If you've recently changed your skincare routine and are experiencing what appears to be a breakout, you might be a little worried. Great skincare should prevent, not cause breakouts. You may also have heard that what appears to be a breakout is a typical reaction known as purging and that you should stick with your existing skincare routine.
Understanding the difference between skin purging vs breakout is crucial for effective skincare. Purging and breakouts can seem very similar, so it's crucial to understand how to tell the difference. Purging shows that your skincare is effective, however, breakouts show that you are using the wrong products.
Purging vs Breakout: Know The Difference
Purging is the outcome of your skincare products doing what they were meant to do, causing impurities to rise to the surface quickly. In contrast, breakouts are typically caused by clogged pores, bacteria, and excess oil. Differentiating between purging vs breakouts is key to treating your skin appropriately.
What Happens When Your Skin Is Purging?
Skincare products help clear dead skin cells and debris from the pores. As they work, you may notice dirt from your pores trying to get out through the surface of your skin. You may notice dry or flaky patches peeling off regions of your skin that were previously severely parched.
Skin purging may not be visually pleasant, but it is a good sign. It indicates that your skin is returning to its natural balance. As the purging phase concludes, your skin will be in better shape than it was before you started your new skincare regimen.
What Happens When You Break Out?
Breakouts signal that something is wrong with your skin. You might get pimples with white heads, pimples that look like red swollen lumps, or blackheads. Breakouts can be caused by a buildup of debris under your skin, a high level of bad bacteria on the skin's surface, an excess of natural oil production, or even an imbalance in your body's hormones.
Breakouts may happen after introducing a new product into your routine, especially if the product contains unfamiliar or irritating compounds such as synthetic fragrances. Many people find that makeup is often the source of their breakouts, especially if they don't fully wipe it off at the end of the day.
How To Tell The Difference Between Skin Purging And Breaking Out
Purging and breakouts could seem very similar. Consider how your skin normally behaves and pay attention to what it is trying to tell you. Context might provide all the clues you need to find the answer.
What Area Is Affected?
With skin purging, blemishes appear in areas where you normally experience acne. Your skincare may be bringing it to the surface, leaving your skin clean and clear after the purging phase is complete. Purging does not cause new issue areas to pop up.
Breakouts, however, can occur in new areas not previously prone to pimples. If you're noticing what appears to be a breakout on areas of your face where you don't usually break out, you may be having a bad reaction to your skincare products.
If you are having a bad reaction, stop using your new skincare products immediately.
How Severe Is The Situation?
Purging is typically less severe than breakouts. Spots are smaller. They rarely ooze, unlike a breakout. Most purging seems to be slight irritation and is not evident from a distance. The severity and type of acne can help differentiate between a skin purge vs a breakout.
Is It Getting Better Or Worse?
Purging will naturally clean up. A few days after it appears, you should see signs that it is on its way out. Breakouts, however, may persist. They typically worsen until treated appropriately with at-home acne treatment products or by a dermatologist. Monitoring the progression of your skin can help identify whether it’s a case of purging vs breaking out.
How To Care For Skin During A Purging Phase
- Introduce Products Gradually: Start with a lower frequency and gradually increase usage to allow your skin to adjust.
- Hydrate: Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to support your skin’s barrier function. Opt for something lightweight instead, like our Anti-Aging Cream Moisturizer for Wrinkles. Our anti-aging cream is enriched with unique algae, hyaluronic acid, and olive oil, providing hydration without clogging pores.
- Avoid Picking: Picking at purging pimples can lead to scarring and prolonged healing.
- Stay Consistent: Stick to your skincare routine order and give your skin time to adapt.
It takes your skin about a month to adjust to a new skincare routine. Wait it out. By the end of that time, your skin will have removed all of its old cells and got rid of any debris that had become stuck in your pores. If you stick to your skincare program, the period will not repeat itself. Your skin will continue to improve over time while maintaining a healthy balance.
How To Care For Skin During A Breakout
- Cleanse Gently: Use a mild cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria without stripping your skin.
- Spot Treatments: Apply spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target breakouts.
- Non-Comedogenic Products: Ensure your skincare and makeup products are non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and potential prescription treatments.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between skin purging vs breakouts is essential for managing your skin effectively. By identifying whether your skin is purging or breaking out, you can tailor your skincare routine to address the specific needs of your skin, leading to a healthier complexion.
