Purging vs breakouts

Skin purging has become a popular term to describe the process of experiencing new acne breakouts after using certain active ingredients that exfoliate and increase skin cell turnover. The claim is that these ingredients “purge” the skin of existing clogged pores and bring them to the surface quickly. After the purging wears off, people start seeing amazing benefits from the product and active ingredient. Essentially, it is when your skin gets worse before it gets better.

Skin purging is often caused by an exfoliant such as salicylic acid (BHA), gluconolactone (PHA), glycolic acid (AHA) or using an ingredient that increases skin cell turnover such as retinol. When you use an exfoliant, it sheds and dissolves dead skin cells and brings new skin cells to the surface. This can bring already existing clogged pores to the surface as well. The same applies to retinol, which increases skin cell turnover and reveals new skin cells, bringing any already existing clogged pores to the surface.

Purging can be frustrating because all of a sudden, many new breakouts are forming. However, it is a good sign because it shows that the exfoliant or retinol is working as it’s supposed to. Purging can last up to 4-6 weeks, but after your skin has purged, you will see amazing results as these ingredients work to maintain clear skin and stop new acne breakouts from forming. Do not be tempted to stop using a specific product or ingredient because of a sudden breakout/s occurring. Skin purging is temporary, so stick it out.

Purging won’t happen to everyone, but if it does happen to you, stick it out. To tell if your skin is purging or just breaking out after using a new product or active ingredient, consider the duration and location. Purging typically lasts between 4-6 weeks and only occurs in the locations where you typically get acne. If you experience breakouts anywhere else or after the 4–6-week period, it may be an indication that the product is worsening your acne or not working, and you may need to try another product and active ingredient. Keep in mind that purging only occurs with an ingredient that increases skin cell turnover such as an exfoliant or retinol. A common myth is that niacinamide causes purging, but thankfully, it does not.