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Skin purging most often occurs when you introduce a new active ingredient to your regimen such as: Vitamin C, Retinol, Glycolic Acid, and Salicylic Acid. 

Skin purging, known as “the purge” (or what we jokingly like to call dead skin cellonara) can begin to occur after two weeks of product use. Peak breakouts can be seen between weeks 4-6. These types of breakouts occur in areas where you have previously been seeing acne. We know, this is not what you expected when you started your new regimen! You are anxiously awaiting the clear, glossy donut look. We know and we will get you there, but you must not stop. We repeat, do not stop your skincare routine! 

Why is this happening to my skin? These active ingredients introduced to your regimen, increase the exfoliation process to renew your skin. Think of it as a tiny machine working very hard under the surface of your skin to rapidly bring new, undamaged and flawless skin cells to the surface.  As this fresh, healthy skin rises, it must first push out all the congestion blocking it’s path to the surface. This junk can be a buildup of dead skin cells and excess sebum, all hiding beneath your skin in your follicles. 

As we already mentioned, we know our immediate reaction will be to stop your products, because you’re thinking to yourself shouldn’t my acne be getting better, not worse? We know how hard this stage is because we have been through it too! But again the BEST thing you can do is continue to be consistent with your routine. Remember all healing takes time! These breakouts are only temporary- and they are a good thing! Your skin is renewing itself, revealing brighter, smoother skin with a more even skin tone. You will see improvements in your skin very soon! 

Since we know how difficult this time frame can be we have compiled some of our favorite tips to help with Skin Purging: 

• Eliminate foods that are known to increase inflammation and redness in your skin (processed foods, sugar, dairy, and wheat). Instead, fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber rich foods. 

• Eliminate all processed sugar! Sugar is one of the primary causes of inflammation in our bodies, and could make your breakouts worse. This one seems difficult, but look to natural sugars instead of the processed stuff. And remember you’re sweet enough already, you don’t need all that extra junk!

• Daily movement and exercise. We are not saying run a marathon or join a crossfit gym (though both are fun!) But just do any enjoyable activity that increases your heart rate. Sweat is the primary detox pathway! 

• Increase water intake. Drinking more water seems like it’s on every list of “must do’s”, but there is a reason for that. Drinking lots of water along with eating more fiber helps keep everything moving! Being regular is key- this ensures that toxins and waste are being removed daily (Literally getting all the bad junk out of your system!) Bonus Tip: We love adding just a pinch of pink himalayan salt to our water. 

• Use Hydrate Serum and Daily Defense to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and to minimize any redness! 

• Be consistent! Increasing the frequency of your products will not minimize how your skin purges, it could make your skin more irritated! We recommend staying consistent with your routine, and to be as patient as possible during this time! 

We’ve said it a few times already, but: Healing takes time! We always recommend sticking with your routine for at least twelve weeks. After that, if you notice that your skin is not improving, reach out to your skincare experts to help adjust your regimen!