Author: Nina Ebert, M.Sc. Biology
Switching from conventional facial care to natural cosmetics rich in active ingredients with active plant substances or vitamins does not always immediately provide a radiant complexion and the desired natural glow. Often the exact opposite occurs and the switch to effective active ingredient care first delivers irritation, redness and pimples. Don't worry: this is a completely natural reaction, skin purging, and means a deep, thorough cleansing action of the deep layers of the skin. Skin Purging is nothing more than a thorough spring clean, triggered by detoxifying molecules.
Skin Purging - Detox and rapid cell renewal
The English term purge goes far beyond cleaning. It is a basic renovation and cleaning, like a big, powerful rinse through to the last corner. "Skin Purging is a detox process triggered by an active ingredient that increases the rate of renewal of skin cells."explains Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, renowned dermatologist at the Modern Dermatology Institute Connecticut. A skin renewal cycle naturally lasts 28 days. During this time, a new skin cell is formed in the hypodermis (deepest layer of skin) and makes its way into the epidermis, the visible surface skin.
How do first worsening symptoms occur?
This renewal process can be accelerated, for example by face brushing or skin care with active ingredients. Active molecules boost the detoxification function and turnover rate of cell renewal in the deep layers of the skin. "This is where Skin Purging comes in. The accelerated cell renewal processes lead to a faster rejection of the dead skin cells".Dr Robinson continues. Everything that has no business being in the skin is flushed out by the stimulated self-cleansing power of the skin cells and initially manifests itself in pimples and blemishes at the beginning of the transition.
What is Skin Purging good for?
Skin Purging is used to expose fresh, new skin cells and bring pure, clarified, youthful skin to light. Radiant complexion from the inside out - completely natural and, above all, long-lasting.
"However, before these new, healthy cells can reach the surface, unwanted things come up first, such as excess sebum, deposits from clogged pores and dandruff. All of these are known to be the causes of pimples, which are therefore more common as initial aggravating features in Skin Purging."says Dr Robinson. "Dry, flaky skin can also happen, it varies from type to type."
In contrast to allergic reactions, with Skin Purging the first impurities disappear quickly and also feelings of tension, skin flakes and pimples are usually only symptoms of the functioning clearing phase. The difference between the symptoms of skin purging and allergic rashes is explained below.
What triggers skin purging?
Anything that triggers an exfoliating effect can accelerate the skin's cell renewal process, thus boosting skin purging.. Chemical peels are everything that has an exfoliating effect, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) and mechanical peels. Retinol (vitamin A) and effective secondary plant substances such as bakuchiol are also used. Psoralea corylifolia and the salicylic acids of willow bark as possible triggers of skin purging:
- Microneedling
- Exfoliating active ingredients such as AHA and BHA
- Retinol and retinoids
- Bakuchiol
- Willow bark extract
- Vitamin C
- Face Brushing & Mechanical Peels
Especially for acne, retinoids are often prescribed, which can first show aggravated skin reactions before improvement. The recommendation of dermatologist Robinson here is quite clearly to stick to the recommended intake of active cosmetics. "It may be very tempting to just stop".she says. "Stick with it. It will only get worse before better times come."
Skin Purging or Allergic Reaction? The differences
What if there is no purging after all, but an actual acne flare-up or a serious allergic reaction? How do you tell the difference between skin purging and allergy?
Skin Purging |
Allergic reaction |
| In familiar places | In new places where irritation does not normally occur |
| Disappears faster than a pimple | Takes about 8 to 10 days (appearance, maturation, regression). |
Observing the location of the irritation can provide information. Skin purging usually takes place in a defined area of the face. It is usually an area that is already prone to irritation and redness. For example, if you tend to blister around the mouth area or irritation around the nostrils, according to Dr. Robinson, skin purging will probably break out more in these areas. However, the pimples that appear in Skin Purging do not last as long as "normal" pimples.
Diving irritation, skin rejections, allergic reactions or extreme dryness. on areas of the face where reactions do not normally occur, it is probably no Skin Purging, but an acne flare-up. Then it is important to stop using the product as soon as possible.
It is worth waiting for a skin renewal cycle of 28 days before seeing if the skin texture improves after initial aggravation symptoms. Every skin is different and unique, so the time frame of purging may vary from person to person. According to generally accepted According to dermatologists, skin purging should be completed within four to six weeks. that is, after a good skin renewal cycle. If the skin remains irritated and there is no improvement after six weeks at the latest, it is important to consult a dermatologist to ensure that the active ingredients are not harming the skin.
Can skin purging be circumvented?
There is no shortcut to thorough cleansing, but skin purging can be made more comfortable. It is important to work with your dermatologist and stay in touch. It may be possible to adjust the use of the recommended product and also discuss other tips. It is important to stress the skin with as little as possible and to support it as mildly as possible instead of aggressive care products.
Tips for mitigating skin purging
While the skin is going through Skin Purging, there are a number of self-help tips for gently supporting detoxification as well as maximising the enjoyment of the cleansing process.
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Gentle cleansing care for the skin.
The face should never come into contact with aggressive chemical ingredients. The ideal solution is simply fresh drinking water. "Less is more" is the key to success here. For the subsequent Mild and antioxidant-rich natural cosmetics are suitable for day care. with organic ingredients and nourishing plant oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil and borage oil.
During skin purging at night, it is particularly important to support the regeneration of the facial skin.t Bacillus subtilis. The bacterium was recently named Microbe of the Year.
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Do not touch the face, do not squeeze pimples.
This leads to dark spots, redness and more irritation. In addition, permanent scars can develop.
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Refrain from aggressive peelings and chemicals.
Peelings, face brushing and conventional skin products can be counterproductive during purging. It may be that the cleansing process is unnecessarily prolonged.
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No sunbathing.
Strong sun exposure can further irritate sensitive skin during skin purging. If you are about to go on a sun holiday, it is essential to apply a natural cosmetic face cream with sufficient sun protection factor - even better: a hat and shade.
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Anti-inflammatory foods & nutrients.
Every person reacts differently to certain foods, also with regard to the development of acne. If foods are already known to cause flare-ups, these should be avoided at all costs during the skin purging. Instead, fresh vegetables and fruits should be on the menu. The targeted supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can also help to reduce inflammation.
The application Natural Face Care Masks are an easy way to make skin purging more pleasant and to support a gentle cleansing process. For example, deep cleansing masks with botanicals and nourishing organic plant oils from jojoba and almond are suitable for All skin types and contribute to the rapid regeneration of stressed skin.
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Drink a lot.
The most important thing is: hydration, hydration, hydration. Natural detox processes as well as skin purging are best supported by drinking enough. Stimulated by the active molecules such as bakuchiol, AHA or retinol in natural active cosmetics, the cells of the deep skin layers begin to dissolve and detoxify waste products. To ensure that these are flushed to the surface as quickly as possible, it helps to drink lots of water, tea and trust in the process: it's worth it. Once the deep layers of the skin have been freed from toxins, nothing stands in the way of a clear, purified complexion with a natural radiance.
Skin Purging. The most important things in summary
Don't be afraid of initial aggravation when switching to natural or high-quality active cosmetics. There is no shortcut to a clear complexion, no quick fix for a healthy deep cleansing process of the skin. Skin purging can lead to irritation and redness. However, gentle companions like soothing masks with aloe vera and regeneration-promoting night care can make skin purging comfortable and keep breakouts at a low level. In addition, mild day care without alcohol, but instead with plant-based antioxidants, can help protect against free radicals and exacerbate irritation. Otherwise, the following applies during this important cleansing process: trust in the skin's self-cleansing powers and drink plenty of fluids. The reward is a fresh, radiant complexion - lasting and from deep within. Then, at the latest, the skin is ready for spring.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28018771/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989803/
https://versedskin.com/blogs/learn/what-is-skin-purging
