Skin purging and how to manage it with the right skincare routine
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Published: May 2025
If you’ve just started using new skincare products and noticed blemishes, don’t worry! This temporary breakout could be a sign of skin purging.
While breakouts can sometimes mean a product isn’t right for your skin, in many cases, blackheads or bumps may be part of the purging process, meaning smoother, clearer skin could be just around the corner.
In this article we will explain what skin purging is, how it differs from regular breakouts, what causes it, and how to minimise and manage it effectively.
What is skin purging?
Skin purging is a temporary phase that occurs when breakouts appear after starting a new skincare product, especially those containing active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids (AHA or BHA). These ingredients speed up your skin’s natural cell regeneration, helping new, healthy skin cells reach the surface more quickly.
The skin purging process brings old, dead skin cells and impurities, such as excess oil and dirt, to the surface, which can temporarily clog pores and trigger breakouts.
What does skin purging look like?
Skin purging is a common condition where your skin may go through a process on its way to becoming clearer and healthier.
As a result of skin purging, you may notice more spots, blackheads, whiteheads, microcomedones, or clogged pores in areas where you usually experience breakouts. Unlike regular breakouts, purging tends to clear up more quickly, usually within a few weeks of starting the new skincare product.
While it may seem like your skin is getting worse, purging is a sign that your skincare products are working effectively. They’re helping to clear out the buildup that would have eventually caused breakouts over a longer period. Think of it as your skin hitting fast-forward on its journey to becoming clearer and healthier.
Skin purging vs breakouts
It can be difficult to tell if a person has regular breakouts or skin purging from the appearance alone. In most cases, we can differentiate them based on these symptoms:
Location: Where does skin purging typically occur?
Skin purging can appear in areas that are more prone to acne, or in the specific areas where the skincare product was applied. This is because the active ingredients in skincare products can cause pre-existing comedones (tiny, imperceptible blemishes) to appear on the surface more quickly.
Whereas breakouts can occur anywhere on your body, even in areas that aren’t typically prone to acne. They may appear in new or random spots without any obvious reason.
Duration: How long does skin purging last?
One of the most important differences between skin purging and breakouts is their duration. Since purging happens as your skin adjusts, it shouldn’t last longer than your skin’s natural renewal cycle.
Purging typically lasts between four to six weeks after starting a new skincare product with the active ingredient.
Breakouts, on the other hand, can persist even after you stop using the product. They may continue to appear and take longer to improve, especially if the underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or poor skincare routine, aren’t addressed.
Difference: How to identify the appearance of skin purging vs breakouts
The appearance of skin purging and breakouts can seem similar at first, but there are key differences. Skin purging typically involves small spots, whiteheads, blackheads, or clogged pores in areas where you usually get blemishes.
In contrast, breakouts appear anywhere on your face, even in areas that aren’t typically acne-prone. These may include inflamed pimples, cystic spots, or random blemishes that don’t follow a predictable pattern. Discover more about effective treatments for acne.
What causes skin purging?
Skin purging may be a sign that the active ingredients are working.
The main cause of skin purging is the active ingredients found in certain skincare products, such as exfoliants or retinoids. These ingredients help your skin shed dead cells more quickly, thereby accelerating the process of skin renewal.
Common ingredients that can cause skin purging include:
These ingredients work by accelerating skin cell turnover, thereby bringing impurities to the surface. By dissolving the bonds that hold older skin cells on the surface, these ingredients help reveal fresher, smoother skin. However, those dead cells can sometimes clog your pores, leading to skin purging.
If your products don’t contain these ingredients, what you’re experiencing might just be a regular breakout. This could happen if you’re using a formula that’s too heavy, combining too many products at once, or reacting to a fragrance or other irritants in the product. Speak to a dermatologist for further advice if you’re unsure what may be causing your skin purging.
How to minimise and manage skin purging
Experiencing a skin purge can be frustrating, but it’s essential to stick to your skincare routine and maintain consistency. Using the right products for your skin type can help soothe irritation, support skin recovery, and minimise the effects of purging.
Here are some simple steps to help manage and reduce skin purging:
Introduce exfoliants slowly
If you’re experiencing a skin purge, it’s essential to be patient and proceed slowly. Start by applying a product once or twice a week, then gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. This gives your skin time to adjust and helps minimise irritation or excessive purging.
Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL exfoliation products contain proven active ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Licochalcone A, and Lactic Acid. When introduced gradually, they help reduce post-acne marks and prevent future blemishes, leading to smoother, clearer-looking skin over time. Learn more about the proper steps to exfoliate your skin.
Avoid harsh or abrasive cleansers that can strip your skin of moisture. A mild, hydrating cleanser removes dirt, oil, and impurities effectively, without disrupting the skin barrier.
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential, even during a purge. Use non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturisers to help maintain the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Hydra Repair Soothing Cream is ideal for use during skin purging, as it contains Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, SymSitive*, and Licochalcone A to calm irritation and reduce redness. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula helps restore comfort to skin that may feel dry, tight or sensitive due to active ingredients.
Protecting your skin from UV damage is especially important when using exfoliants or active ingredients, as your skin becomes more sensitive during the purging process.
Sun exposure can also worsen post-acne marks or hyperpigmentation by triggering the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent sunburn and hyperpigmentation after skin purging.
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF 50+ 50ml is a non-greasy sunscreen that utilises Advanced Spectral Technology and HEVIS light defence for very high UV protection. This sunscreen offers all-day protection for oily and acne-prone skin from sun-induced skin damage. Suitable for dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. You can learn more about the best sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin.
Your skincare routine is only one part of the picture; a balanced lifestyle also plays an important role. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary and processed foods, drink enough water, prioritise good sleep, and find ways to reduce stress—all of which support healthy skin from within.
See a dermatologist
If purging lasts longer than six weeks or worsens over time, it's best to consult a dermatologist. They can help determine whether you're experiencing a purge or a breakout and recommend the best treatment options for your skin. Learn more about when to see a doctor about your breakout.
When should you stop using the active ingredients when purging?
You should consider stopping or pausing the use of exfoliating products during skin purging if you notice any of the following signs:
Purging lasts longer than 6 weeks: skin purging typically clears up within 4 to 6 weeks. If breakouts continue beyond that, it may no longer be purging–you could be reacting to the product instead.
Breakouts appear in new areas: purging typically occurs in areas where you usually get blemishes. If you’re breaking out in new or unusual areas, it may be a sign of irritation or incompatibility with the product.
Excessive dryness, tightness, and flakiness are signs of over-exfoliation and barrier damage. Stop using the product and let your skin recover.
Skin feels burning, itchy, and painful, with stinging sensations: Overusing exfoliants can weaken your skin barrier, leading to irritation, burning, or even inflammation. If your skin feels raw or painful, stop use and switch to soothing products.
Yes, skin purging can be good for your skin because it’s a sign that exfoliating products with active ingredients are working. Ingredients like Glycolic Acid or Salicylic Acid speed up the skin’s regeneration process, helping it shed dirt and dead skin cells that clog pores more efficiently. As a result, purging can lead to clearer, smoother skin more quickly.
Once the purge is over (usually within 4–6 weeks), many people see fewer breakouts, a smoother texture, and a more even tone. It also helps prevent future breakouts by bringing underlying congestion, such as microcomedones, clogged pores, or small bumps, to the surface more quickly.
During skin purging, your skin is at its most vulnerable. However, a consistent skincare routine with gentle products can help soothe and support your skin over time. Here are some steps that may help calm purging skin:
Keep your routine simple and gentle: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleansing gel, such as Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Intense Correcting Cleansing Gel, along with a nourishing moisturiser to maintain hydration and support your skin barrier. Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Hydra Repair Soothing Cream is ideal during purging, as it contains Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, along with SymSitive and Licochalcone A to reduce redness and calm irritation.
Always wear sunscreen: Sun protection is essential, especially when using exfoliants or retinoids. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 and reapply regularly when outdoors.
Adjust active ingredients if needed: If purging feels too intense, reduce the frequency of active ingredient use—try every other day or even twice a week. This gives your skin more time to adjust without becoming overwhelmed.
When your skin is purging, it’s important to avoid anything that could further irritate or damage it, as your skin will be at its most sensitive. Here are the key things to avoid during purging:
Don’t stop using the active ingredients too soon, unless your skin is experiencing severe irritation.
Don’t overuse active ingredients – using them excessively can exacerbate inflammation.
Avoid picking or squeezing spots, as this can increase the risk of scarring and prolong the healing time.
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