Is Your Skin Purging or Just Breaking Out? Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Sam Ellis

When starting a new skincare product, especially if it's a retinoid or exfoliant, you may notice new breakouts, skin purging, or other reactions. But is that actually a bad thing? It might just mean that the new product is doing its job. So today, we're going to discuss skin purging and how to identify it.

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CHAPTER:
00:00 Intro
00:32 What is Skin Purging
02:11 What Does it Look Like
02:38 How to Avoid Skin Purging
03:24 What Causes Skin Purging
04:02 How Long Does it Last
05:27 Benzoyl Peroxide
05:41 How to Support Skin
06:19 Subscribe!

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[maryanas]

Another great video. After three months of watching you my hair is more voluminous (minoxidil, right towel, virtue oil), my skin is so much better (vitamin c in the morning, vitamin a in the eve, sunscreen all the time). I am so grateful for sharing your knowlege and experiences, showing how easy the routine can be to achieve great results💙💜 i would love to hear your thoughts on neck care and possibly procedure that can be done in dermatogist' office. Also, as a mom of two teenagers, would like to learn abou teenagers skin care🙂

[summerreinholdt]

I just experienced my first purge from a retinoid. So tough! But definitely see the benefits now 💗 thank you for this!

[sarahk]

I’ve been using retinol for 2-3 weeks and now I gave pimples. I was worried but now I know and I appreciate your help ❤

[slhilliard]

I purged each time I upped my Tret dose, but it was less each time. Thanks for your content!

[stephaniecollet]

Thank you for your video. I like that you kept reiterating certain information. Also, some videos only explain one thing at a time and some of those videos can take forever to get to the point, but you pretty-much covered everything all at once and you did it quickly. This was definitely an ADHD friendly video, so thank you😀

[Melissa-cyse]

Thank you for this video! I made the classic mistake of being overzealous and starting several skincare products at the same time, and I was going nuts trying to figure out why my skin was breaking out. This was very helpful!

[usagi]

I started Differin in Dec. 2021 and just recently stopped bc my skin had not improved AT ALL over the last 7 months. In fact, my acne was worse than before (it was causing me to have cystic acne). I tried searching online but couldn’t find anything about others who were experiencing similar results, only stories from people saying to “stick it out” bc the results were “worth it”. I had heard so many good things about the product and wanted it to work for me SO bad. So I thought, maybe it was just a long purging phase, but based on this video I believe I was having a reaction to the product and I’m glad I stopped using it. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!! 🙏🏼💗

[ein]

I have acne all over my face 😭 pretty sure based on your description, that it's a purge. I started glycolic acid and retinol .5% cream treatment because I struggle with consistent hormonal acne. I'm at the end of week 2. Trying my best to continue treatment but it's pretty bad 😬

[artinabunny]

oh my god thank you so much I was literally about to call a derm and book an appointment because my skin has been purging crazy after starting retinol but not irritating! You perfectly explained to me that I'm purging and not reacting! Thank uuu!

[heathergwanzura]

I’m experiencing it and your video really helped because I was about to leave my new products

[kendallstark]

Thanks for this, Dr Sam! I purged a little bit when I first started using prescription tretinoin, but the glow afterwards was sooo worth it! I'll have to re-watch this video to really take notes on how to tell the difference between purging and irritation. Korean hydrating toners have all left me with either red bumps, blackheads or closed comedones, but usually in the places I typically get acne, not where my skin is clear. Should I keep using one? These comedones have always appeared after 4-7 days of applying it daily. Thanks for your help!

[nikki]

Dr. Sam you're literally the best. Thank you! You answered my questions

[maxnelson]

I would love to be able to speak about something so clearly as you do. Congrats amazing oratory skills.

[michellejones]

Informative. Straight to the point. Thank you ❤️

[vilhelminalakatos]

Started retinol 4 weeks ago, I thought I escaped the purge … it’s started last week…. My skin cell turnover is definitely quick, most of the pimples go within 1-3 days own their own, but then get new ones . I’m hoping it won’t last long !! Anyone who’s going through it, we got this 😂 ( I hope ) haha

[Oshyano]

Very nervous about continuing my retinol, I've been experiencing some purging since I started my retinol a week ago but let's trust the process. Praying for glowy skin in 3 to 4 weeks 🙏

[battlefieldwarrior]

Thank you for this wonderful video Dr. Sam! I tried Azelaic Acid yesterday but I had this reaction of like purging.pimple like red bumps on my cheeks and places where I usually break out.And when I woke up this morning, they’re still there, not itchy nor dry, they just sit there like regular pimples. So my question is, does purging start the moment (or the next day)you put on your new active? Or should I consider this an allergic reaction? Thank you in advance!

[chrissieb]

I cannot believe you put this video up today. I just told my husband last night I want to see a dermatologist for my facial skin. I’ve been using Maelove Glowmaker in the morning along with Cerave PM moisturizer. At night I’ve been using The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid maybe 3-4 times a week with a moisturizer. I’ve been using both about 3-4 months. I do not have breakouts, but truthfully I see more dark spots, a few more wrinkles and a change in my skin and not for the better. But maybe this is normal due to “purging” (?) I just don’t know what to do. I'm 66 years young

[JULIESIMONSOPRANO]

Just discovered your channel- you and your videos are amazing! I'm crazy about my skin now since having an actinic keratosis removed. I'm learning so much from you!

[janett.beauty]

Can a vitamin c serum do this? I recently started using the “Perricone MD vitamin C Ester brightening serum”. On day 4 my I woke up with so many little bumps all over my skin. Should I stop using? Is it a purge or irritant 😢