After the treatment, you may experience side effects such as redness and some swelling, however, these are short lived and do not last long at all. Your skin may feel dry and flaky for a day or more depending on the sensitivity of your skin. 

Skin purging is a supercharged cleanse for your complexion. It is usually caused by an active ingredient in a skincare product or a process that speeds up the skin’s cell shedding and renewal phase i.e. Microneedling  or Chemical Peels. These ingredients and technologies stimulate the cell renewal turnover rate leaving behind clearer, smoother skin. Before we get to our clear and smooth skin state, we sometimes have to battle through a skin purge.

While the process of purging skin itself isn’t pretty, the results are usually worth it. Let’s take a closer look at skin purging, what purging skin can look like and how long it lasts.

Skin purging is often the result of introducing ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, PHA, chemical peels, Microneedling and even lasers that can kickstart your skin’s cell renewal and bring all the debris under your skin to the surface, which, in the short term, can cause breakouts and redness. If you are prone to Acne or have previously been prone to Acne, the chances of purging are significantly higher.

HOW LONG DOES SKIN PURGING LAST?

Purging follows our skin’s natural cell renewal, so the full benefits of purging won’t reveal themselves for between four to six weeks after your in clinic treatment or four to six weeks after starting your new skin care regime.

In the long run, skin purging helps us shed dead skin cells more effectively which reduces pore-clogging build-up and breakouts, and it does settle down after a few weeks. But you do have to buckle in and ride out a few weeks of discomfort to see the best results. 

HOW TO TREAT YOUR SKIN WHEN IT IS PURGING

During this turbulent time for your skin, it is important to be kind to it.

Stick to gentle and basic skincare to avoid further inflammation; a gentle cleanser, a soothing hydrating moisturiser, and sunscreen during the day. If a certain product has caused the purge, don’t stop using this but do limit its use, 2 times a week would be good to continue with. If an in clinic treatment has caused your Purge i.e. Microneedling, leave your skin 4-6 weeks from your last session and then book in for another session. Continuing with the treatment will help you break through the purge and eventually, it will stop happening. 

Idea of an AM/PM skincare routine whilst going through a skin purge:

AM:

Medik8 Gentle Cleanse
Medik8 Press & Clear
Medik8 Hydr8 B5
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vit C + SPF

PM:

Medik8 Gentle Cleanse
Medik8 Hydr8 B5
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

Direct to spots only:  Medik8 Blemish SOS

Medik8 Aftercare Kits are available to purchase in clinic, for post-treatment skin. Designed specifically to help compromised or delicate skin recover after a professional treatment.

• Avoid other facials treatments at least 2 week prior to your treatment
• Avoid Botox and dermal fillers 2 weeks prior to treatment
• Avoid extensive sun exposure and the use of tanning beds 3 days prior to your treatment
• Avoid any hair removal including,  laser or waxing to the area 7 days prior to treatment area
• Do not use active topicals 3 days prior to you treatment including retinoids, acids, scrubs and exfoliators

• Keep hydrated
• Avoid touching the treated area
• Avoid long showers and hot baths for 24 hours after treatment
• Avoid  swimming, saunas and spa environments for 72 hours
• Avoid exercise and sweating for 48 hours
• Avoid direct sunlight, sun-beds and tanning for 7 days 
• Do not use any aggressive treatments for up to 72 hours
• Do not wash your face or use any products for 12 hours
• Do not use active topicals 3 days after your treatment including retinoids, acids, scrubs and exfoliators
• Do not apply makeup for 12  hours
• Sterilise glasses and sunglasses before applying onto your face
• Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin (minimum 30)

Medik8 Aftercare Kits are available to purchase in clinic, for post-treatment skin. Designed specifically to help compromised or delicate skin recover after a professional treatment.

• Coldsores (herpes virus)
• Dermatitis or any other inflamed skin condition
• Open skin lesions
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Extensive tanning 3 days prior and 3 days post treatment
• Accutance in the last 6 months to 1 year
• Prescriptipn retinol products in the past 2 weeks
• Waxing to the area to be treated in the past 7 days
• Skin must be healthy and intact
• An allergy to aspirin
• Active infections (skin)
• Allergy/hypersensitivity to certain skincare ingredients/topicals
•  Blood thinning medication