The use of oil cleansers has only increased as more people look for gentler alternatives to traditional face washes. But, can oil cleansers cause purging?
Oil cleansers are increasing in popularity because they are sometimes more gentle on the skin.
However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have some disadvantages.
What is skin purging, and can oil cleansers cause purging?
Skin purging is a process where the skins cellular ternover rate increases, pushing out buildup, sebum and old dead cells to the skin’s surface resulting in clogged pores and breakouts.
And your skin reacts by getting worse before it gets better.
Purging can happen when you start using an ingredient or product that your skin isn’t used to and reacts negatively by causing breakouts.
It can also happen if you stop using something that your skin has gotten used to.
Purging usually happens after oil cleansing because the oil uncovered trapped oil, dirt, and debris within the skin that have built up over time and are now coming to the skin’s surface all at once.
Oil cleansing also helps the skin shed dead skin cells and allows it to re-energize.
While not everyone experiences purging, its a fairly common side effect of oil cleansing.
Its often temporary and typically subsides within a week or two of using a new oil-based cleanser for the first time.
Although it can be alarming, skin purging isnt something that should be feared, but it should be taken into consideration when introducing new products into your skincare routine.
How long does skin purging last?
Skin purging is a normal process that can occur during the first few weeks of using any new skincare product.
It is not something to worry about, but it is important to be aware of.
This time frame varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the purge.
Some people can have purging that lasts for months, while others have it for only a week or two.
It you experience purging it doesn’t mean that the product is ineffective; in some cases, it means that its working properly.
What to do when your skin purges
When you’re in the middle of a skin purge, it’s not always easy to know what to do. Other than taking care of your skin and being patient.
But here are 4 things you can do to make the process a little easier:
- stay consistent
- Hydrate
- Don’t pick at your face
- Use gentle products
- Stay Consistent: staying consistent in your skin care routine is the best way to avoid breakouts, but it can also be hard when you have a skin purge. Instead of going crazy and switching out your products every week or so, try to stick with the same routine for at least 3-4 weeks.
- Hydrate: Hydrate ensure your skin stays hydrated by drinking lots of water, using a good moisturizer and applying a serum.
- Don’t pick at your face: this is not a time to pick at your skin. When you’re having a skin purge, it’s important not to worry about the little imperfections that get noticed when you’re having bad skin days. Instead focus on the positive and be patient, it will pass.
- Use gentle products: while you’re skin is purging use products without alcohol or harsh ingredients, as those will only irritate your skin further.
How do you stop your skin from purging ?
Purging isnt caused by ineffective products, but rather your skin’s response to being exposed to new products and ingredients for the first time.
To prevent this, slowly introduce new products into your routine and gradually increase your use over time.
If you’re still experiencing purging after using oil cleansers for a while, it might not actually be purging but a reaction. to an ingredient in the oil cleanser.
Signs it’s not purging but an allergic reaction
Is it possible that your skin is just reacting to a new product or is it something more?
There are signs that you can look out for to know whether you’re having a negative reaction to a product or a purge.
Dry, itchy skin. Itching is one of the signs that you’re having a negative reaction to a product and not just your skin’s natural purging.
Other symptoms to watch for are dehydration, redness and irritation. Other symptoms include swelling and redness.
Keep in mind that its normal to have a few bumps and pimples after using a new product, but if you’re seeing this happen on your face or body more often than usual, it could be an allergic reaction.
If you are experiencing these symptoms discontinue use of the product and consult your dermatologist.
How to use oil cleansers in your skincare routine and prevent skin purging
Oil-based cleansers are often used as an alternative to water-based cleansers because they have the ability to remove makeup and excess oil from the face.
However, they may also cause breakouts and purging when not properly introduced into a skincare routine.
We recommend introducing an oil-based cleanser slowly into your routine, starting with once per week and gradually increasing frequency if tolerated well.
You should also always use a gentle water-based cleanser as a follow up on your skin after using an oil cleanser to ensure all traces of oil is washed away and avoid any potential breakouts or clogged pores.
