Firstly, what is purging?
Purging is a side effect of starting a new skincare product or routine in which skin cell turnover rate is sped up. Because of this, new cells and deeper skin layers come up to the surface faster, which may bring up preexisting blockages, such as comodones, pimples, and even pustules. As defined by Dr. Mraz Robinson in the Healthline article “The Secrets to Deciphering – and Stopping- Skin Purging” , the skin expedites its recovery by pushing blockages to the surface.
Purging is most associated with the use of harsh actives regularly, such as acids and retinoids. Retinoids most commonly incite “retinol burn”, in which inflammation and increased cell turnover force skin cell renewal at the price of your skin comfort. Regardless, this reaction is almost expected to come with use of such products, so users put up with the irritation in hopes of achieving the skin of their dreams. But is this common for any type of product?
Purging…the RIMAN way?
So, you just started using our INCELLDERM line – welcome! We hope you love our products as much as we do. One of RIMAN’s most characteristic features, which aligns with its status as a K-Beauty brand, is that it is formulated with only gentle and reasonably sourced ingredients to reveal radiant skin after consistent use. Whereas retinoids and highly acidic formulas may produce effects in a short period of time (both positively and negatively), you must use K-Beauty products consistently to see results.
Is purging possible with INCELLDERM? Technically, yes. Due to the exponential increase in hydration that it can bring to your skin, the replenishment of innate skin lipids and natural water content can encourage a return to normal skin cell cycles. If your skin was previously dry or otherwise lacking important moisture factors for function, your skin cells may have not desquamated (sloughed off) properly, which can hinder not only the appearance of skin, but its biological processes as well. In your first few weeks of use, if your skin looks more hydrated and radiant but has a few more pimples, this is totally okay; your skin cell cycle is returning to normal and bringing up some older blockages that were trapped during this cycle delay. But because RIMAN uses no harsh actives characteristic of genuine purging, any reaction beyond this is up for question.
Skincare is unique to everyone, and so is their reaction to our products. Korea HQ has done research into the concept of skin purging on KR beauty planners and found that reactions were due to a combination of both external and internal factors. For example, those who used the Active Clean-up Powder too often found excessive skin shedding and irritation and were recommended to lower their usage. Understanding your skin type (sensitive, robust, etc.) and your potential external aggressors (pollution, UV exposure) is an important part of fine tuning your skin care routine. INCELLDERM was created solely with the purpose of hydration and radiance, so purging reactions were never a goal and are not traditionally expected.
Adverse reactions should cease around 4 weeks after beginning to use INCELLDERM products, as that marks the end of a traditional skin cycle. If you are experiencing continued breakouts, inflammation, or irritation, it is more than likely a possibility that there is a specific ingredient that your skin does not agree with, you are using a product incorrectly or too often, or you have an external factor that is impeding your skin care progress, such as excessive sun exposure. It is okay if your skin does not like every product! Your skin is as unique as you, and creating products to cater towards everyone’s uniqueness would make for a million different formulas. Try out various alterations to see what makes your skin the happiest, and make sure you are managing exposures in your external environment.
The best routine we can recommend for you here at RIMAN is one that works comfortably for your skin, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find the ritual that is right for you.
