Purging vs Breakout vs Irritation | What Skin Purging Looks Like

Purging vs breakout. Is my skin PURGING or BREAKING OUT? How to tell skin purging or breakout. Am I purging or breaking out? Acne purging EXPLAINED.
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Watch My Video: Purging with Differin
➡️ • Differin Purge | Skin ...
Timestamps | Chapters
00:00 - Intro
1:02 - What's the difference?
2:58 - What are the clues?
4:37 - How to Succeed?
Purging vs Breakout
Skin purging can happen with ingredients that increase cell turnover. These include your AHAs, retinoids like differin, retinol and tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, and certain exfoliants. You definitely want to know how to tell the difference between skin purging vs breakouts as it could save your skin from a lot of unnecessary trial and error.
Is my skin purging?
To understand the difference between purging and plain old breakouts, we need to understand how they happen. For an easy example well start off with a pimple. To understand the difference between purging and plain old breakouts, we need to understand how they happen. Pimples occur when a pore becomes clogged, usually by skin cells that wont detach and get wont come to the surface properly, forming whats called a microcomedone. Microcomedones aren’t visible at the surface of the skin. But sometimes they can develop to what we refer to as, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. Which can go away on their own, and for them to appear, it usually takes them about 8 weeks for a microcomedone to show up.
What causes skin purging retinol
Purging happens when your product your using, lets say retinol, speeds up this 8 week process of skin shedding and replacing, which then accelerates the microcomedones to form whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts at a faster speed. But as the product starts to work, less microcomedones form, and your skin should become clearer than when you first started out.
Am I purging or breaking out? What is the difference between acne purging and breakout
The first one is: Location. With acne purging, the breakouts are happening in areas where you normally frequently break out and in a reactive breakout, the breakout happens in a completely new area where you don’t break out.
Second is: Timing. With purging, your pimples are going to disappear faster than normal, because of all the cell turnover happening. But if a reactive breakout, the timing typically takes 8 to 10 days to appear and go away and sometimes months.
Third one is: Feeling. With purging, your skin is going to feel more tender, but with a reactive breakout, your skin feels more swollen and painful to touch. And this is because with purging, you typically get more dry, flaky skin that you can tell is peeling, but with a reaction, you can get more nodules and cysts, which if youve never got them before, it may be time to look for a new product.
Is it purging or breaking out?
There’s a small chance that your skin will get used to the product over time, but most of the time you’ll just cause further damage if you dont stop in time, but if you decide on stopping, make sure you do you due diligence to identify skin purging vs a reactionary breakout, because you dont want to stop whats already working.
What to do pimple purging
Now lets get into my 3 tips around the purge, and if you havent seen my video yet on how to prevent the purge and possibly bypass it, then youll want to first start there.
The first tip I have is if youre already purging, is Keep yourself hydrated, make sure you getting in your vitamins and minerals like magnesium and zinc. This potentially can help your skin heal faster.
Second tip: Sunscreen. If you already use an spf of 30, increase it to 50. An SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through. That doesnt seem like a big deal until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.
Third tip. Go through your list of products you use and its ingredients and make sure they are all non-comedogenic. Which means they wont clog your pores. Anything that disrupts the sebum outflow on our skin can lead to the formation of whiteheads, and you wont believe how many ingredients are comedogenic. Not saying there bad, but maybe its not there right time.
This is how you can tell between breaking out or purging.
DISCLAIMER:
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Dr. Arsalan Aspires has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
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#skinpurging

[@ArsalanAspires]

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[@Muerte-Blanca]

Watching this at 1 AM praying to god that this purging, due to salicylic acid (Paola’s choice) goes away

[@MathiasHuu]

any updates?

[@liakotalikhan3508]

Update

[@Muerte-Blanca]

@@liakotalikhan3508 Well it went well at first and thankfully didn’t do much to my skin but I started just recently to get closed comedones, which I recommend azelaic acid

[@sudheer-oi8bs]

Hey any update??

[@Brajadelatribudeephraine]

I like the way you explained everything so clear. Thanks for sharing

[@ArsalanAspires]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for being here.

[@da-eu]

Thank you Dr. Arsalan for this information. Now I know the great details in regards to this:)

[@ArsalanAspires]

Happy to hear Maria. Hope you are well! :)

[@shahniemadi610]

Great information thanks 👍👍👍💜

[@dumebimmakamma8762]

I love how you speak, so calm. I just want to listen to you over and over again 😅

[@ArsalanAspires]

Thanks Dumebi! I love your name. Where is it from?

[@dumebimmakamma8762]

@@ArsalanAspires I’m flattered ☺️ thank you. The full name is chidumebi and it’s an igbo name from Nigeria . It means “God lives with me “ the chi means God . I bet it would be a disaster for your to pronounce 😂

[@SarahEve97]

​@@dumebimmakamma8762ugly name

[@313heros]

Thanks for revisiting this.

[@ArsalanAspires]

Any time!

[@haleyeliza5978]

Very helpful!! I think I’m experiencing a purge because the quick turnover and localization of spots. It was just hard to tell because my skin has been reacting for 4 months and I thought the purge would be over. Thanks!!

[@Jl-eq5pb]

thanks so much for the video! I’m changing my regimen cycle from tretinoin + hydroquinone to 1% retinol night cream.. in the morning I put 2% niacinamide.. after a week I start to see the purge, honestly, it is so desperate but having you explain what looks like reslly help and calm me so much. thanks dok n have a great day!

[@user-cn7pw8on6x]

2% niacinamide?. Please recommend a product with that percentage🙏. Did it make you breakout? I mean the niacinamide?.

[@Coco-im5ln]

Thank you for this. I thought it was purging, but it's definitely reactive. I never had cystic acne in my life, and now I have cystic ance, and it won't go away unless i completely stop the Retin A

[@nanar__]

I am a silent watcher! Thanks for ur great explanation🙏🏻Meanwhile, I still in doubt is Adapalene can get rid of micro comedone? I am on my third weeks, hard to tell am I seeing any improvement yet but what I can noticing is my microcomedone still appearing all over my cheek and chin😭. Should I give up or continue?

[@anujaadwitiyam]

Hey doc, I see you have mentioned that benzoyl peroxide causes purging, my question is that i m currently using Benzac AC 2.5% gel during night(exactly the way you taught) and i was wondering if you could just confirm that my skin is breaking out every morning mostly at the places where I normally break out is actually PURGING. Also, if I stop using it for few days(as I have an event coming up) will the purging stop as well?

[@ggghhhhg9797]

Any updates mate ?

[@ghanaianqueen7891]

Im on Day 7 today of epiduo - my acne on my cheeks where i usually break out definitely has gotten worst starting day 3. I did notice that those pimples that came up were the ones under my skin so i know the medicine is doing its job - also the skin surrounding those pimples that were textured is smoother so i know once i past the purge my face is going to be way smoother then when i started ! Woot woot!

[@ArsalanAspires]

All great signs! 😃

[@ghanaianqueen7891]

Update : 3 months later my skin is as smooth as baby skin!! My purge lasted for 8 whole weeks (2 months) once i got to week 9 my face stayed clear . I am now finishing up week 12 and i have no texture on my skin just dealing with the hyperpigmentation now

[@ArsalanAspires]

Thanks for the update! I’m happy to hear there was some progress!

[@faridadanmaliki]

​@@ArsalanAspires please sir I want show you something, because I'm so confused if I'm purging or breakout or reaction, as I use many things at same time, please how will I know??

[@jayeshaw5705]

​@faridadanmaliki you need to dial back when using a retinoid or any actives. I would suggest just a gentle face wash, moisturizer , and a retinoid. Then once your face stabilizes and things improve can reintroduce other actives

[@Krysslander]

I'm still uncertain on what I have, it has been 4.5 weeks since I started using salicylic acid facewash. Right now I have a lot of whiteheads/blackheads and pimples popping up on the first 3 weeks it was not so much but this 4th week is the most visible, too much even. My skin does not feel pain at all despite having quite a lot of pimples, and its feels a little dry despite the facewash being none drying in combination with my aloe moisturizer.

[@beenavenugopal9467]

Thanks much for the detailed information. It covers lots of basic information 👍🏻😊 I started my skin care routine a month ago. My skin care routine is something like this. Morning Routine: 1. Face wash 2. Vitamin C 3. Hyalironic acid 4. Moisturiser 5. Sunscreen Night Routine: 1. Face wash 2. 5 days Niacinamide and 2 days Retinol (Monday and Thursday) a week. 3. Moisturiser Initially I felt okay. There was no much difference. But after 2 weeks of skin care routine my skin started turning darker. Now I don’t know is this called as skin purging. I don’t have any irritation , no acnes, no red bumps , no dryness. It’s just dark skin. So can you please suggest me what is this ? And is it because of any particular products? Or is this normal to happen when a skin care routine is started ? Thanks much in advance 💐

[@hadanuada8871]

how long to wait to consider is the product actually good or bad for our skin?

[@lunalunna4018]

Hi, I really need some advice. about 8 weeks ago I tried a serum with aha bha, I think I only used it 2 times and from then on I started to have an explosion of pimples on my forehead, cheeks, chin, which pass in a few days but leave behind red spots that do not heal. I also have closed comedones... I haven't used the serum at all to see how the skin reacts. Do you think I should have continued using it if what I have was purging?

[@Candyrock15]

Hi Doctor, this is a great video. I believe I may be experiencing a purge right now after recently starting a 2% salycylic acne face wash. The spots are coming up fast, usually coming to a head within about a day, and then quickly going down. One thing that concerns me though, is that I primarily started using the product to clear the congestion and closed comedones on my forehead, but I'm mainly seeing breakouts in my lower face, and even my nose. It's not like I never breakout in these places, but it's much less frequent. Should I be concerned..? Part of me wants to push through because I can see these spots are clearing up fast, but part of me is also worried that I'm just causing unnecessary damage to my skin. I'm thinking of using the product for 4 weeks, and if my skin is not clear by then, I'm tossing it out.

[@Straw341]

How's your skin now

[@loulou2714]

any update?

[@mala-ro7wf]

Update pls?

[@user-hm2rf5ks2p]

Any update pls

[@ruza3732]

Hi! I an getting same right now. Do you have any update. I am really stressed out

[@user-cn7pw8on6x]

I am using tretinoin 0.05 right now, let's say almost three months now but I have some breakouts on my face that are both painful and itchy to touch. Also, my forehead and the part close to my ears are dark. I don't know what to do. Should I continue the tretinoin or introduce a product to aid the tretinoin. Lastly, do I need to use a sunscreen even if I am at home throughout? I will be so glad if I can get an answer😢

[@mjdy1126]

Any update?

[@Lynda_NicAirt]

I’m fairly certain I’m experiencing a purge from Epiduo (they are literally popping up over night, way too fast to be a normal spot) but they are all pustules and cysts and you mentioned those are not signs of a purge. So what does this mean? Am I purging or not?

[@user-cn7pw8on6x]

Mine also appears overnight. BOOM!!! All over my face in the morning 😭😭

[@Straw341]

​@@user-cn7pw8on6xme too

[@saharvarona]

Can purging happen after taking collagen powder?

[@ashleygeorgiou4046]

I just started using tretinoin and got a nodule on my chin which is where i normally break out so i thought that was normal purging. It has also escalated quickly. But since it hurts to the touch I wonder if it’s a reaction instead of a purge? I’m still going to continue using it because I think it is a normal purge. Any guidance ?

[@CasualCat64]

Yolo

[@gameshub9313]

Im using Salaic acid Face wash im notice New pimple and my Complexion is Geting dark is it Purging Should i Continue Plz Tell Someone?

[@thequeenofcats005]

Im using a topical medication that contains clindamycin and tretinoin (dermatologist prescribed for acne) i also have seb dermatitis( undercontrol) and after using my med for acne i have too much irritation redness and tightness around the mouth and some red lightly flaky skin here and there where i apply medicine.I dont know if medication is working or im just irritated :(

[@numbgal101]

Just started using the new (at least in my country) cerave gel for acne with the cleanser and in 3 days my skin looks worse lol, gonna be patient i guess

[@Na-wg9jr]

can I get an update?

[@noriemacatangay3562]

what happened now?

[@kddalivest2340]

Cerave broke me out too, I used the cream to foam hydrating cleanser

[@BabaBoy42o]

What if i break out everywhere so how do I know if it’s purging or breaking out

[@biancabatryn7926]

I have had cystic/hormonal acne my whole life. Back in March I started Arazlo. My doctor advised me to not moisturize while using arazlo, as he said that the moisturizer can further clong pores but I had to start moisturizering during the day as my skin was so dry and flakey. I am getting a cluster of pustules all in one area chin/jaw, which is where I normally breakout, but its still flaring up and its almost July. The rest of my skin looks great. Its definitley not as bad as it was in the first couple months but I am finding myself getting frustrated, do I stick it out? I have read it can take more than 3 months to see complete results. Is it normal to still be getting clusters of breakouts after 3 months? Please help 😢

[@mwbjsadler]

Where can you get the Tretinoin without having to make a appt with a Derm, waiting months to get an appt, and then finding they won't order it. My pcp won't order it either. It frustrates me. Very strict in Massachusetts. Not sure why. It seems like no one else is having this problem getting the Tretinoin. Anywhere online I can buy it. Your help would truly be appreciated. I am 64 and looking to use it in your suggested skin regime. I always have just used a cleaner and moisturizer. Neutrogena cleanser and moisturizer. But I lately notice I am getting some wrinkles and need help. I also have been getting clogged pores on my eyes and dark circles. Can you suggest any treatment for that as well. Great tutorial, so informative.Very calm presentation. Make it seem if used correctly and consistently, it can help you. I am hooked. Sorry for all the questions but I am brand new to your site. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you, Barbara S.

[@someonerandom256]

Try Adapalene if you haven't! A very effective product similar to Tretinoin in many ways. It used to be prescription only, but now you can get the weaker strength OTC. It's like $12 for a months supply. It clinically has very similar results to tretinoin, with less irritation. It's more or less touted as an acne remedy, but is very similar to tretinoin. I used it for my acne for three years and noticed a lot of improvement in line lines and wrinkles as well(I'm 40 and grew up in sunny climates)! I switched to tretinoin a few months ago, because I started breaking out again and wanted something a little stronger, but I still think that Adapalene is a fantastic product for anti-aging and about as good as you can get OTC in America. I personally reccomend applying moisturizer first to minimize irritation if you think that might be an issue for you.

[@ReikiontheRun]

Take a little vacation to Mexico and stock up on a few tubes.

[@secrated]

I used the cerave foam cleanser, just twice morning and evening, and my pimples have gotten worse, new pimples started growing almost immediately after i washed my face :(

[@AHaffejee]

Use a gentle face wash hydro boost neutrogena

[@dangdan7807]

Can i change retinol product while i'm purging

[@uwagboejuanian1668]

I recently tried cosrx low pH good morning cleanser, I can't even tell if my skin is purging or reacting to it but I do have nodules and cysts coming up...my face was better before I tried getting into skincare but now its filled with spots and painful cysts😭...I just want a normal face cleanser/wash to start

[@bell4898]

Hi, not sure if you figured it out yet but your skin is definitely having a negative reaction to the cleanser. It’s not purging because the cleanser would have to have an active ingredient that speeds up the skins cell turnover like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or a retinol.

[@dontknow7127]

Omg at first I thought it was my cerave sa lotion that was making me purge but I've used it before and I never had any problems. I also used the cleanser and my skin has gotten worst

[@lisal29]

I broke out from using that face wash too, try Cleure face wash, it's a cleanse lotion because I have very sensitive skin

[@sambibby7763]

It can cause breakouts because that cleanser have BHA

[@neenamanik3857]

I on week 4 with epiduo and with some oral medicine as well I got lots of whitehead pimples 😢 should I wait more for this medicine work or I should contact my gp

[@tobajaved1145]

what did u,how's ur skin now.i am going through same situation

[@lovesweety9908]

Hey by vitamin c can i have purge ?

[@akkuchickoo]

Yes vit c increase celll turnover hence cause purging. However not every skin purges.

[@elcheapo9444]

My face looks oily - almost like it is wet. I have been using tretinoin for 4 months now.

[@ArsalanAspires]

Use mattifying primers or moisturizers that contain oil-absorbing ingredients like silica or clay to control shine throughout the day. Also, you can consider mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to contribute to oiliness.

[@elcheapo9444]

@@ArsalanAspires Thanks Doc !! 🙏🏼

[@almaas5611]

I'm using adapalene and getting more acne idk if it's purging or breakouts 😢

[@EL1TE2]

Has it gone better

[@devinathakur3405]

do do your due diligence.

[@celineboonex]

Can I purge from niacinamide & peptides?

[@ArsalanAspires]

Hey, thanks for your question! Niacinamide and peptides do not increase cell turnover, therefore purging is not likely. Subscribe to stay up to date with new weekly videos. :)

[@celesteperez6103]

I am using ponds miccelar water ditoxing charcoal and I have pimples I didn't know if it's purge or something

[@Dakshdeepa-]

HaA pure serum and adrito night serum and ray protect fluid cause pimples why

[@ColdSaturday]

This didnt help really. It’s too hard to tell.

[@nezanimate8070]

3:19 i dont understand this... is it purging or not?

[@thenopedetective]

He's saying if the acne is in your normal places it's more likely to be purging. If it's in new locations where you don't normally get acne it's more likely it's just a breakout.

[@NchangwiJudith]

I had purging , that period was painful now breakouts, my stretch marks are peeling and it’s really red , I don’t even know how to stop the redness because I can literally see my flesh

[@dinosemr8141]

❤️💖❤️💖🙏💖❤️💖❤️💖

[@draal420]

none if this stuff works, this is BS

[@rubina14]

Being new user of tretenoin i started getting dark patches on my face do i need to stop using it.

[@noriemacatangay3562]

what happened now?

[@PandorasPalette]

How did you use the tretnoin ? Every night or ?