It is frustrating to see new pimples coming up after starting a new skincare routine. Is it purging or simply breaking out? Purging is a temporary flare up of pimples caused by ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Breakouts are new pimples triggered by products, friction, hormones or lifestyle.
What is skin purging
Purging happens when you add an ingredient that causes cell turnover faster than usual. Usual actives are retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, azelaic acid and sometimes vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide. The bumps you see were already forming under the skin. They appear as small whiteheads, tiny pustules or white heads, mostly on the areas where you normally get acne. It often starts 1 to 3 weeks after you begin the new product, peaks for a bit, then settles in 4 to 8 weeks if the product suits you and the dose is right.
What is a breakout
A breakout is new acne that forms because pores get clogged or skin gets inflamed. Triggers include oily products, thick sunscreens, makeup that is comedogenic, hair oils, stress and hormones. Breakouts can pop up in new places like the hairline, jaw, neck or cheeks. Pimples are often mixed in size, more inflamed, tender or cystic. Unlike purging, breakouts keep worsening if you continue the trigger.
How do you figure it out?
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Timing: Purging begins soon after starting the new active and calms within 4 to 8 weeks. Breakouts can start anytime and persist.
- Location: Purging occurs in the usual areas. Breakouts can occupy any site.
- Look and feel: Purging consists of similar small bumps. Breakouts bring angry red papules, deeper nodules, burning or sensitivity.
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Dermatologist: Always keep a dermatologist in loop as you may waste time in figuring out things and cause further damage to your skin.
What to do in purging?
Use little quantity initially and gradually increase. Keep the routine simple: gentle cleanser, moisturiser, non-comedogenic sunscreen and one active. Do not pick. If bumps are still increasing after week six or your skin burns, consult your dermatologist.
What to do in a breakout?
Consult your dermatologist. Cleanse after workouts. Keep hair oils off the hairline and change pillowcases often. If cysts are painful or wide-spread, you likely need prescription care rather than over-the-counter products.
A quick example
You add a retinoid and small whiteheads appear on your usual T-zone in week two, then slowly reduce by week six. That points to purging. You start a rich new sunscreen and get painful jawline bumps plus clogged temples within days. That is a breakout from a comedogenic or irritating formula.
When to seek help
If you have persistent acne, leaves marks or hurts, professional care saves time and consequences. At Clinderma we analyse your acne zones, check ingredient lists suitable for you and build a plan that reduces flares without damaging your barrier. Unsure what you are seeing? Book a consultation and bring your concerns to us. We will help you set a routine you can follow and target your root cause as well.
