does your acne get worse before it gets better

If you’re experiencing a breakout, the first thing we look for is a good skincare product. A good cleanser and ointment for acne can help reduce the redness and pesky bumps. But have you ever tried new skincare products only to have the breakout… worsen?

It might have you throwing products to the trash but do NOT do that! This might be something we call a skin purge. So does your acne get worse before it gets better because of this “purging?”

Read on to find out!

Does Your Acne Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

It’s easy to follow new treatments and purchase promising skincare products, and just as easy for us to give up on it the moment our skin worsens from it.

However, it’s normal for your acne to get worse before it gets better when you begin a new skincare regime or use a new product. This is known as skin purge, which is beneficial for one’s skin.

What Is Skin Purging?

Skin purging refers to the process of how your skin condition worsens, brought on by changes in your skincare regime or products used. This causes accelerated rates of exfoliation, requiring adjustment periods before you see the promised results.

There are certain products, particularly acne treatments, that cause skin purging, which is why you need to take time before giving up. The reason why your acne worsens from it is because of the faster cell turnover rate, which will quicken the pimple formation cycle.

The purging from new products will have existing pimples mature quickly. If you have existing clogged pores, these can turn to active acne and pimples. For those with small pimples, they can develop to larger ones.

But not to worry, as the initial breakout will clear up within two to six weeks, and that’s when your skin improves. So expect to see a few pimples more over the next few weeks, and do not worry. This isn’t a negative reaction and just the way your skin adapts and responds to the new ingredients positively.

Again, purging usually occurs in acne treatments and anti-aging products, especially those including the following active ingredients:

  • Lactic acid
  • Salicylic acid
  • Glycolic acid
  • Retinol
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids
  • Benzoyl peroxide

Read more: Which Is Better: Salicylic Acid Or Benzoyl Peroxide?

Learn more about skin purging and why your acne gets worse before it gets better in this helpful video:

How Will I Know If It’s Purging, Skin Reaction, or a Breakout?

Pimples that may look like it pops out of nowhere after using new products are completely normal and will clear out.

That’s what makes it different from breakouts, which are blemishes which recur regularly and come from the following causes:

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • And more

It’s also important to ensure that new acne is NOT a negative reaction to the new skincare products. Reactions are different from breakouts as they are a result of using products with specific ingredients that your face doesn’t like.

Skin purging is a temporary skin detox, while skin reaction means that your skin is allergic or sensitive to ingredients of the products you use.

Negative reactions look and feel different as well. If ever your skin looks redder and feels irritated more than usual, then STOP using the skincare product right away. The same goes if your blemishes continue to pop up even after two months of using the product.

How to Avoid Skin Purging

Do you need to have clearer skin in a few days and can’t risk further breakouts from purging? If so, then be wary of skin products that contain the active ingredients mentioned above. Furthermore, avoid products or treatments which promote skin cell turnover and those that exfoliate naturally.

You may want to stick to cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens, which typically won’t cause purging. They can clean and protect your face better to lessen acne and prevent breakouts.

If you plan to use a new product, introduce it to your skin slowly, using one with lower concentrations of the active ingredient. Or, you can start with a smaller amount or use it less frequently, increasing to its recommended usage over time.

Another way to prevent skin purging is to use alternative and natural acne removal treatments without triggering active ingredients.

Wrapping It Up

Skin purging, though unusual, is real and it happens to some of us. It’s better to continue your new routine and treatment before calling it quits to see if it works for you or not. Don’t worry, as acne does get worse for some before it gets better and soon, you can enjoy better-looking skin.

I hope that this article answered your question, “does your acne get worse before it gets better?” So give your current skincare products a chance and see if it improves over a few days!