Does Physical Exfoliating Cause Purging? (Answered)

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We understand! 

Afterall, it’s normal for everyone to wish for healthier skin. This is the reason why so many people have started to take care of their skin, lately. 

At the same time, a lot of people are getting confused because they just want a simple solution that’ll contribute to a healthier skin. That’s why people have started to take exfoliation a lot more seriously. 

They’re even working for skin-purging that’ll increase the turnover of the skin cells. Hence, it’ll promote a healthier skin and create a constant glow.

So, does physical exfoliation cause purging?

Yes! Physical exfoliation causes skin purging. First of all, select a specific product that’ll be used as an exfoliator. Then, choose a kit that’ll help you do the physical exfoliation. Lastly, conduct the physical exfoliation which will increase the turnover of skin cells. 

But wait, that’s even the best part. Because, we’ve explained that elaborately in the guide. We even gave the idea of the problem that happens when you over-exfoliate. 

So, let’s start-

Will Physical Exfoliation Cause Skin Purging?

Yes! Physical exfoliation will cause skin purging. Normally, the skin purging can occur with both physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Hence,

if you want, physical exfoliants work here as well. 

Generally, skin purging is the process of shedding the dead cells of the skin. By doing this, the young skin cells will be revealed. Also, you’ll find younger cells that’ll contribute to a healthier skin, overall. 

And, this cycle of the turnover of skin cells is the purging. Like chemical exfoliants, physical exfoliation works at skin purging as well. 

In the case of a chemical exfoliant, you just apply a particular product and wait. After that, wash the product off as it’ll automatically work for the skin purging. 

However, for the physical/manual exfoliation, you’ll need to invest in a beauty tool and a specific scrub/product. Manually, you’ll need to remove the debris and the dirt. After the physical exfoliation, the body will be smooth and the dirt will be removed.

Just remember to not use physical exfoliators on a skin already filled with acne. Because, these exfoliators can spread the bacteria into the other part of the skin. 

As a result, more acne breakouts can occur! Since you’re using the hands in a circular motion, it’s better to not touch the acne spots. 

Is Skin Purging Due to Physical Exfoliation Good or Bad?

There’s often this debate on whether physical exfoliation is good or bad. Well, the answer depends on what perspective you’re looking at the question. 

If the skin purging is happening due to the reaction of a product, this means that the product is doing its job! Since the goal of the product was to increase the skin cell turnover, purging means the product is working. 

Hence, it’s a good thing to happen in this part. 

On the other hand, some people mistake breakouts for purging. Normally, skin purging makes the skin flaky and dry for some period. 

Also, acne breakouts will happen too in specific areas. Some people may not like this reaction of purging. 

From this perspective, they might call purging a bad thing. But, to be really honest with you, purging is a neutral thing. It honestly isn’t a bad thing or a good thing. 

Understand this- to get the full/real results of skin purging, you need to get through the rough patch. Finally, after getting through the bad days, you’ll get the good days. 

Right Way of Skin Purging with Physical Exfoliation

Now, there isn’t a specific way when it comes to chemical exfoliation. You just need to select the best product suitable for your skin. 

However, for the physical exfoliation, you’ll need a specific set of rules. Because this process is completely manual. 

Let’s see the things to know here-

First thing to do is select a suitable tool. Yes, you will need a beauty tool to do the physical exfoliation. Don’t worry, they’re affordable enough. If you want our suggestion then go for the “PMD Microderm Classic Tool”. 

For the product, you can choose the “Dermalogica Microfoliant”. These go really well together. The process for exfoliation is below-

1. Wash the face with a cleanser.
2. Take a little amount of face scrub and use it on the face. 
3. Use your fingers to create circular motions but avoid the eye.
4. Massage the scrub into the skin for long (30-40 minutes).
5. Clean everything off with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
6. Use a moisturizer.

Dangers of Over Exfoliation

You’ve seen a lot of sections in this informative guide already. Here, we’ll find out the dangers of over-exfoliation. 

Generally, you should exfoliate your skin. That’ll keep your skin healthy and will remove the dirt and gunk from the inside. But, some people like to take things to the extreme. 

That’s how they over-exfoliate their skins. Initially, they’ll see some positive results and get motivated to conduct exfoliation again and again. This is bad for the skin. 

Because, there is a specific timeline for the exfoliation and the skin won’t tolerate more than that. Now, the timeline for the exfoliation depends on the skin type. But, 1-2 times in a week should be okay. Anything more than this would be harmful for the skin. 

Now that we’ve educated you already, it’s time to show you the difference between purging and breakout. Because, some people think they’re experiencing purging. But, in reality, breakouts are occurring in their skin.

Signs of Over-Exfoliation

There are some clear signs that you’ve over-exfoliated your skin. So, watch these signs closely-

Redness

Normally, physical exfoliation may cause the skin to develop slightly pinkish and reddish-color. That’s okay because the color is temporary and will go away after some time. 

What’s not okay is when the redness won’t leave after a long time. Here, you might want to check a couple of things like- itching or burning. If any of these things are happening, you might need to stop the routine. 

After all of this, if it still nothing works, you need to go to a dermatologist. 

Flaky & Dry Skin

Once you’ve striped all the oil away from the outer layer of the skin, you’ll develop a flaky skin. Also, your skin will be dry and you’ll develop patches on the skin. 

Acne Formation

Physical exfoliation is great but you should never use it over existent acne in the skin. This is because the exfoliation might cause the acne to get spread out. Hence, more acne breakout will develop in the skin.

Also, over-exfoliation causes more acne because the skin becomes weaker in this state.

Shine & Excess Oil Production

Over-exfoliation will take away all the oils from the outer layer. This causes the skin to produce even more oil than before. Because, it tries to create a balance. As a result, there’s just more oil and more shine that’s unnecessary. 

Fixing Guide

You might be worried if some of the symptoms have matched with your face. This means you might have over-exfoliated your skin to the point it’s now more dehydrated and flaky. And, don’t get us started on the acne. 

Fret not! You’ll have it under control in no-time. At least, if you follow the methods we’re about to show you, it’ll be alright. Let’s see-

Method 1: Using Hyaluronic Acid & Face Oil

Your face is already dehydrated since the moisture has been stripped off due to the over-exfoliation. That’s why using a moisturizer like the Hyaluronic Acid will work at providing correct hydration. 

Besides this, you can use face oils like- Jojoba and Marula. These will provide less irritation (if there’s any).

Method 2: Using Peptides, MSM & Antioxidants

Firstly, using the peptides are important because they’ll boost the collagens and work at decreasing the inflammation of skin. Added to that, they’ll even retain the moisture. 

Other than that, MSM will inhibit collagen breakdown and reduce the inflammation. Plus, it’ll make the walls of the cell more permeable that’ll allow the nutrients to be flown. As a result, the damaged skin could be revived. 

Lastly, the Antioxidants repairs the skin and works against inflammation and loose skin. 

In the end, if you’re using these methods then the over-exfoliation damage can be recovered. But, you’ll need to ensure that over-exfoliation never takes place in the first place. 

Because, “Prevention is better than cure”. Hence, exfoliate your skin only 1-2 times a week for the best of results. 

Best Practices of to Avoid Harmful Effects of Skin Purging

Skin purging can go wrong real quick! You know that, by now. But, following some of the best practices can avoid harmful effects of purging. Basically, it’ll ensure that the purging of skin goes as intended. 

Here’s the list-

Continue the Physical/Chemical Exfoliators that is Working

Don’t get me wrong! But, the true goal of the physical and chemical exfoliation is to increase the turnover rate of skin cells. So, if that’s working, there’s no need to stop. 

That said, do stop if the purging continues over a month. Because, that’s supposed to stop within a month.

Be Gentle with your Skin While Purging

While you’re continuing with the physical exfoliation, you should take care of your skin as well. Like doing the basic maintenance (nothing fancy). Also, remember to wear sunscreen since the sun can damage the skin at this time. 

Again, don’t use products that’ll dry the skin out even further. 

Don’t Use Sharp Tools & Don’t Pop Pimples

Honestly, using sharp tools in the name of physical exfoliation won’t bring any benefits to anyone. Also, they could damage the skin. 

In the same manner, popping the pimples will enlarge the pores. Plus, it would just ruin the skin purging. 

FAQs

Can you try skin purging?

Yes. You can try skin purging by following a physical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation. But, you need to provide effort to this process and have patience. Because, you’ll develop flakes on the skin and get a dry skin if something goes wrong. Otherwise, it’ll boost the turnover rate of skin cells. 

Will breakouts occur after purging?

Yes. Breakouts will take place after you do skin purging. But, those breakouts aren’t serious because those are the dead skin cells from the clogged pores. Also, the breakouts won’t last long. However, if it does last, you will need to consider the process again.

What is the timeline of skin purging?

4-6 weeks is the timeline for the purging of the skin. But, it does depend on different skin-types and on different persons. That said, the timeline for skin purging should never exceed more than a month. 

Conclusion

Skin purging does increase the turnover rate of the skin cells. At the end of it, you will develop a constant glow and have a healthier skin. 

But, the process can go wrong! That is why you need to do the physical exfoliation in the right manner. 

So, does physical exfoliating cause purging? Yep! It does cause the purging. Just make sure you’re not over-exfoliating the pores. 

And, remember to conduct the best practices while purging. Good Luck!