Skincare Purging vs. Breakouts: How to Tell the Difference

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying a new skincare product and waking up to a face full of pimples. But before you throw your serum out the window, ask yourself—is your skin breaking out, or is it just purging?

Yep, there’s a difference. And knowing which one you’re dealing with can save you from unnecessary skincare heartbreak.

What Is Skin Purging?

Purging happens when a product speeds up cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface faster than usual. Think of it like a deep clean—your skin is pushing out all the gunk that was already there. It’s a temporary reaction, not a sign that the product is harming your skin.

Common culprits that trigger purging:

• Retinoids (like retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene)
• Exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs)
• Vitamin C (in some cases)
• Benzoyl peroxide

Since these ingredients accelerate skin renewal, the clogged pores lurking beneath the surface come up fast—which can look like an acne breakout.

What’s a Breakout, Then?

Unlike purging, breakouts happen when your skin reacts poorly to an ingredient. This could be due to irritation, clogged pores, or even an allergic reaction. Unlike purging, a breakout won’t go away quickly unless you stop using the culprit.

Breakouts can be triggered by:

• Comedogenic ingredients that clog pores (looking at you, coconut oil)
• Heavy, occlusive products that don’t let skin breathe
• Irritating formulas that disrupt the skin barrier
• Fragrance or essential oils in high concentrations

How to Tell the Difference: Purging vs. Breakout

How to Handle Purging

If your skin is purging, the worst thing you can do is panic and quit the product. Stick it out for 4-6 weeks—that’s the usual skin renewal cycle. In the meantime:

• Keep your routine simple—no extra exfoliation or harsh treatments.
• Moisturize well to support your skin barrier.
• Sunscreen is non-negotiable (but you already knew that, right?).

If you're curious about a structured routine for acne-prone skin, check out Acne-Prone Skin: Daily Routine with All-in-One Essence for an easy, effective approach.

How to Deal With a Breakout

Breakouts, on the other hand, are a sign that something isn’t working. If you suspect a product is causing issues:

• Stop using it immediately. No “giving it time.” If your skin hates it, it’s not going to magically change its mind.
• Check the ingredients. Look up comedogenic ratings if you’re acne-prone.
• Soothe inflammation with calming ingredients like niacinamide (which you can learn more about in Niacinamide for Acne: How It Reduces Breakouts & Scars).
• Avoid layering too many new products. Skincare experimentation is fun, but your skin can only handle so much at once.

Can Purging and Breakouts Happen at the Same Time?

Absolutely. You can be purging in one area while breaking out in another. Skincare is messy like that. If you’re noticing irritation, red patches, or deep painful cysts in new places, it’s more than just purging—it’s time to rethink your routine.

Final Thoughts

Skincare is all about patience, but not blind loyalty. If you’re using actives like retinol or exfoliating acids, some purging is normal. But if your skin looks like it’s plotting revenge, you’re probably dealing with a breakout. Know the difference, listen to your skin, and if in doubt, simplify your routine.

For more on how ingredients work and what’s best for your skin, take a deep dive into The Ultimate Guide to Skincare: Science, Ingredients & Routines and get the facts straight.