How long does purging last? Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment.
How long will it last? Because purging occurs with a change of skincare regime, it should only take one full skin cycle to get through the worst of it. On average a skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. At the age of 19-21,the process can take 14-21 days compared to a middle-aged adult where it is estimated to be 28 days.
How to treat skin purging. “If the skin barrier is compromised when you see purging then start ingredients which help with barrier repair, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formulation. If you are using a treatment or product continue with a slower approach.”
When the skin begins to purge and get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells, it's preparing to clear what isn't needed out of the body. While it goes through this process, acne and breakouts improve over time.
That said it is very rare for this to happen with our products. If purging occurs, we recommend to continue using the products for at least three weeks to allow them to work.
In the long run, skin purging helps us shed dead skin cells more effectively which reduces pore-clogging build-up and breakouts, and it does settle down after a few weeks. But you do have to buckle in and ride out a few weeks of discomfort to see the best results.
It's believed that this purging period actually results from existing clogged pores coming to the surface, giving the inaccurate impression that things have got worse. If you keep applying Differin as recommended, you should see improvement once the purging period has concluded (usually after 6-8 weeks at the latest).
Most of the time, a breakout caused by skin purging won't last more than a month. If you're trying a new skincare regimen and your face starts to break out, hang in there for six to eight weeks. It's likely that the skin will clear by then; if it doesn't, you should discontinue using the new products.
The skin purging period is unpredictable. Flares are seen within 1-4 weeks of beginning your skincare routine, and typically last between 2-8 weeks. Once it has passed, positive results should be seen soon thereafter.
You may want to stop using it sooner rather than later if your new product does not contain ingredients that cause skin purging. "If it isn't something that's formulated to help skin turn over and you're breaking out more, you should stop," said Dr. Nagler.
Appearance. Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.
Be Patient and Don't Pick. Picking is the worst thing you can do during a skin purge.
Niacinamide skincare products can sometimes cause breakouts in people who are acne-prone. If you start to experience more breakouts while using niacinamide products, discontinue use immediately.
“Retinol purging is a temporary side effect; if possible, continue to use your retinol as directed.”
Retinization is a type of purging that is caused by retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin. During this time, your skin may temporarily become red, dry, and irritated. Other symptoms associated with retinization are increased breakouts, burning, flaking, or peeling.
Common side effects include dryness, redness, irritation and burning/stinging. These symptoms usually peak at the 2- to 4-week mark before subsiding. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and in clinical studies, average scores were less than mild.
Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
Before your first month of treatment ends, you may experience a paradoxical acne flare, termed colloquially as “Accutane purge.” Skin purging looks like acne exacerbation. That is why you hear some Accutane patients saying, “It gets worse before it gets better.” The cause of the Accutane purge is unknown.
Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
Oral Medication
This can include: Antibiotics — Oral antibiotics work to treat acne by killing off the bacteria that are irritating your skin and triggering breakouts. Hormone Supplements — Oral contraceptives, like birth control pills, help to level out your hormonal balances to improve acne breakouts.
Purging is temporary, and it won't last forever – your skin needs to adjust to the new active ingredients in your regime. Keeping consistent will help you through this phase, as your skin will gradually adapt. A simple, stripped back skincare routine will also help your skin to acclimatise.