08 May Difference Between Acne and Purging

Difference Between Acne and Purging

Like most people, you have probably struggled with acne at some point in your lifetime. You may have noticed that after using certain products, your skin seems to push even more acne to the forefront. This phenomenon is called “purging.” So, what is the difference between acne and purging?  In this blog post, we will examine the difference between acne and purging to help you better navigate what you need to do to help with your acne.  Acne breakouts and purges are two different types of skin reactions that can be confusing to differentiate. Here are some key difference between acne and purging:

Acne Breakout:

An acne breakout is a sudden appearance of acne, pimples, or blackheads on the skin. Acne breakouts can occur due to a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, genetics, diet, or even oily skin. An acne breakout can occur at any time and can affect any part of the body. The most common places on the body to squire acne are the face and back. This is partly due to excessive oil and acne-causing bacteria found in those regions. 

Purge:

A purge, on the other hand, is a common reaction to certain skincare products that contain active ingredients such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid and lactic acid), or beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid). These ingredients work by increasing cell turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells, which can initially cause a temporary increase in bumps on the face. The increased cell turnover tends to bring things to the surface. The purge period can last 1 to 4 weeks, after which the skin should start to improve. Most purges last 3-7 days. 

To differentiate between an acne breakout and skin purging, it’s important to consider the timing and location of the pimples or blemishes.

 Acne breakouts can occur at any time and in any area of the skin, while skin purging is typically confined to the areas where the skin care product was applied. Hence why many people experience a purge on their faces. Additionally, if you experience a breakout after using a new skincare product that doesn’t contain any of the active ingredients mentioned above, it’s likely that the bumps are not caused by skin purging but rather a reaction to the product. Allergic reactions appear like pinpoint bumps, and they’re itchy. In lighter skin people, allergic reactions can appear reddened. In darker skin people, the allergic reaction can appear violet-colored or gray.

Still unsure if its Acne or Purging

In summary, an acne breakout can develop due to various reasons, while a purge is a temporary eruption of pinpoint bumps,  caused by the use of certain skincare products/ ingredients. If you are unsure whether your skin is experiencing an acne breakout or a purge, it is best to consult with a dermatologist, skincare professional, or doctor.

To schedule an online or in-person consultation, go to click here or www.serenityawmedspa.com or call 215-278-6638. We are a boutique Med Spa that treats acne for skin of color, located in Philadelphia 7058 Germantown Ave #201, Philadelphia, PA 19119