Purge or Breakout? Here’s How to Tell — and What to Do About It. – Skintique Retail

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Published: Thursday, 4th September 2025

 

The Difference Between a Breakout and a Purge — And How to Handle It

When starting a new skincare routine — especially one with active, medical-grade ingredients — it’s not uncommon for your skin to "act up" before it settles down. But how do you know if you’re experiencing a purge or a breakout? Understanding the difference is key to staying on track with your skincare journey and getting the results you're after.

Let’s break it down like a professional.

What Is Skin Purging?

Purging is a temporary skin response to ingredients that increase cell turnover. 

These include:

Retinoids (e.g. AlumierMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum, SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 / 0.5)

AHAs like Glycolic Acid (e.g. SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight)

BHAs like Salicylic Acid (e.g. Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy)

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (e.g. AlumierMD EverActive C&E + Peptide)

 

These actives speed up your skin’s natural exfoliation process. In doing so, they bring congestion — clogged pores, blackheads, microcomedones — to the surface faster than usual. That can result in spots, dryness, flakiness or uneven texture.

 

It looks like a breakout. But it’s actually your skin clearing itself out.

 

How to Tell the Difference Between a Purge and a Breakout

Skin Purge          

  • Starts shortly after introducing an active ingredient       
  • Can occur randomly or due to triggers like diet, hormones, or stress 
  • Appears in areas where you commonly get breakouts    
  • May appear in new or unusual areas  
  •  Typically lasts 2–6 weeks       
  •  Can persist longer if not treated    
  • Usually linked to exfoliants or retinoids      
  • May happen without introducing new actives

Progression     

  •  Skin improves once purge finishes       
  •  Breakouts may continue or worsen without changes

 

What Should You Do if You’re Purging?


Stay consistent — but cautious. 

Here’s how to support your skin through the process:

 

1. Don’t Stop Immediately
If you're using a clinically proven active like a retinol or acid, some purging is a normal part of skin renewal. Quitting too soon means missing out on long-term results.

 

2. Slow It Down
Start every other night or every third night. Let your skin build tolerance before using actives daily.

 

3. Use a Supportive Cleanser & Moisturiser

Keep your barrier strong. Pair with calming, non-comedogenic products like:

AlumierMD HydraClarite

Obagi Gentle Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel to soothe inflammation

 

4. Avoid Mixing Too Many Actives
Don’t introduce multiple exfoliants or strong actives at once. Let your skin adjust before layering in additional ingredients.

 

5. Use SPF Daily
Actives make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. A broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable. We recommend:

Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 – Lightweight, mattifying, non-comedogenic sunscreen with antioxidant protection.

AlumierMD Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 – A sheer, non-comedogenic SPF designed for blemish-prone and sensitive skin.

When It’s Not a Purge

If new breakouts:

  • Last longer than 6 weeks
  • Appear in unusual areas
  • Come with swelling or painful cysts
  • Worsen with continued use of the product

…it’s likely not a purge. 

You may not be agreeing with the formulation, or it not suit your skin type. Reach out to a skincare professional (like us!) for personalised advice.

 

Skincare is a Journey — Be Patient, Be Smart
One of the biggest mistakes people make is abandoning a good product during the purge phase. But with expert guidance and patience, your skin will come out the other side looking clearer, smoother, and healthier.

 

Ready to start — or reset — your routine?

👉 Shop science-backed skincare now from trusted brands like AlumierMD, SkinCeuticals, and Obagi at Skintique.

 

Need personalised advice? Get in touch — our team are experts in professional, medical-grade skincare and can help you build a routine that works with your skin.
 

Exclusive AlumierMD Summer Give-Away!

Discover our latest AlumierMD promotion designed to reward your skincare investment. The more you spend, the better the free gift you’ll receive – from Travel-size favourites to Full-size essentials, including customer-loved products like cleansers and sunscreens.

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