I don’t know about the rest of you, but I was always told that I should expect extra breakouts when I switch face soaps because it “brings all the junk to the surface”. I couldn’t help but wonder about the truth behind this long standing warning.
So is it truth or myth? Surprisingly, it’s both.
When introducing a new cleanser to your skincare routine, your skin may experience a “purging phase”. During this time you may have a temporary increase in breakouts as congestion and dead skin cells are pulled to the surface.
On the other hand, a new face cleanser may cause new breakouts due to irritation to the skin. The new cleanser may contain ingredients your skin is sensitive to or may be too harsh for your skin. Cleansers that are too harsh will strip your skin of its natural oils, throwing off the natural barrier and causing the skin to start drying out and overproducing excess oil to compensate. This combination creates a perfect storm for pores to clog and acne to form.
But there’s no need to fret! There are steps you can take to help ensure that a new face wash isn’t going to throw your skin into distress!
The number one thing to protect your skin is to pick a face soap that is GENTLE, formulated to your skin, and doesn’t contain sulfates, alcohol, or fragrances, as these can be irritating. Once you find a cleanser that meets these requirements, introduce it into your routine gradually. Use your face soap infrequently at first and then gradually increase use as your skin adjusts.
Are you on the hunt for a gentle face soap that is gentle, free of harsh ingredients, and that your skin will thank you for? Be sure to check out Gingerly Snapped’s three shea butter and clay face soaps! Don’t hesitate to message us to see which formula would be best for your skin type.