Why do I break out when I cleanse?

Author: Prof. Cara Grady  |  Last update: Monday, August 25, 2025

More cleansing = cleaner skin = less acne, right? Wrong. Over-cleansing strips our skin of its natural oils, causing our already overactive glands to produce even more oil — setting up a negative cycle of oil production, worsening acne.

Why does cleansing make me break out?

Skin purging happens when you use a new product and all the dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that have been harboring beneath your skin are brought to the surface, which leads to breakouts. Remember to use the correct products for your skin concerns and to not overdo it.

Why does my skin break out when I clean it?

The increase in breakouts signals that your body is getting rid of all the gunk hiding beneath the surface, so skin purging is a good thing. Newly introduced active ingredients increase skin cell turnover, which means shedding more dead skin cells than usual.

Why does my skin break out when I detox?

If you do decide to make a positive change to your food and skincare routine, you should expect a degree of 'purging' during which your skin may breakout initially. This is a normal reaction and means the body is responding to change. Stick with the program and you will see the benefits.

Can over cleansing cause acne?

Yes, over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production and potential acne breakouts. It is important to cleanse gently twice a day and use a mild, non-stripping cleanser to maintain skin balance. For more tips on effective skincare routines, visit my Quora Profile.

How I Cleared My Skin In 8 Weeks *naturally*

Why do I get bumps after cleansing?

Skin purging is often the result of introducing ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, PHA, chemical peels and even lasers that can kickstart your skin's cell renewal and bring all the debris under your skin to the surface, which, in the short term, can cause breakouts and redness.

How to clear up hormonal acne?

How do I treat hormonal acne?
  1. Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).
  2. Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
  3. Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).
  4. Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).

Why does my skin get worse when I cleanse it?

A cleanser that is too harsh for your skin type can cause breakouts by disrupting the skin's natural protective moisture barrier and stripping away essential oils and moisture. This can leave skin feeling dry, tight and vulnerable to oil imbalances, which can lead to breakouts.

Does cutting sugar help hormonal acne?

Reducing your intake of high glycemic load foods, like sugar and refined carbohydrates, can help prevent and treat acne. While the exact amount of these foods that influences acne is still unclear, cutting back can improve your overall health. You may even see noticeable improvements in your skin.

Why does every cleanser break me out?

Many skincare products contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or retinoids which exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover. When cell turnover increases, existing clogged pores can rise to the surface and result in temporary breakouts, known as skin purging.

Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

Why am I breaking out when I normally have clear skin?

Acne is the result of pores being clogged by excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. It can be caused by many things, including skin-care products, picking, hormones, stress, medical issues, smoking, diet, and more. Some areas of your body are prone to certain types of acne, as well.

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

Why is my skin irritated after cleansing?

It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch.

Why am I breaking out even though I wash my face?

If you're keeping up a regular cleansing regimen and you're still having breakouts, the problem could be under your skin — hormones. How does acne start? At the root of it all, acne starts when pores are clogged from the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and excess sebum (oil).

Does your skin purge when detoxing?

Any time you begin a skin detox, some may experience what is known as skin purging. Purging refers to the process of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that are trapped in your pores being removed to the surface, usually in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. Avoid the urge to pick or pop these blemishes.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

Can cleansing cause breakouts?

Washing your face several times a day can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. What to do instead: Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You'll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat. Dry out your skin.

How do you know if your body is full of toxins?

If you have been fighting a battle with acne, irritations, rashes, or even conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, it could be your body's way of telling you it's getting a bit bogged down by toxins.

What does purging skin look like?

Skin purging looks like: Red bumps on skin and accompanying facial redness. Breakouts and blemishes dotted along where you've applied the chemical exfoliant or retinoid product to your skin. Dryness and flaking can appear alongside bumps and breakouts.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

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