Can New Skincare Break You Out?

Yes, new skincare products can break you out. Breakouts can happen when products contain ingredients that irritate your skin and clog your pores, so it's important to read the ingredients on products.

However, experiencing breakouts isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes your skin may be "purging" from a new skincare product that is working well.

What is purging?

Purging is when your skin pushes dead skin cells, dirt, sebum, and bacteria to the skin's surface. Products with ingredients that speed up the rate of cell renewal cause purging because they're pushing dead skin cells and dirt to the surface, which can clog and cause breakouts. It could look like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, small red bumps, flaking, etc., on your skin but DO NOT PANIC. Purging means the product is working and will clear up your skin faster than a usual breakout. Essentially, it is cleansing your skin from the inside out. So, keep using your product and watch it work to achieve your skin goal. 

*It is important to note not everyone's skin will purge when using a new product. Some people may experience purging, and some may not. Everyone's skin is different, so make sure to introduce new products one at a time, so your skin can become adjusted to the new product.

How do you know if you're purging or breaking out? 

Signs you're purging

1. All breakouts appear at the same time
2. Clears faster than regular breakouts
3. Lasts 1-6 weeks
4. Occurs with ingredients that increase cell renewal--(Aha'a, Bha's, Benzoyl peroxide, and Retinols)

Signs you're breaking out

1. Breakouts that keep reoccurring over an extended period of time
2. Takes weeks to months to clear
3. Persists beyond 1-6 weeks
4. Occurs with ingredients that don't increase cell renewal but can be caused by irritating or clog-poring ingredients

Nonetheless, if you realize you're breaking out and not purging, immediately discontinue the use of the product.