Difference Between Skin Purging vs. Breakouts

Sometimes, whenever you start a new skin care product, you may notice some side effects. Like pimples or tiny bumps on the skin. This appears directly after you add a new skin care product to your routine. So what exactly is it? Is it purging or a breakout? It is important to understand the difference between these two. It will help you to make a timely decision on when to stop using the product or stop completely, without increasing the chances of more skin damage.

Both purging and breakout look similar at first. Treatment for both is different, and in this article, we are going to break down purging vs breakout in detail. This will help you to find out what is happening with your skin and how to repair it. Understanding the difference between purge and breakout is essential for those who have sensitive skin. Also, for those who are dealing with the side effects of the skin care routine.

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is a reaction of your skin that appears when you start using skincare products due to an increase in cell turnover. Ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C are some that cause this. Products formulated using these ingredients try to push out underlying skin impurities on the surface. This causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, etc. So you may see a sudden appearance on the skin.

What Causes Skin Purging?

The primary reason for purging is an active ingredient present in the skin care product, speeding up skin renewal. When skin turns over quickly, trapped oil, dead skin, and clogged pores rise to the surface. This causes a temporary breakout, which is not damaging. So here, the active ingredients are trying to flush out impurities from the skin layer.

This also includes excess sebum, bacteria, and other residues. Retinoids are one of the most common key ingredients behind this issue. But with this, more ingredients can cause skin purging.

• AHAs: Glycolic acid and Lactic acid.
• BHAs: Salicylic acid.
• Acne Medication: Benzoyle Peroxide.
• Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments.

But understanding the key differences between purging vs breaking out will help you adjust your skin care routine. Also, you can take a timely decision to stop the product if the issue persists for a long period.

How To Manage Purging?

You have to support your skin to let it adjust to the change. In this way, you can manage purging and prevent things from going out of control. Here are a few tips to manage purging.

• Always use a gentle face wash to cleanse the skin. This will reduce the chances of irritation.
• Use the best moisturizer cream to lock in hydration. This also prevents dryness and sensitivity.
• Use an SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen before going out during the day. This will help the skin fight against sun sensitivity.
• For a few days, avoid using any kind of new skin care product.

Wait for four to six weeks at least. Keep a track of all changes, and if the irritation subsides, then your skin is healing. If not do consult with a Dermatologist.

What Is Skin Breakout?

Skin Breakout is different than purging. In a breakout, the skin reacts negatively to any new product or any pollutant. In purging, the breakout occurs due to irritation or allergy. Sometimes it is due to hormonal changes or due to ingredients that are clogging pores. 

What Causes Skin Breakouts?

There are many reasons behind the skin breakouts; here are some of the common ones.

• Allergic reaction to any ingredient in the skin care product.
• Hormonal changes like period, stress, etc.
• Poor Diet or dehydration.
• Lack of proper skin care can also lead to breakouts.
• Comedogenic products clogging pores can also cause breakouts. 

Whenever a breakouts occur on the skin, the skin barrier gets inflamed or irritated. It will react to the active ingredients in the skin care product. And whenever you apply it, skin breakouts will increase.

How To Manage Skin Breakouts?

Managing a breakout is different compared to purging. Because here your skin is reacting because it's allergic to something. You have to remove the trigger so that the inflammation can subside. Follow the following steps.

• Stop using any new product you have just started to use. Or if you suspect that it can be the cause.
• Use a soothing cleanser to get rid of residue from the clogged pores.
• Then apply the best moisturizer cream; if it has calming ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides, it will be much better than a regular one.
• Use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment.
• Always use a SPA 50 PA+++ sunscreen during the day to avoid further UV damage.
• Do not pick or squeeze the pimple. If you do this, it will leave a scarring mark.

Breakout VS Purging: Key Differences

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

Purging will go away within four to six weeks as you adjust your skin care routine. Avoid heavy usage of products that are causing the purging.

Q. What Does Purging Skin Look Like?

Purging looks like small pimples or blackheads or whiteheads. It can also look like temporary redness or bumps.

Q. How to Figure Out What Is Breaking You Out?

Stop using any new products for one to two weeks. If, after doing this, the breakout stops or goes away, then it is good to avoid the product.

Q. Should I Stop Using Niacinamide if I Break Out?

Well, your skin can tolerate niacinamide, but if you see more irritation or breakouts, then stop using it. You can then introduce it back slowly once your skin calms down and heals.