Purging and an acne breakout are two different skin reactions, often confused with each other, that can occur when using certain skincare products or undergoing certain treatments. Here are the key differences between them:
Purging:
Purging is a temporary worsening of your skin condition that can occur when you start using certain skincare products or treatments, such as chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs), retinoids, or acne medications.
It happens because these products increase skin cell turnover, which can bring pre-existing clogged pores and acne lesions to the surface more quickly than they would naturally.
Purging typically occurs within the first few weeks (usually 4-6 weeks) of starting a new product or treatment. It should gradually improve as your skin adjusts to the product and clears out the existing impurities.
The types of blemishes that occur during purging are often similar to what you would typically experience with acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, and small pustules.
Acne Breakout:
An acne breakout is a sudden and often unexpected increase in the number and severity of acne lesions on the skin. It can happen for various reasons, including hormonal changes, dietary factors, stress, and genetics.
Acne breakouts can include a variety of blemishes, such as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, and cysts.
Unlike purging, acne breakouts are not linked to the use of specific skincare products or treatments. They can occur at any time and are not related to the introduction of new products into your routine.
In summary, the main difference between purging and an acne breakout is the cause. Purging is a temporary worsening of the skin that occurs as a result of using certain skincare products or treatments, whereas an acne breakout can happen for a variety of reasons unrelated to product use. It’s essential to distinguish between the two to determine whether a new skincare product is causing a purge or if you are experiencing a separate acne breakout
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