Is it Purging or a Breakout? How to Tell the Difference
You’ve just started a new skincare routine or had your first professional treatment… and suddenly, your skin is breaking out. Is this normal? Or is something wrong?
At Platinum Cosmetics, this is one of the most common concerns we hear. The answer usually comes down to whether your skin is purging or reacting with a true breakout. Let’s unpack the difference.
What is skin purging?
Skin purging is a temporary breakout that can happen when active ingredients or treatments increase your skin’s cell turnover. It’s a frustrating but sometimes necessary step toward clearer skin.
Products and treatments that may cause purging include:
Retinoids like retinal or retinol
Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs
Certain professional facials or peels
Laser treatments, like our Fotona Laser options
These treatments encourage your skin to renew itself more quickly — which means any congestion under the surface (like blackheads or microcomedones) may rise to the surface all at once. It can look like a breakout, but it’s actually your skin doing its job.
How to tell the difference between purging and a true breakout
While they can look similar at first, there are key differences between the two:
Purging:
Usually starts within a few days of beginning a new product or treatment
Appears in areas where you typically get breakouts
Clears up within 4 to 6 weeks
Is often followed by noticeable improvement in skin texture and clarity
Breakouts or reactions:
Can appear suddenly, even weeks after starting something new
Often show up in areas where you don’t normally break out
May be accompanied by irritation, dryness, or stinging
Tend to persist or worsen unless the product is removed
If you’re noticing widespread inflammation, cystic acne in new areas, or your skin feels irritated or tight — you may be experiencing a reaction, not a purge.
What to do if your skin is purging
If it’s a true purge, don’t give up just yet. Here’s how to support your skin:
Reduce frequency of actives — try every second or third night
Stick to a simple routine with no new products
Use a gentle cleanser and barrier-repair moisturiser
Keep up your SPF every day
Avoid scrubs, harsh exfoliants, or extra treatments
You might also benefit from a hydrating facial to calm the skin and support healing.
Still unsure? Let’s take a look together
Skin purging can be tricky to manage alone. That’s why our clinicians are here to help you identify what’s going on, adjust your routine, and get you back on track.
Book a consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic and let’s make sense of your skin together — no guessing, no pressure, just honest advice.