Some ingredients can make your skin worse before it gets better. If you’re using a new product, here’s how to tell the difference between purging versus another breakout.

“One of the best ways to know if it’s skin purging or a breakout is to note if you’ve started using a new skin care product,” says Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami.

A purge is just a rapid breakout that can occur all over the face. (But not always — mine was confined to the left side, as that has always been a problem area for me).

It might be purging, not a breakout. Here is a complete guide on how to tell the difference and care for your skin. Written by: Areeba Shakeb; Updated at: Mar 08, 2025 10:53 IST. SHARE; ...

That said, it’s important to differentiate between a purge and a new, unrelated breakout. “A purge generally happens shortly after introducing a new acne ingredient, while a new breakout may ...

Dermatologists on what skin purging is, what causes it, and the difference between skin purging and breaking out. Everything You Need to Know About Skin Purging, According to Dermatologists Skip ...

The good news about skin purging is that it’s temporary, the side effects are shorter than your standard breakout, and it’s ultimately a sign that the products you just introduced to your face ...

They’re also designed to reduce bacteria, swelling, and redness on the skin while the breakout heals. Skin purging is the result of a reaction to specific acne-fighting ingredients, such as: ...

Here's how to tell the difference between purging and breakouts. Skip to main content. Sign in. Mail. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ...