How To Tell If Your Skin Is Purging or Breaking Out PDF

2/4/2020 How to Tell If Your Skin Is Purging or Breaking Out
The Secrets to Deciphering — and

Stopping — Skin Purging
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN on June 25, 2019 — Written
by Jessica L. Yarbrough
What causes purging? What to do Purging vs. breakout

How long does purging last? Can you speed the purging process?
Purge prevention Is it worth it?
It’s annoying — but also a good sign

No two words can send a shiver down the spine of a beauty enthusiast
like “the purge.” No, not the dystopian horror film — although some might
say the skin care version of purging is just as heart-stoppingly scary.
“The term ‘skin purging’ refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is

increasing skin cell turnover rate,” Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a board-
certified dermatologist, tells Healthline. As skin cell turnover speeds up,
the skin starts shedding dead skin cells faster than normal.

The end goal? To expose
ADV E R T I S E M E Nthe
T fresh skin cells underneath and reveal
clearer, younger-looking skin.
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-purging#is-it-worth-it 1/13
Ah, if only it were that easy.
Before these new, healthy cells can cycle to the surface, some other stuff
has to rise to the top first, like the excess sebum, flakes, and buildup that
clog pores (aka, all the makings of a pimple or two… or 10). This is what’s
not so glamorously known as “skin purging.”
“As the surface layer of skin is shed more quickly, our skin is expediting
its recovery and pushing everything to the surface,” Mraz Robinson says.
She notes a purge period can prompt allkinds of pimples. “It may look
different from person to person, but you can get a mix of whiteheads,
blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and even the tiny ‘pre-pimples’ that
aren’t visible to the eye, called microcomedones.”
Dry, peeling skin is also common.

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Your skin may react viscerally to retinoids and

face acids
While the purge isn’t ideal, it isto be expected with certain skin care
ingredients.
“The most common offenders are retinoids,” Mraz Robinson says. The
retinoid family includes everything from retinol (a common prescription for
acne-prone and aging skin, which can also be found in over-the-counter
products) to topical tretinoin and the oral medication isotretinoin (both of
which are prescription only).
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You may experience skin purging from exfoliating acids, too.
“Certain facials that involve a chemical peel component may also trigger
this reaction,” Mraz Robinson says, “because again, it’s all about a
reaction in response to an accelerated exfoliation.”
What should you do if your skin is purging?

Mraz Robinson suggests sticking to a gentle skin care routine to avoid
further inflammation. That means just the basics: a sulfate-free cleanser, a
soothing moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day. And, of course, the
retinoid or exfoliator that’s putting you through the purge in the first place.
That’s right: It may be tempting to stop using said retinoid or exfoliating

acid altogether, but resist.
“If it’s an Rx retinoid from your doctor, they gave it to you for a reason,”
Mraz Robinson says. “Stick through this ‘it gets worse before it gets
better’ phase.”
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How to tell if it’s purging or a breakout

There’s a difference between purging and having a bad reaction to a new
topical product. The former is a necessary evil. The latter is… well,
unnecessary.
Purging from a product Breakout or reaction from a product
happens where you happens in a new area where you don’t

frequently break out break out
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disappears faster than a typically takes 8 to 10 days to appear,

normal pimple mature, and shrink
First of all, irritation from a new product that’s not from retinoids, acids, or
peels is likely a case of an allergic reaction or sensitivity.
“If you’re seeing breakouts [or dryness] in an area of your face where you
don’t normally break out, it’s probably a response to a new product you’re
using,” Mraz Robinson says.
In these cases, it’s best to discontinue use of the new product ASAP —
because, clearly, your skin isn’t into it.
Purging “will occur in a more defined area where you frequently

breakout,” Mraz Robinson explains. In other words: If you’re prone to
cysts around your jawline or occasional flaking under your nostrils,
purging will take it to the max.
There’s one good thing about purge pimples, though: “Pimples that arise
from purging will appear and disappear faster than a ‘normal’ pimple,”
Mraz Robinson says.
Be patient for one skin cycle, or about 28 days

Think of purging as the terrible twos of skin care: Your skin may be
throwing temper tantrums left and right, but it’s only a phase (albeit a
frustrating one).
Since purging occurs when an ingredient attempts to speed up the skin’s

natural pace of shedding and renewal, it should only take one full skin
cycle to get through the worst of it.
Everyone’s skin is unique, so that time frame can differ from person to
person. Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over
within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen.
If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist. It
could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of
application.
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You can’t speed the purge, but you can help make
it tolerable
Four to six weeks may sound like a long time to wait for the skin of your
dreams. Alas, there’s not a whole lot you can do to change that timeline.
Tips during the purge

1. Don’t pick acne.
2. Don’t use drying products, like exfoliating acids. 

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3. Get a HydraFacial, if possible, to help remove impurities.
Mraz Robinson’s best advice? “Don’t pick at the acne,” she says. That will
only extend the purge period and may even lead to permanent scarring.
“Don’t use products that will excessively dry it out, either,” she adds.
Since many spot treatments are actually exfoliating agents (like salicylic
acid and benzoyl peroxide), keep them faraway from purging skin. It’s
already in the midst of cell turnover. Any extra stimulation in this
department will probably only make things worse.
“Having a HydraFacial may help speed things along,” Mraz Robinson

says. This type of treatment essentially “vacuums” impurities out of pores,
then infuses skin with targeted serums to treat individual concerns.
But be warned: If you already have sensitive skin, indulging in a facial

while purging may be too much for your face to handle. It’s a decision
best made with your dermatologist or a very trusted aesthetician.
Is there a way to avoid purging?

If you’re considering adding a retinol, acid, or peel to your routine but
don’t want to deal with the side effects, you can minimize purging.
Dermatologists suggest the “ease in” method.
“For example, during the first week, apply the retinoid two times a week,”
Mraz Robinson says. “Then for week two, apply it three times that week,
working your way up to daily use.” This, she says, will allow the skin to
gradually adjust to the ingredient.
You can follow the same pattern with exfoliating acids; just be sure to
start with once-weekly application, and don’t exceed two to three times
per week at the most. (Any more than that could lead to over-exfoliating.)
This technique doesn’t apply to chemical peels, however. Those shouldn’t

be used more than once a month, tops.
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Post-purging is worth the wait for your ideal skin

As annoying as it can be, this pesky purging period will allbe worth it once
your skin has adjusted to its new routine.
Who knew that clear, youthful skin was waiting just beneath the surface
that whole time? (Oh yeah… dermatologists.)
Jessica L. Yarbrough is a writer based in Joshua

SUBSCRIBE
Tree, California, whose work can be found on The
Zoe Report, Marie Claire, SELF, Cosmopolitan, and
Fashionista.com. When she’s not writing, she’s
creating natural skin care potions for her skin care
line, ILLUUM.
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2/4/2020 How to Tell If Your Skin Is Purging or Breaking Out

The Secrets to Deciphering — and

What causes purging? What to do Purging vs. breakout

It’s annoying — but also a good sign

“The term ‘skin purging’ refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is

Ah, if only it were that easy.

Dry, peeling skin is also common.

-67% -83% -89%

50-80% Off Store Prices

Your skin may react viscerally to retinoids and

What should you do if your skin is purging?

That’s right: It may be tempting to stop using said retinoid or exfoliating

-67% -83% -89%

50-80% Off Store Prices

How to tell if it’s purging or a breakout

Purging from a product Breakout or reaction from a product

happens where you happens in a new area where you don’t

disappears faster than a typically takes 8 to 10 days to appear,

Purging “will occur in a more defined area where you frequently

Be patient for one skin cycle, or about 28 days

Since purging occurs when an ingredient attempts to speed up the skin’s

SQUISHY COLOSSAL TOAST BREAD SCENTED SUPER SLOW RISING TOY

Get Answers from a Doctor in Minutes, Anytime

ASK A DOCTOR NOW

Tips during the purge

2. Don’t use drying products, like exfoliating acids. 

3. Get a HydraFacial, if possible, to help remove impurities.

“Having a HydraFacial may help speed things along,” Mraz Robinson

But be warned: If you already have sensitive skin, indulging in a facial

Is there a way to avoid purging?

This technique doesn’t apply to chemical peels, however. Those shouldn’t

Post-purging is worth the wait for your ideal skin

Jessica L. Yarbrough is a writer based in Joshua

READ THIS NEXT

The No BS Guide to Vitamin C Serums for

From benefits to the formulation, here’s the science behind vitamin C

What’s the Best Chemical Peel for Acne Scars?

5 Skin Care Ingredients That Should Always Be

Not every ingredient

Why I’m Trading Body Positivity for Fat

7 Products to Help Fight Annoying Ingrown

How the Hijab Helps Me Overcome Racialized

Here’s What Your Skin Looks Like After Fraxel

Whether it’s the wrinkle disappearing act or leftover imprints of a

Brands Are Using Drug Culture to Sell Beauty

Cult Wellness: How Brands Like Glossier and

15 Best Face Masks for Acne-Prone Skin

Here are your options, from DIY concoctions to drugstore treatments to

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email

Your privacy is important to us

About Us Health Topics 

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