You may have heard that skin “purges” impurities when you add a new product to your routine or that breaking out is evidence that a product is working. We’re here to tell you that’s not the case. Here’s the lowdown on skin purging versus a skin reaction.

1.) Skin purging as we know it is a myth.

Purging is generally defined as the worsening of a present skin condition before the skin improves. When we think of purging, we often think of a painful period of a week or two where we’ll have to power through a big breakout and then come out the other side with flawless skin. The truth is that if a product is right for you, it will never cause a severe breakout or reaction. If you’re sacrificing your comfort for the idea of achieving a more beautiful complexion, you probably need to find a new product.

2.) A powerful exfoliant could push a breakout to the skin’s surface more quickly.

If you have clogged pores and add a highly active glycolic acid or salicylic acid exfoliant to your routine, they may become full-blown pimples shortly after the first use. Likewise, if pimples are forming beneath the skin’s surface where you can’t see them yet, an exfoliant could speed up cellular turnover and push them to the skin’s surface where they’ll turn into a bona fide breakout. The point is, though, that you were going to get a pimple, it was just a matter of when. The new product didn’t cause your skin to purge, it just caused your skin to break out more quickly in places you frequently experience blemishes in the first place.

For a controlled physical exfoliator that doesn’t contain the alpha or beta hydroxy acids mentioned above, we recommend LovelySkin LUXE Microdermabrasion Polish with Triple Sphere Technology. This environmentally friendly, micro-bead free polish helps soothe sensitivity, minimize inflammation and encourage microcirculation with shea butter, jojoba esters and orange extract.

3.) If you’re breaking out in places you never break out, it’s a reaction.

It’s true that a powerful exfoliator can throw an already-forming breakout on the fast track. But if you use a product and experience breakouts on your forehead and cheeks, for example, when you normally only break out on your chin, it’s highly likely your skin is sensitive to an ingredient in the formula. If the majority of your face is red, overly dry, painful to the touch or breaking out in whiteheads, discontinue use immediately.

4.) For highly active formulas, a manageable adjustment period is normal.

The key word is manageable. Products that contain high concentrations of vitamin C or retinol, two ingredients known for expediting cell turnover, can cause a short period of dryness and flaking in certain skin types. Discomfort should be minimal and easy to manage with a rich moisturizer, and skin balances out and returns to normal within a week or two. Remember, products like moisturizers and sunscreens that do not exfoliate or encourage cell turnover will not push a pimple to the surface and should not cause dryness or redness.

5.) Your dermatologist knows best.

Getting to the bottom of a skin sensitivity issue can be tricky. If you’re experiencing an adverse reaction to a skin care product and aren’t sure why, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to help you pinpoint the cause and find a regimen that’s perfect for your needs and skin type.

Do you have a question about product sensitivity? Let us know in the comments below, or ask us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #LovelySkin!