Skin Purging 101: What it Is, Why It Happens, and How to Manage it

My Experience with Purging After a Microneedling & Light Peel Treatment

I always emphasize the importance of consistency in skincare, but even I struggle to find time for myself. It had been over a year since my last chemical peel or microneedling even though I have access to the best skincare treatments that I pour into my clients. Between work and life, I kept putting it off. Finally, I made the time to do microneedling followed by a light Vitamin A and TCA peel, and my skin is definitely reminding me why regular in studio treatments matter even with fabulous home care.

Right now, I’m experiencing purging- small breakouts and flaking as my skin pushes out congestion and adjusts to the accelerated cell turnover. It’s tempting to get frustrated, but I know this is completely normal and part of the process of revealing fresher, clearer skin. This is exactly what I tell my clients- trust the process!

Self-care isn’t just about looking good; it’s about prioritizing yourself and feeling your best. If you’ve been putting off treatments, this is your sign to schedule that facial, microneedling session, or peel. Because taking care of your skin is just another way of taking care of YOU. Let’s dive in…

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is a common and temporary reaction that occurs when your skin is adjusting to new skincare products or professional treatments that accelerate cell turnover. This process pushes out congestion trapped beneath the surface, leading to an increase in breakouts before your skin clears up. It is commonly mistaken as a form of detoxification (more on that later)…

What Causes Skin Purging?

Purging can happen when introducing:

• Professional Treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing

• Active Skincare Ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C

• Deep-Cleansing Facials & Exfoliation that bring impurities to the surface

Purging vs. A Bad Reaction: How to Tell the Difference

Purging is:

✅ Short-lived (usually 2-6 weeks)

✅ Occurs in areas where you typically break out

✅ Improves over time

A bad reaction is:

❌ Persistent and worsening over time

❌ Red, inflamed, or itchy beyond normal irritation

❌ Appears in areas where you don’t normally break out

How to Manage Skin Purging

1. Stick With It – Purging is a sign that the treatment or product is working! Be patient.

2. Keep Your Routine Simple – Avoid adding too many active ingredients at once.

3. Hydrate & Soothe – Use calming serums, gentle moisturizers, and no harsh scrubs.

4. Avoid Picking – Let your skin heal naturally to prevent scarring.

5. Protect Your Skin – Wear SPF daily to prevent further irritation.

Purging vs. Detoxification: Understanding the Difference

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin purging is that it’s a form of detoxification but the two are not the same. While the term detox is often used in beauty and wellness spaces, the skin does not push out toxins through breakouts. True detoxification happens internally through the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, not via pimples or skin flaking.

Skin purging, on the other hand, is a direct response to increased cell turnover caused by active ingredients or professional treatments like microneedling or chemical peels. It brings underlying congestion to the surface as the skin renews itself, leading to temporary breakouts. Detox-related breakouts, if they occur, are usually linked to diet, stress, or hormonal changes rather than a skincare treatment.

Understanding this difference is key if your skin is purging, it’s actually a sign that the treatment or product is working to clear out congestion and renew your complexion. However, if breakouts appear in new areas, worsen over time, or persist beyond 6 weeks, it may be an irritation, reaction, or another underlying issue rather than purging.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If your skin shows persistent redness, swelling, excessive peeling, or discomfort beyond four to six weeks, it may be time to adjust your routine. Always reach out to your skincare professional for guidance.