Skin Purging vs. Reacting: Is Your Routine Working?

There is nothing quite like the excitement of starting a new skincare routine. You’ve got your products, you’ve set your ritual, and you’re ready for that "main character" glow.

But then, a few days in, you notice a pimple. Then another.

The panic sets in: Is this product ruining my skin? Should I stop? What is happening?

Before you toss your new goodies, let us talk about the two most common reasons skin acts up when starting something new: Purging and Reacting.

What is Skin Purging? (The "Clean House" Phase)

Skin purging is actually a sign that your product is working. It happens when a product speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover process.

Think of it as your skin "cleaning house." Those tiny clogs and hidden breakouts that were already forming deep in your pores are being pushed to the surface faster than they would have on their own.

Common Purging Triggers:

Exfoliating Acids: AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic) and BHAs (Salicylic).
Vitamin C: Especially in stable, potent forms.
Retinoids: The king of purging.
Enzymes: Like the papaya enzymes found in some cleansers.

Signs You Are Purging:

✓ Location: Breakouts appear in areas where you normally get them. ✓ Duration: Pimples come and go much faster than a typical hormonal breakout. ✓ Feeling: Your skin should otherwise feel healthy—no burning or constant itching. ✓ Timeline: It usually clears up within 4 to 6 weeks (one full skin cycle).

What is a Skincare Reaction? (The "Stop Now" Phase)

A reaction (or irritation) is your skin’s way of saying it does not like a specific ingredient or the formula is too harsh for your barrier. This is not "cleaning house"—this is a protest.

Signs You Are Reacting:

✗ Location: You are seeing breakouts in random spots where you never get them. ✗ Sensation: Constant stinging, burning, or "heat" on the skin. ✗ Appearance: Rashes, hives, or excessive flaking and dryness. ✗ Timeline: It does not get better after a few weeks; it actually gets worse.

The 3-Question Test

If you’re staring at your reflection wondering which one it is, ask yourself these three questions:

Where is it happening? (Normal spots = Purging | New spots = Reacting)
How does it feel? (Fine = Purging | Irritated = Reacting)
What is in the bottle? (Actives like Vit C/Acid = Likely Purging | Gentle Moisturizer = Likely Reacting)

Miskka Products and Your Transition

When you start with Miskka, we prioritize your barrier. However, because our formulas use potent botanical actives, some transition is normal.

The "Glow Transition"

Our Nairobi Glow Cleanser contains gentle exfoliating agents that help lift dead skin. If you notice a few small spots in the first week, don't panic! Your skin is simply revealing its new, brighter layer.

The "Treatment Speed-up"

Our Nairobi Glow Vitamin C Serum is designed to target dark spots. By speeding up the fading process, it also encourages your skin to renew itself. This is why we recommend starting slow—every other day—to let your skin adjust.

How to Survive a Purge

If you’ve determined it is a purge, here is how to get to the other side:

Be Patient: Your skin needs about 28 to 40 days to fully renew. Give it time.
Back to Basics: Keep the rest of your routine simple. Gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Do Not Pick: Picking a purging pimple can lead to hyperpigmentation—exactly what we are trying to avoid!
Hydrate: Use a barrier-friendly moisturizer like the Mara Moisture Boost to keep the skin calm.

Still Unsure? We’re Here.

We know how personal skincare is, if you aren’t sure if your skin is happy, just reply to any of our emails or reach out to us on Instagram.

We are not just a brand; we are your partners in this journey.

Stay glowing!