The causes of skin purging lie in the biochemical processes of the skin. The use of active ingredients such as retinoids (retinal), acids (AHA, BHA) or other exfoliation products leads to accelerated skin cell renewal. This accelerated cell renewal leads to dead skin cells being loosened more quickly and deeper impurities being brought to the surface of the skin. The result is a temporary worsening of the skin's appearance in the form of spots, blackheads and other blemishes. Unlike common blemishes, skin purging usually occurs within a few days or weeks of introducing a new product and subsides after a few weeks.
Skincare products containing vitamin C can trigger an initial worsening of skin conditions. Serious C Complex Antioxidant Serum contains effective vitamin C derivatives that are less likely than pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to cause an initial worsening of skin conditions. Nevertheless, it is recommended to introduce active ingredient cosmetics gradually, i.e., to slowly incorporate products into your skincare routine. This means using the new product less frequently at first—about every second or third day—to allow your skin to slowly get used to the ingredients. This method minimizes the risk of skin irritation that could result from introducing the product too quickly. Once the skin tolerates the product well, the frequency of use can be gradually increased and the product integrated into the daily routine. Exfoliating toners or serums containing hydroxy acids such as BHA (salicylic acid) can cause a short-term "salicylic acid initial worsening" in some users. Similarly, the skin may initially appear worse after a professional cosmetic cleansing, but this is often a temporary effect. Active Acids Exfoliating Solution contains hydroxy acids of the AHA and BHA classes, among others. These promote skin renewal and can, in rare cases, trigger "AHA purging." Retinal Serums Absolute A and Absolute A+ contain effective ingredients such as encapsulated retinal. This retinoid supports natural skin renewal and can cause an initial skin reaction in some users in the form of a so-called "retinoid purge." This initial worsening often occurs in the first few weeks of use. Niacinamide, known for its skin-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties, can also initially lead to skin blemishes. "Niacinamide newbies" occasionally report so-called "niacinamide pimples," which is a typical reaction to the introduction of a new active ingredient. Similarly, azelaic acid can trigger a temporary purging phase. Other clarifying ingredients can also cause temporary skin blemishes before the complexion visibly improves. One example is benzoyl peroxide (BPO), an active ingredient commonly used in medical products for acne treatment.
TIPS FOR MINIMIZING SKIN PURGING
To avoid initial worsening of skin conditions, it is advisable to introduce new products into your skincare routine slowly. Start with lower concentrations of active ingredients and only increase them gradually if your skin tolerates them well. Mild cleansing and a barrier-strengthening cream form the basis of your routine to optimally prepare your skin for the change. During this phase, other potentially irritating ingredients and exfoliating toners should be avoided for the time being so as not to put additional strain on the skin.
