texture
• Gel Moisturiser for daily, lightweight hydration and to calm inflammation with a trace of greasiness

Once you've weathered the storm and purging subsides, you'll notice a remarkable transformation in your skin. The texture will improve, blemishes will fade, and that elusive glow will start to emerge.

In a world obsessed with instant results, it's important to remember that flawless skin takes time to unfold. Skin purging might seem like a detour, but it's actually a fast track to your skincare goals. So, the next time your skin goes through a purging phase, embrace it as a sign that your journey towards a luminous complexion is well underway. Stay patient, stay positive, and get ready to revel in the glow-up that's just around the corner!