An acne breakout can happen for many reasons. One possible cause is something called skin purging. This happens when a new treatment or product speeds up cell turnover, bringing hidden blemishes to the surface faster than usual.
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast with a detailed 10-step nighttime routine or a minimalist who sticks to a few trusted products, figuring out what’s causing the breakout and how to handle it can be tricky.
Here, Vogue explains everything you need to know about skin purging, including how long it typically lasts and how to treat it.
Meet the experts
– Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, general medicine consultant and expert aesthetic physician
– Dr. Sam Bunting, clinical director, founder and CEO of Dr. Sam’s Skincare
– Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur, consultant dermatologist
– Dr. Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist for La Roche-Posay
What is skin purging?
“Skin purging happens when a product or treatment speeds up your skin’s cell turnover, causing tiny open or closed comedones that usually show up as whiteheads,” explains Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme. Active ingredients that work deep in the skin, like retinoids or azelaic acid, are often the cause.
“It can look like a sudden wave of new blemishes or clogged pores as your skin clears out,” adds Dr. Sam Bunting. “I call this acne turbulence—it’s an emotional but often necessary step on the way to clearer skin.”
What causes skin purging?
Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur says any product or treatment that speeds up cell turnover can cause this, especially retinoids and exfoliants. Bunting agrees, explaining that “sleeping time bombs under your skin—clogged pores that would eventually become breakouts—are triggered to come out all at once, instead of slowly over time.”
It’s often most noticeable in areas where you usually break out, because that’s where the congestion is. Dr. Justine Hextall adds that using strong active ingredients too often can lead to significant purging.
How long does skin purging last?
“It can last from four days to six weeks, but on average, it lasts about two weeks,” says Dr. Ejikeme. “It’s most intense if you’re prone to closed comedones—those small, skin-colored bumps under the surface,” Bunting adds. The good news is that once your skin gets used to your new routine, the flare-up settles, and you’ll start to see positive changes soon after. Patience and consistency are key.
Is skin purging a good thing?
“Purging is neither good nor bad, and it can happen even with excellent products,” says Dr. Ejikeme. It can also happen if your skin barrier is damaged. “You can reduce the risk of purging by first repairing your skin barrier, then slowly starting the treatment or introducing the product.”
Du-Harpur notes that while it’s not fun, skin purging can over time “show a reduction in micro-comedones or acne precursors,” meaning your skin might be less prone to acne in the long run. Bunting agrees, saying purging is “your skin’s way of resetting—uncomfortable in the short term, but often the path to long-term clear skin.”
How can you tell skin purging from regular breakouts?
“Classic purging only happens where you usually get breakouts, while irritation or new acne from a product that doesn’t suit you can appear anywhere, often as small, red, itchy bumps,” Bunting explains. If your skin feels sore, inflamed, or flaky all over, it’s more likely irritation or a damaged barrier, not purging. “Sometimes both can happen at once, which is why supporting your skin barrier is crucial during this phase,” she says.
“Usually with purging, the flare-up is in the same area as before, but more noticeable,” Hextall adds. “If there are newIf there’s also redness, flaking, or deeper cysts forming—especially if this is new for you—it could mean you’re having a breakout.
How to treat skin purging
If you notice signs that your skin barrier is damaged or compromised along with purging, focus on soothing, calming, and reparative ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formula, says Dr. Ejikeme.
Scale back
“If purging becomes bothersome, cut back on your active ingredients to every other night until things calm down,” says Dr. Bunting. “Add anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide to soothe the skin, and always pair your actives with a barrier-repairing moisturizer.” Her personal go-to combo is a retinoid and azelaic acid serum, followed by a niacinamide and bakuchiol serum. Together, she says, they help clear pores while keeping skin calm and supported.
Be gentle
“It’s important not to be aggressive when you see purging. It can be part of the process for getting the best results for your skin,” says Dr. Ejikeme. “When it happens, treat your skin gently. Don’t try to pick or over-exfoliate the bumps, because that can actually make things worse.” Instead, look at the products you’re using and slow down on anything that makes your skin feel dry or tight—like strong acids or potent retinoids.
Prioritize moisture
Then, focus on hydrating your skin with a gentle cleanser, such as CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, along with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Treatments like LED light can also help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
Can you prevent skin purging or skin reactions?
Yes, there are ways to avoid the dreaded skin purge. Dr. Du-Harpur recommends starting a treatment product slowly, or choosing a gentler option to begin with.
“For example, when introducing an exfoliant, you can use ‘short contact therapy’ instead of a leave-on liquid.” This means using a wash-off product, like a cleanser, and leaving it on your skin for a couple of minutes to allow more active ingredients to penetrate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about A Doctors Guide to Skin Purging What to Do and What to Avoid written in a natural conversational tone
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly is skin purging
Its a temporary reaction where your skin gets worse before it gets better It happens when active ingredients speed up your skins natural cell turnover pushing out clogged pores and congestion to the surface faster than usual
2 How is purging different from a regular breakout
Purging happens only in areas where you already get breakouts or have clogged pores Breakouts can pop up anywhere Also purging pimples tend to be small uniform and heal quickly while regular acne is more inflamed and unpredictable
3 How long does skin purging usually last
For most people it lasts about 4 to 6 weeks It can be shorter if your skin adjusts quickly or longer if youre using a strong active like prescription retinoids
4 Which ingredients are most likely to cause purging
Common culprits include retinoids chemical exfoliants and highconcentration vitamin C serums Benzoyl peroxide can also cause purging in some people
5 Should I stop using the product if I start purging
Not necessarily Purging is a normal sign the product is working Unless the reaction is extremely painful swollen or causing deep cysts the doctor recommends sticking with it Stopping resets the clock and youll have to go through the process again later
Intermediate Questions
6 What should I do to make purging less painful or irritated
Cut back frequency If youre using a strong retinol daily drop to every other night
Moisturize heavily Use a gentle fragrancefree moisturizer before and after your active ingredient
Use a barrier repair cream Look for ingredients like ceramides niacinamide or panthenol