We’ve all been there. You’ve just started using that new skincare you’ve been eyeing off for months—and now you’re breaking out? Before you give up, let’s talk about what’s actually happening to your skin.
In many cases, this is not a breakout—it’s called purging, and it can be a normal part of introducing new active ingredients into your routine. Ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and natural retinol alternatives increase your skin’s cell turnover. As this speeds up, your skin starts pushing dead skin cells, excess sebum, and buildup to the surface—which can clog pores and look like breakouts.
But here’s the key: you can minimise or avoid purging altogether by introducing products correctly—especially if you have sensitive skin.
How to Introduce New Skincare
- Sensitive skin needs a slower, more supportive approach. Here’s how to do it right:
- Introduce one product at a time, waiting 7–10 days before adding in the next.
- Start using active ingredients (like vitamin C or Bakuchiol) every second or third night, and only increase frequency once your skin feels settled.
- Always pair new actives with hydrating, barrier-supportive products like our Multivitamin Moisturiser and daily SPF.
- Sabbia Co’s natural actives—like vitamin C from Davidson Plum, Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime, and the gentle, non-irritating retinol alternative Bakuchiol—are ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.
- We also offer sample-size products, perfect for trialling or travelling. They come in reusable glass packaging and can be sent back for 15% off your next purchase.
Troubleshooting: What If My Skin Reacts?
If you’ve introduced several new products all at once, your skin may go into barrier shock. This is where sensitivity, redness, breakouts or flaking can occur—not necessarily due to purging, but due to overstimulation.
To recover:
- Stop all new products. Go back to a simple, minimal routine for at least 5–7 days.
- Once the skin has calmed, reintroduce products slowly, one by one.
- How to Support Skin During a Purge
- If your skin is purging due to active ingredients, the goal is to support it—not overwhelm it. Keep your routine consistent, and avoid the temptation to throw multiple new products at the problem.
- Use your new active once a week, then work up to 2–3 times per week.
- Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser and protect it daily with SPF.
- Avoid facials or exfoliating treatments while your skin is adjusting.
The Best Sabbia Co Products to Support Skin During Purging
Our purifying yet gentle Matcha Clay Mask is ideal for:
- Spot treating new breakouts
- Balancing oil without stripping
- Soothing inflammation with antioxidant-rich matcha and Tasmanian kelp
Recommended use:
1–2 times a week for maintenance
2–3 times a week as a treatment protocol
3 days in a row for spot-treating breakouts
Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, this 4-in-1 formula helps support hydration, barrier repair, and glow—especially when your skin is feeling unsettled.
3. Brightening Niacinamide Serum
Formulated with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Zinc, Copper, Quandong, Liquorice Root, and Organic Aloe Vera, this lightweight serum helps strengthen the skin barrier, fade dark spots, pigment, and deeply hydrate—leaving your skin visibly smoother, firmer, and glowing.
Formulated with native Australian botanicals including Kangaroo Paw, Snowflower, Kakadu Plum, and Pomegranate, this nutrient-rich mist instantly revitalises and calms inflammation while delivering hydration throughout the day, supporting the skin’s healing process.
We are here to help
Skin purging can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s a sign your skin is detoxing and regenerating. Don’t give up too quickly—true results take time, especially when you're introducing powerful natural actives.
Remember: one product at a time, slow and steady wins the skin game. And always support the journey with hydration, sun protection, and clean, low-tox formulations that work with your skin—not against it.
Need personalised help with your routine? Reach out to our team of skin experts—we’re here to help you glow naturally.
