Skin Purging vs. Breakouts: How to Tell the Difference
By Jake Admire
March 13, 2025
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You’re excited about your new skincare product—until you experience a skin reaction. But is it actually a breakout … or could it be a skin purge?
Before you panic or ditch your products, it’s worth learning the difference between these two very normal skin responses. In this guide, we’ll help you decode what’s happening, how to tell the difference between a purge and a breakout and what to do about it.
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What Is Skin Purging?
Skin purging—aka acne purging—happens when you start using an active ingredient that increases skin cell turnover, like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), or Vitamin C.
These actives speed up the skin turnover process, which can bring pre-existing clogged pores (aka microcomedones) to the surface faster than they would naturally appear. The result? A temporary increase in breakouts that looks like your skin is “getting worse before it gets better.”
Tip: Think of the purging process as a clarifying phase. It’s your skin clearing out what was already there, like dead skin cells, just faster.
What’s a Breakout?
A breakout, on the other hand, is a negative reaction to internal or external triggers. Unlike purging, breakouts can result from these underlying causes:
- Clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients
- Hormonal changes
- Excess oil
- Stress levels or lack of sleep
- Bacteria, sweat, or poor hygiene
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Over-exfoliation or barrier damage
Acne breakouts are your skin’s way of signaling that something isn’t right—and it’s time to reevaluate your routine.
Purge vs. Breakout: How to Tell the Difference
Here’s how to know which of these skin concerns you’re really dealing with:
1. Appearance
- Purging: Small bumps that come to a head quickly and heal faster than usual
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Breakout: Can include a mix of pimples, cysts, and irritation—often more inflamed and stubborn
2. Duration
- Purging: Typically lasts 3-4 weeks, which is the length of your skin’s renewal cycle
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Breakout: Can linger longer and doesn’t follow a predictable timeline
3. Location
- Purging: New breakouts in the same place as regular breakouts
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Breakout: Can pop up in new areas, even in places you don’t usually see acne
5 Tips to Manage Skin Purging
Once you identify that you’re dealing with the temporary response of a skin purge, here’s how to support your skin without slowing your progress:
1. Start Slow
Instead of overhauling your whole skincare regimen, introduce new actives gradually. For example, if using a salicylic acid serum (like banu’s AHA + BHA formula) or benzoyl peroxide, start with 2-3 times a week before increasing frequency.
2. Hands Off
Whether it’s a purge or a breakout, avoid picking or popping. Your skin is already working hard—give it time to heal without added stress.
3. Stick with Acne-Safe Products
When choosing new skincare products, opt for non-comedogenic skincare products, including acne-safe skincare and makeup, to avoid triggering additional breakouts during this adjustment phase.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Purging can leave skin more sensitive. Apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect from irritation and post-acne marks.
5. Keep Hydrating
Active breakouts don’t mean you should skip moisturizer. Just opt for lightweight, acne-safe hydration to support your barrier and prevent dry skin.
The Takeaway: Know the Signs, Trust the Process
Skin purging is common—and often a sign that your new product is doing its job. The key is knowing the difference between a purging period and a true breakout so you can confidently stay the course toward clear skin.
Keep your routine consistent, listen to your skin, and give it time to adjust. If you’re unsure, check in with a trusted skincare community or board-certified dermatologist for support. You’ve got this :)