Need something else?
We stock over 1087 treatments for 90 conditions
Acne is an incredibly common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While mild acne can be managed with over-the-counter products, moderate to severe cases often require prescription medications. However, starting a new acne treatment can sometimes be challenging and impact your life. Many people experience what's called "purging," leading to the understandable concern - is my skin purging or just breaking out? It's completely natural to feel a mix of hope and apprehension during this time?
Distinguishing between acne purging and breakouts is critical. If it's purging, you need to be patient and let the treatment run its course. But if it's a real breakout, you may need to switch products or adjust your skincare regimen.
Understanding the different types of acne can help you address the problem correctly, leading to brighter skin and increased confidence.
Aspect | Acne Purging | Breakout |
How it looks | Small white and red bumps; mostly where you've used the new cream or treatment |
Bigger, painful bumps; can appear anywhere, especially where you usually get pimples |
How long it lasts | 2-6 weeks (happens when your skin is getting used to a new product) |
Keeps coming and going until you figure out what's causing it |
Why it happens | Your skin is quickly getting rid of old cells because of the new product |
Many reasons: stress, certain foods, using the wrong skincare products, and more |
Where it shows up | Forehead, cheeks, chin (mainly where you put the new product) |
Anywhere, like the jawline, neck, and even back |
What you should do | Stay patient, be gentle with your skin, don't pick at it, and keep using the product unless it burns |
Might need to change your creams or products, and maybe see a skin expert if it doesn't go away |
Will it come back? | Usually just happens once when you start a new product |
Can come and go, especially if you don't know what's causing it |
Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.
Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin. Purging usually appears where acne is common, like the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Breakouts can crop up in less typical places like the jawline or neck.
The duration and timeline provide another useful distinction between purging acne and regular breakouts.
At The Independent Pharmacy, we understand how trying the process can be. Typically, purging might last between 2-6 weeks as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. During this time, it's renewing its cells more rapidly than usual. The timeline can vary based on your skin type and the strength of the acne treatment. Sensitive skin may purge for a shorter period, while those using prescription retinoids may purge for the full 6 weeks.
In contrast, acne breakouts are not tied to a predictable set timeline. They persist indefinitely until you find a way to modify your skincare routine, diet, stress levels, or other contributing factors. Breakouts also tend to be cyclical in nature, with random flare-ups and periods of clear skin.
Additionally, purging is generally a one-time event that occurs when first starting a new product and going through the initial adjustment period. With breakouts, new pimples can continuously crop up.
Understanding the underlying causes of purging versus breakouts can help differentiate the two.
Purging happens when certain acne treatments, like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, make your skin renew itself faster. The increased rate at which your skin sheds old cells pushes out clogged pores, dead skin, and debris faster than usual. However, it takes about 4-6 weeks for this rapid skin renewal process to stabilise, leading to the purging phase. But keep in mind that not everyone will experience purging, even when using these treatments. The likelihood of purging depends on your skin and its current condition.
In contrast, acne breakouts have many other potential root causes like hormonal fluctuations, diet, stress levels, genetics, unsuitable skincare products, or environmental irritants. Breakouts are a reactionary skin response while purging is part of the skin's natural (yet accelerated) adjustment process.
The ideal immediate response differs slightly for purging versus breakouts.
If purging, avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent scarring. Use gentle cleansers, moisturisers from brands like Acnecide or CeraVe, and sunscreen until it passes. Topical spot treatments can provide relief, too. Most importantly, be patient!
For breakouts, discontinue the use of any new products that may be causing irritation. Cleanse gently, hydrate the skin, and consider salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatments to unclog pores. If it persists, make a dermatologist appointment to explore underlying factors like hormones.
Acne purging happens when your skin kicks its renewal process into high gear. Normally, your skin cells replenish themselves around every 28 days. But certain acne medications make your skin work much faster, renewing itself every 14-21 days instead.
While speeding up cell turnover helps clear away the gunk in your pores, it also pushes all that debris to the surface really fast. That rush of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria causes a surge of breakouts known as purging. Within 4-6 weeks, the purge subsides as your skin adjusts to the increased renewal rate.
The most common culprits behind purging are active skincare ingredients like:
These ingredients clear acne by accelerating skin renewal and shedding the older, clogged layers. But your skin needs time to adjust to the faster turnover, hence the purging phase.
Purging lasts about 2-6 weeks. If you have an allergic reaction, bumps appear immediately after applying the product. An absence of results or persisting breakouts after 6 weeks likely indicates an issue with the new product.
Breakouts happen when three things clog up your pores - dead skin cells, excess oil, and acne-causing bacteria. This clogged mixture is the perfect recipe for pimples.
Mild breakouts often look like whiteheads and blackheads, concentrated around the oily T-zone or forehead/nose/chin area.
Moderate breakouts include small red pimples and whitehead pimples with pus.
Severe breakouts can form deep, painful bumps and cysts under the skin, which is considered cystic acne.
Some of the common causes behind acne breakouts include:
Resolving breakouts requires targeting the underlying cause, whether hormonal, dietary, or other factors. Identifying your specific acne type is key for effective treatment.
We truly believe in the uniqueness of every individual, and so is our skin. While one solution might work wonders for someone else, it's okay if it doesn't for you. Always prioritise your comfort and listen to what your skin is telling you. It's a journey of understanding and patience.
Sticking to a consistent daily skincare routine is so important for preventing future breakouts and keeping skin clear after purging is over. The main steps should include:
When buying skincare products:
See a dermatologist or esthetician for:
We always advocate for self-care and understanding. If you're ever in doubt, it's a good idea to seek advice from a dermatologist or skincare professional, especially if you have sensitive skin or previous experiences that have left you concerned.
We know firsthand how challenging and emotionally draining acne purging and breakouts can be. It can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but with understanding and persistence, there's hope. You're not alone in this journey, and there are ways to navigate through.
Understanding the differences between purging versus breakouts gives you clarity on how to respond. Is your skin just adjusting to new treatments and needs more time? Or is it a cry for help to reevaluate your skincare routine and lifestyle habits?
With insight into the causes, visible signs, and ideal solutions for both scenarios, you now have a battle plan tailored to your skin's needs. Continue pushing through the purge storm, or troubleshoot and treat persistent breakouts.
Remember to be kind to yourself and your skin. Embrace gentle cleansing, keep your skin hydrated, and don't hesitate to seek expert advice when needed. Your well-being and comfort are paramount. By knowing your options, your chances of clearer skin are ever in your favour. While acne may feel relentless, your determination will prevail. Bid bad skin adieu, and embrace the clear, glowing complexion and youthful skin you deserve.
Purging causes small whiteheads, blackheads, and red bumps focused in your normal acne areas like the forehead, cheeks, and chin. The breakout is mild to moderate.
Purging is not “good” acne per se, but rather a sign that the acne treatment is working to increase skin cell turnover. It’s a necessary evil on the path to clearer skin.
Yes, it means your new acne medication is kicking into gear. Try to be patient, continue your regimen, and the purging will resolve into improved skin.
Not usually. Purging tends to create small, surface-level whiteheads and pimples rather than large, deep cysts. Some papules and pustules may occur.
Purging typically lasts anywhere from 2-6 weeks before resolving. If your skin doesn't start to improve after this period, consult a dermatologist or skincare professional. The length of purging can be different for everyone, and sometimes, what seems like purging might be a skin reaction to a product.
Yes, if you stick it out! Purging is a sign that congested pores and acne are coming to the surface so the treatment can clear them. Stay diligent for clearer skin post-purge.
Gentleness is key. Use soothing cleansers without harsh ingredients, oil-free and fragrance-free moisturisers, hydrating masks, cool compresses, and spot treatments with sulfur or diluted benzoyl peroxide.
Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options - PMC (nih.gov)
Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice - PMC (nih.gov)
We stock over 1087 treatments for 90 conditions