Natural Ingredients & Skin Detox

Congratulations! You have made the decision to switch to skincare made with natural and certified organic ingredients to benefit your skin, your body, and the environment. Part of the benefits of this decision is that you are able to finally rid your body of the negative effects brought about by years of using commercially manufactured skincare loaded with chemical additives and ingredients. Using skincare with a wealth of potent natural ingredients benefits your skin and helps it to detoxify.

Skin Detoxing and “The Purge”

As your skin detoxifies, it might go through a “purging process” marked by heightened breakout. Oftentimes when one begins a new skincare regimen or switches to an all-natural or organic skincare line targeted towards clearing up one’s skin, one may experience breakouts or irritation within the first few days of new product use. A “skin purge” is more likely if there is a big difference between your previous skincare product and newly introduced products, because your skin might be getting accustomed to increased cell turnover and also its pH could be temporarily rebalancing. While there are a number of factors that can cause breakouts, if you notice annoying pimples rearing their heads it is possible you could be experiencing what is known as “skin purging” or “acne purging.” Although it might sound quite scary, it is actually a fairly common and completely natural occurrence that should clear up in no time. Not everyone will experience this “acne purging,” but understand that if you do, there is no need to be alarmed.

In a nutshell, a skin purge is simply a “skin detox,” and it’s quite similar to what one might experience during a body detox. Toxins from unnatural, processed, unhealthy foods you ate for years can cause horrible symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and even mild depression. When you dramatically decrease processed foods from your diet and switch to natural, whole and organic foods, you might first feel worse before you start feeling better as these toxins make their way out of your system. The nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich foods you have replaced them with will start to boost your energy levels, improve your immune system and leave you feeling healthier than ever before. The skin purging one experiences when one switches to natural and certified organically-based skincare products is quite similar. When you begin to use natural and certified organically-based skincare products, the toxins in and under your skin will be pulled out and might then accumulate under the skin, clog your pores and may manifest as blemishes before they are eventually removed to reveal a beautiful, radiant, healthy and glowing skin.

How Long Will “The Purge” Last?

The skin purging process can normally take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete. It’s important to take heart, because even though your skin probably initially seems to be breaking out worse than before, stick with the natural products because continuous use ensures your skin clears up and results in the healthy, beautiful glow you’ve been searching for. Skin purging is also more common with products aimed towards clearing acne-prone skin, such as when you start using charcoal-based soaps. New breakouts can be entirely normal, but these should lessen with the continued use of the product as your skin adjusts. It is important that you bear in mind that the temporary nature of skin purge distinguishes it from skin reaction one might experience to a product’s ingredients or acne breakouts.

Difference Between Skin Purge, Skin Reaction and Breakouts

A skin reaction is different from normal breakouts because it will come as a direct result of using a certain product or ingredient. Unlike skin purging, which is a temporary skin detox, a skin reaction means your skin is sensitive or allergic to ingredients in the product you’re using. If your skin looks red (particularly 30 mins or more after you have applied the product) AND irritated beyond “normal” looking blemishes or pimples, with especially persistent rashes and blotches, you are likely having a skin reaction and should stop using the product immediately. Certain products, like facial masks or products that contain enzymes, acids (lactic, AHA or glycolic), chlorophyll, papain, ingredients to lighten or remove dark spots and hyperpigmentation, or ingredients to increase circulation, can cause some redness when you first start using the product. This could mean that it is increasing circulation or deeply cleansing or penetrating your skin. However, if redness persists for more than 30 minutes or is accompanied with painful burning sensation, it could mean that the product may be too potent or harsh for your skin and you might want to discontinue use. If your blemishes continue for several weeks after starting product use, it’s also likely a skin reaction and you should stop using the product immediately.

When it comes to breakouts, the biggest difference between “skin purging” and breakouts is that breakouts are blemishes that recur on a regular basis, as a result of hormonal changes, stress, poor diet, hygiene, etc. It might be difficult to tell the difference between “skin purge” acne and breakout acne, because they’re both acne. However, “skin/acne purge” typically occurs shortly after introducing a new product to your skincare routine, but it should gradually decrease with continued use of the product. Again, the temporary nature of skin purge acne separates it from true “breakout acne.” Another significant detail is that acne that emanate from skin purging will appear in areas where you tend to be oily, or where you have clogged pores, such as your nose, cheeks or chin, because the newly introduced products are simply removing dirt and bacteria to pave the way for clear, healthy, glowing skin.

Many conventionally produced skincare products, that are loaded with chemical ingredients and additives, simply gloss over skin issues without addressing the root issue of the problem. However, when you lather your skin with Neolaía^®’s Purify Line nutrient-rich soaps, the natural ingredients will effortlessly penetrate into your pores, helping to flush out any toxins under the surface of your skin. The result is that you might notice more pimples initially, because toxins have made their way to the surface of the skin. The good news is that if you experience this skin purging effect, it is temporary and once these pesky pimples have cleared up, your skin will look healthier and clearer than ever and you have the peace of mind that this is not only surface clean; it’s beautiful and healthy skin that well…is skin deep.

We at Neolaía Skincare hope this helps to keep you informed before you start a new skin care routine. It’s often been said that “knowledge is power,” and being informed in this case can be empowering as it would help to keep you calm if you experience “skin purge”. Keep calm knowing that at the end of the purge, you will be rewarded with healthy and beautiful skin…