If you are someone with sensitive acne-prone skin, breakouts are tricky as it seems that almost anything and everything can trigger breakouts. As many of us HSPs relate with the fear of trying new products, understanding the difference between “purging” and “reacting” can be a crucial skill in determining whether to push through or ditch the product all together.
But how do we do that? Let’s get into it.
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What Is Skin Purging?
Skin purging refers to the process where your skin’s turnover of cells is accelerated, often due to the introduction of an active ingredient. This includes exfoliating acids (like BHA, AHA etc) and retinoids, which all encourages cell turnover. This pushes up clogs, oil and debris trapped in your pores to the surface of your skin - manifesting as acne, blackheads, whiteheads etc.
Because of the acceleration of bringing your skin’s congestion to the surface, it causes breakouts that would have appeared eventually, just sooner. This process can last up to several weeks, over a skin cycle or more until it stabilises to clear skin.
What Is a Skin Reaction?
On the other hand, a skin reaction indicates that your skin is irritated or allergic to a product. If after using a product results in redness, dry patches, warm tingly sensations or small itchy red bumps (that can look a bit similar to pimples), then it is possible that this is your skin's way of saying, "this product doesn't agree with me”. Perhaps the product is way too harsh for your skin, or you’re allergic to one or more of the ingredients in the formula.
A Deeper Look: So, You Think You’re Purging
Characteristics of Skin Purging
Location |
Purging usually occurs in areas where you normally experience breakouts and clogged pores. |
Duration |
The purging process varies for everyone, however usually lasting a full skin cycle (approx. 4-6 weeks) before you can see the full benefits. If your breakouts last beyond that, it's likely not purging. |
Appearance |
The breakouts tend to be small, with a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and sometimes cystic spots. |
Common Causes of Skin Purging
Whether you are trying out your first ever product with actives, or trying another product in your journey, these are some of the ingredients to look out for to know if you are purging.
Retinoids
These vitamin A derivatives speed up cell turnover. Because retinoids are pretty strong, it is very common to purge. This is why it is advised when starting retinoids, to start slow. Starting with just once a week, then gradually increasing the frequency over the next couple of months.
Vitamin C
Though less common, high-potency vitamin C can also accelerate cell turnover and cause purging, especially for those with highly sensitive skin.
Exfoliating Acids (AHA/BHA)
Acids like salicylic acid and glycolic acid help shed dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin underneath. In comparison to retinoids, they are gentler and can be found in a lot of different skincare products, but still can be irritating depending on the formula and person.
Did you know?
Beda's Multi-Active Treatment Essence (MATE) contains 1.5% BHA which is an exfoliating acid that penetrates into pores to unclog the sebum build up. BHA is helpful for acne-prone skin, because it speeds up the process and actively prevents the clogs that lead to inflammation and acne.
For a more detailed guide in understanding AHAs and BHAs, check out our previous blog where we share real life stories and experiences.
What to Do If You’re Purging
Introduce Products Gradually
When using actives, always start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it to allow your skin time to adjust.
Monitor Your Skin Closely
If the purging doesn't subside within 4 to 6 weeks, or if your skin worsens significantly, consult a dermatologist.
The Sandwich Method
One thing we suggest for sensitive skin users is the sandwich method ( Moisturiser > Beda / Retinoid > Moisturiser). This helps buffer the exfoliating effects.
Here’s our recommended routine if you’re dealing with purging:
Can Beda Cause Purging?
Yes, it's possible. Because Beda's Multi-Active Treatment Essence (MATE) contains 1.5% BHA, it speeds up cell turnover and actively prevents the clogs that lead to inflammation and acne.
If it is too intense for you, try scaling back the usage of your exfoliating product. Instead of using it daily, try using it 1-2 times a week to better manage the purging. Adopting the sandwich method is also a cult favourite technique used by many Beda Girls to ease their transition into using actives, ultimately achieving healthier skin.
Relax & Purge It Out
The initial purge can seem scary. Stay calm, diagnose the symptoms and incorporate our tips.
We do encourage you to keep going to get through this phase because the initial symptoms will subside, and you will be on the path of stabilised, happy, clear skin!
At the end of the day, the right actives are really beneficial for your skin because if left untreated, those clogged pores could remain stuck deep in your skin, leading to bumpy skin and sometimes worse, cystic acne.
Real Skin, Real Reviews
A Deeper Look: So, You Think You’re Reacting
Characteristics of Skin Reactions
Location |
Reactions can occur anywhere on the face, not just in your usual breakout zones. If you are noticing breakouts in areas of the face that are normally clear and stable, this is a strong indicator that you are having a negative reaction to the product. |
Duration |
The irritation persists and grows worse over time as long as you continue using the product. If you stop, the reaction typically subsides within a few days. |
Appearance |
Skin reactions may present as red, itchy patches, hives, or a rash, and the skin may feel tight or stinging. |
Common Causes of Skin Reactions
Here are some things to look out for in your skincare products’ ingredients list as it may be the culprit for your skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive acne-prone skin.
Fragrances
If you have sensitive skin, stay far away from fragrances. Synthetic or natural fragrances can cause irritation or even allergic reactions.
Preservatives
Some preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasers may cause sensitivity to the skin.
Essential Oils
While natural, they can be potent and irritating for some skin types. Not everything natural is good for you, and with the high potency of essential oils, it takes a small amount to irritate your skin, especially if you have very sensitive skin.
What to Do If You're Reacting
Patch Test
It is always good practice to do a patch test when trying any new products. Try the product on a small area before deciding to apply all over your face. Experts suggest areas such as inside your forearm, bend of the elbow or behind the ear.
Know Your Skin Type
Prioritising the journey of understanding your skin's sensitivities can help you choose products that are less likely to cause reactions.
Discontinue Use Immediately
Focus on soothing your skin with gentle, fragrance-free products, and consult a doctor if the reaction is severe.
Here’s our recommended routine if you’re dealing with reacting:
Pro Tip : Slugging can help! When your skin is having a reaction to a product, it affects your skin barrier.
Pausing all actives and protecting your skin with a layer of a thick, fragrance free moisturiser like the La Roche Posay CicaPlast Baume (or even just Vaseline) can help heal your irritated skin, effectively restoring your healthy skin barrier.
Can Beda Cause Irritation?
Yes, it's possible. MATE's 1.5% BHA will either help unclog your pores or your skin may react unfavourably. Although our formula contains soothing ingredients to cushion the exfoliation, everyone's skin is different and reacts differently to skincare products.
There are many sensitive skin users in our community, but there is no guarantee with results. Only your skin can tell you that, and if in your past experience, your skin has always reacted badly to BHA, then Beda's MATE may not be right for you.
Go through our tips and cancel out the possibility of your breakout being purging. If you are noticing persistent reactions and flare ups, then you should stop using the product (and consider giving it away!).
Final Thoughts: Always Listen to Your Skin
Distinguishing between purging and reacting is key to understanding how your skin is responding to a new product. Simply put, here are the three main questions you can ask yourself to figure out if you are purging or reacting.
Is it severe?
Purging might cause an uptick in blemishes but it shouldn't cause severe redness, pain, or swelling. If you are experiencing pain, itchiness or highly inflamed skin, it's likely a reaction.
Where am I breaking out?
Breakouts from purging usually happen where you already have issues. If you normally break out on your chin, and find breakouts also on your chin after introducing a new product, that indicates that you’re most likely purging. Reactions, however, can occur anywhere.
When am I breaking out?
Purging happens when you start using a product with active ingredients known for increasing cell turnover. Reactions can occur with any new product, especially those with irritants.
Just because something is popular doesn't mean it will be right for you. If your skin says no, then great, you know what to look out for next time!
Listening to your skin and adjusting your routine accordingly is a part of the process, and is the only skincare tip that is undeniably and truly helpful.
With love,
Alia
