7 Cosmetic Skin Procedures That May Cause Skin Purging

When it comes to enhancing your skin's appearance, cosmetic procedures can offer remarkable results, from smoother texture to a more even tone. However, many of these treatments, particularly those designed to rejuvenate the skin, can trigger a process known as skin purging. This temporary phase involves breakouts, redness, or flakiness as your skin adjusts to the accelerated cell turnover. While purging can be frustrating, it's often a sign that the treatment is effectively working to renew and improve your complexion. Understanding which procedures may cause purging and how to manage it can help you achieve the best possible outcome on your journey to healthier skin.

What is skin purging?

Skin purging is a temporary process where your skin experiences breakouts, redness, or flakiness after starting a new skincare product or undergoing a cosmetic procedure. This reaction occurs because treatments that accelerate cell turnover, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, or chemical peels, bring underlying impurities and clogged pores to the surface. While it might seem like the product is causing more harm than good, purging is usually a sign that the treatment is working to renew your skin. This is a temporary phase where the skin breaks out or becomes irritated as it sheds old cells and adjusts to the treatment. This phase typically lasts a few weeks before your complexion begins to improve. Below are some cosmetic procedures that are known to cause skin purging:

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve applying a solution that exfoliates the top layers of skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and overall appearance. The procedure can cause skin purging as the skin begins to renew itself, bringing impurities to the surface. This is particularly common with deeper peels. 

Purging after chemical peels typically lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on the depth of the peel and individual skin type. To manage purging, keep your skin hydrated, avoid picking at breakouts, and use gentle, soothing products. Consistently applying sunscreen is also crucial to protect the newly exposed skin. 

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and enhances skin texture. However, as the skin heals, you may experience purging as old, damaged skin cells are replaced with new ones. 

Typically, post-microneedling skin purging subsides within 1-2 weeks, depending on your skin's response and the depth of treatment. To alleviate these effects, keep your skin well-hydrated, steer clear of aggressive skincare products, and resist touching any blemishes. Applying a calming, hydrating serum and consistent sun protection will aid in the healing process. 

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing treatments, such as fractional CO2 lasers or non-ablative lasers, target the deeper layers of the skin to reduce wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation. This intense procedure can cause the skin to purge as it starts to heal and regenerate, leading to temporary breakouts and redness.

Skin purging after laser resurfacing occurs as the treatment stimulates rapid cell turnover, revealing impurities and causing temporary breakouts or peeling. This response happens because the skin is shedding damaged layers to reveal fresher skin beneath. Typically, purging lasts 1-3 weeks, depending on the laser's intensity and individual skin type. To manage this, keep your skin moisturized, avoid using harsh products, and protect your skin from the sun. Applying gentle, soothing creams can help with irritation. 

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves mechanically exfoliating the outer layers of skin using a rotating device, while microdermabrasion is a less invasive version using fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. Both procedures can cause purging as these procedures exfoliate the skin, removing the top layers and prompting faster cell turnover. This process brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to temporary breakouts, redness, or flaking. 

Skin purging after microdermabrasion and dermabrasion typically lasts 1-2 weeks, depending on skin sensitivity and the depth of the treatment. To manage it, keep the skin well-hydrated, avoid harsh or irritating products, and use a gentle moisturizer. Consistent sun protection is crucial as the skin is more vulnerable post-treatment.

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is a popular non-invasive treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. While it's generally gentle, the deep exfoliation and extraction process can lead to skin purging, particularly if you have congested pores or acne-prone skin.

Skin purging after a HydraFacial occurs as the deep cleansing and exfoliation process unclogs pores and accelerates cell turnover, pushing impurities to the surface. This can result in temporary breakouts or slight irritation. Purging usually lasts about a week, depending on your skin type and the level of congestion. To manage it, keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer, avoid using additional exfoliants, and protect your skin with sunscreen. Additionally, refrain from touching or picking at the skin to prevent further irritation. 

IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy

IPL therapy targets pigmentation, sun damage, and other skin imperfections by using light energy. The treatment encourages cell turnover and can result in purging as the skin sheds damaged cells and pigmentation spots before revealing clearer skin underneath. This may lead to temporary breakouts, redness, or flakiness as your skin adjusts.

Skin purging after IPL therapy typically lasts 1-2 weeks, depending on the skin's response and the treatment intensity. To manage this, maintain hydration with a gentle moisturizer, avoid using harsh products, and consistently apply sunscreen to protect sensitive skin. Refrain from picking at any blemishes to prevent scarring. 

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments

Radiofrequency treatments, like Thermage or RF microneedling, use energy to heat the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production. The increased cell turnover can cause temporary purging, particularly in areas with clogged pores or underlying acne.

Skin purging after RF treatments occurs because the procedure stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, bringing hidden impurities to the surface. This can lead to temporary breakouts or redness as your skin adjusts. This purging typically lasts 1-2 weeks, depending on your skin type and the treatment's intensity. To manage it, you should keep your skin hydrated, avoid using additional active ingredients, and apply soothing products to calm irritation. Sun protection is also crucial, as the skin is more sensitive post-treatment. 

Takeaway

Skin purging is a common side effect of many cosmetic procedures, especially those that involve exfoliation or stimulating cell turnover. While it can be frustrating, purging is often a sign that the treatment is working to renew your skin. By understanding which procedures may cause purging and how to care for your skin afterward, you can better navigate this temporary phase and achieve the best results from your treatment.