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Question: Am I purging or just breaking out?

Answer:

First of all, purging is only possible if you are using products with exfoliants, such as AHAs, BHAs, scrubs, or prescription retinoids. Why? Because exfoliation causes your skin to push the blockages inside of it to the surface. Therefore, you can’t really “purge” from using a new moisturizer or new sunscreen.

Purging is defined as a worsening of your current condition. That means that if you have clogged pores, they may turn into red pimples. If you have small pimples, they may turn into nastier, bigger ones. Purging will generally subside anywhere from 2 weeks (ex. BHAs) to 6 weeks (Rx retinoids) and your skin gets better from there on.

If you use a new product and start breaking out in places you normally don’t break out, then you are probably not purging. If you start getting tiny red bumps and/or itchiness, then those are signs of allergy or irritation. Allergic reactions to products will usually go away very quickly with hydrocortisone. So if you use hydrocortisone and you still have bumps in places you normally don't break out, then the product is probably just breaking you out.

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