Purging Vs. Breaking Out: What to Look For

To effectively treat your skin problems, you must first understand what the problem is and what factors contributed to the problem. Skin breakouts and skin purging are frequently confused, even though they are two separate concerns. Here's how to tell the two apart.

A new skincare product can trigger our skin to go into a full-blown flare-up every now and then, making the situation look worse than it was before we used the product. That is not a breakout. You are only in the middle of a process known as skin purging, which is harmless.

However, a breakout is a consequence of a product or lifestyle choice. Breakouts are caused by various factors such as food, hormonal imbalances, the skin reacting to chemicals that are irritating to the skin, and environmental factors, among others. The fundamental purging vs breakout factor is that although skin breakouts can indicate a reaction from an unsuitable product, it is mostly due to other circumstances, while skin purging indicates that the product is beneficial to you and does its job.

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is the skin’s response when an active component is applied. It is usual for your skin to worsen before it improves when you start a new product with active ingredients as treatment. You may have an increase in the number of pimples you started with, as well as redness, puffiness, dryness, and itching. Not expecting this can be shocking and worrisome; because you started treatment to help control and eliminate your skin problems, not to make it worse. However, this is quite common and usually goes away within a few weeks.

What Causes Purging?

Purging happens as the skin exfoliating process speeds up. As a result of the substances that cause skin cleansing, exfoliation promotes cell regeneration or increases cell turnover rate. This process pushes old, dead cells—along with all the excess sebum and buildup that comes with them—to the surface, clogging pores and causing purging.

Typically, the skin regenerates itself around every 28 days; however, using a retinoid or an acid will accelerate this process, resulting in breakouts and other problems.

A retinoid is among the most widely used acne-fighting chemicals on the market. To prevent pimples and blemishes from developing, retinoids are a synthetic form of vitamin A that enhances the rate at which your skin cells are replaced. The ultimate goal is to bring new skin cells to the surface and reveal clearer, younger-looking skin. Before new healthy skin cells emerge, the skin has to go through retinoid purging. The process includes the emergence of dead skin cells, excess sebum, any other debris, bacteria, or other acne-causing substances.

When it comes to exfoliation and skin cleansing, retinoids and hydroxy acids are utilised in chemical peels and can result in skin purging.

How Long Does Purging from Retinoids Last?

Since every person's skin is different, the time for the purging can vary from one individual to the next. Skincare professionals agree that purging should be over four to six weeks before beginning a new skincare routine. If your purge lasts for more than six weeks, you should see a dermatologist about it.

It might help not to use multiple new products with the same ingredients, so that you can figure out which product is causing purging or other issues.

What Are the Differences Between Purging vs. Breakouts?

Purging 

Skin purging occurs when your skin is adapting to a new product. Spots form in areas where you get pimples frequently, disappearing more quickly than a regular pimple. Purging is a good sign that the medication is doing its job, so stick with it and get the results you've been promised. Your skin and acne will significantly improve after a few weeks of purging.

What does skin purging look like?

Purging looks like tiny red bumps, blackheads or whiteheads, which is why many people confuse it with a traditional acne breakout. Skin purging can also cause your skin to be flaky.

Acne Breakout 

Acne breakouts can be caused by hormonal changes, hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum.  When sebum and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, acne can form. Bacteria that trigger inflammation and infection can cause more severe forms of acne. The cell turnover rate is normal, unlike with skin purging. It doesn’t require a new skincare regimen to trigger an acne breakout. 

What does an acne breakout look like?

Acne breakouts come in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cystic lesions. They can happen in the same area or a new area of the skin where you never experienced a breakout

Clearing the skin after purging is often a time-consuming process that can last many months. It is of utmost importance to stick with your acne treatment plan to get the desired results.

What Can I Do If My Skin Is Purging?

The best thing you can do for your skin during purging is waiting it out. While this may seem like the least appealing option, it is the most effective skincare during a purge.

As a remedy, here are some suggestions for keeping a purge from becoming too uncomfortable: 

• Keep your skin hydrated.
• Avoid picking or popping any inflammation.
• If feasible, avoid spending too much time in the sun because most purge-inducing chemicals increase your skin sensitivity towards the sun.
• You should not use exfoliating agents and products that will dry your skin because your skin is already in the process of regeneration.

FAQs

Which Active Ingredients Cause Purging?

It is possible to experience purging after using products that include certain active substances that promote skin turnover. The following is a list of ingredients that can contribute to the process;

• Retinoids
• Vit C
• AHAs
• BHAs
• Azelaic Acid 
• Fruit Enzymes
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Mechanical Exfoliants
• Chemical peels
• Enzyme exfoliants such as papain and bromelain

Is Purging Itchy?

Typically, itching is not associated with purging. If you begin using a new product and experience itching, this does not indicate that your skin is purging; rather, it indicates that you may be experiencing an allergic response and should immediately wipe the product off and cease usage.

Can A Cleanser Make You Purge?

Purging may or may not occur as a result of using cleansers. If your cleanser contains retinoids, hydroxy acids, or other exfoliating ingredients, your skin may purge. The difference between your old product and the new one can also be a factor in this regard.