Dealing with acne can feel frustrating, especially when it seems like you’re doing everything right: using the right products, sticking to a skincare routine, trying new treatments, yet your skin suddenly looks worse. If you’ve wondered, “Does acne get worse before it gets better?”, the short answer is: sometimes, yes. And in many cases, that temporary worsening is part of a normal process called skin purging. Let’s break down why acne can appear worse at first, what’s normal, what’s not, and how to support your skin through this phase so you can finally reach clearer skin.
Why Acne Might Get Worse During Treatment?
When you start a new acne treatment, especially one with strong active ingredients, your skin changes. Acne forms when clogged pores, oil, and dead skin cells trap acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin’s surface. Treatments that speed up cell turnover push all this debris upward faster than usual.
That’s why some people notice more breakouts, red bumps, blackheads, or small whiteheads during the first few weeks. It doesn’t necessarily mean the treatment isn’t working; it may actually be a sign that it is.
What Is Skin Purging?
Skin purging happens when ingredients that increase cell turnover bring hidden congestion to the surface more quickly. During this purging period, the pimples you would have gotten over the next month appear sooner, causing the feeling of “worse before it gets better.” You may be experiencing skin purging if:
- Breakouts happen in areas where you usually get pimples
- You see more blackheads, whiteheads, and small red bumps
- Your skin’s dry patches increase due to faster exfoliation
- The flare-up lasts four to six weeks
If this describes your situation, it may mean the skin purging process is underway, and your skin is beginning its healing cycle.
Ingredients That Commonly Cause Purging
Not all products lead to purging. Only ingredients that directly increase cell turnover tend to trigger it. These ingredients include:
1. Salicylic Acid
A common acne treatment that helps dissolve oil and unclog pores. It’s great for acne-prone skin, blackheads, and congestion.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
Targets acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. It’s effective for inflammatory acne but may temporarily irritate your skin.
3. Retinoids (Prescription or OTC)
Retinoids speed up the shedding of skin cells, which can cause early breakouts but lead to smoother skin later.
4. Azelaic Acid & Lactic Acid
These mild exfoliants help fade blemishes and improve texture, but may still cause a brief increase in breakouts.
Your dermatologist may recommend targeted skincare products with these ingredients after your microneedling with PRP session, especially if you’re dealing with acne.
When It’s Not Purging: Signs of an Irritation or Allergy
Purging happens deep within the pore. But sometimes your skin isn’t purging, it’s reacting badly. Sometimes harsh products or the wrong skin care products can irritate your skin rather than help it. If that happens, stop immediately and speak with a dermatologist. You may be dealing with irritation or an allergic reaction if:
- Breakouts appear in new areas
- You develop hives or intense redness
- Your skin feels severely dry
- Burning or itching continues
- You’re using products with certain ingredients known to irritate your skin
At Skin Artistry Clinic, all procedures and treatments, including acne-focused laser treatments and chemical peels, are personally performed by Dr. Faiqa Chaudhry, M.D. With years of medical expertise, she makes sure that your regimen is safe, gentle, and customized for your needs.
How Long Does Purging Last?
Most people notice purging lasts four to six weeks. This gives your skin enough time to adjust and complete the healing cycle. If breakouts persist beyond that period or you notice worsening scarring, you may need to adjust your skin care routine or treat acne with a different approach.
How to Support Your Skin During the Purging Phase
Even though purging can be discouraging, you can make the process easier. Here are practical tips:
1. Use Gentle Cleansers
Avoid strong exfoliating products while your skin adjusts. Stick with gentle cleansers and lukewarm water when you wash your face.
2. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Over-exfoliating weakens the skin barrier, increasing irritation. Use a moisturizer that helps protect skin.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
Sugar and dairy can trigger breakouts in some people. Pay attention to how certain foods affect you.
4. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
Always choose non-comedogenic products so they don’t clog pores and cause acne flare-ups.
5. Don’t Add Too Many New Products
Starting a new skincare routine with multiple active ingredients can shock the skin. Introduce one new product at a time.
6. Be Consistent
Acne treatments work best when used regularly. Stick to your routine unless your provider says otherwise.
7. Avoid Picking Pimples
Picking leads to scarring and worsened inflammation.
8. Know When to Seek Help
If purging becomes severe, a prescription treatment may be needed to better control it.
How Hormones & Other Factors Affect Acne
Even while using treatment, acne can worsen due to hormones, stress, genetic tendencies, and other factors. Lifestyle, sleep, oil production, and product buildup can also cause more breakouts. For many people with acne vulgaris, a combination of professional care and home management gives the best outcomes.
How Skin Artistry Clinic Approaches Acne
At Skin Artistry Clinic, all acne-focused procedures, including peels and advanced therapies, are performed by Dr. Faiqa Chaudhry, M.D., who specializes in treating mild to severe acne. Every patient receives guidance on how to:
- Build a healthy skincare routine
- Avoid ingredients that may irritate
- Support the skin barrier
- Choose the best cleansers, creams, and products
- Understand which treatments cause purging and which do not
This patient-first approach makes sure your journey toward clear skin is safe, thoughtful, and supported with professional oversight.
Purging vs. Breaking Out: When to See a Dermatologist
See a professional if:
- Your acne worsens beyond six weeks
- Breakouts appear in new areas
- You have painful cysts or nodules
- Your skin shows signs of an allergic reaction
- You develop severe inflammatory acne
- Home treatments no longer work
A dermatologist can adjust your treatment, offer prescription options, and guide you through the process safely.
Additional Treatments for Acne
Along with topical products, some people benefit from:
- Chemical peels
- Extractions performed professionally
- Light therapy
- Oral medications
- Injectable options
At Skin Artistry Clinic, many individuals who visit our med spa in Alamo for acne also receive Botox or explore other Med Spa facial rejuvenation options once their acne is under control. However, a licensed professional should always recommend these.
Final Thoughts
Acne does get worse before it gets better in many cases, especially when starting treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or retinoids. This “worse before it gets better” phase is linked to skin purging, a normal process in which breakouts reach the surface more quickly. But purging should be temporary. With the right products, a reliable skin care routine, and professional guidance, you can move through this phase safely and finally enjoy smoother, clearer skin.
If you need personalized support, remember that at Skin Artistry Clinic, Dr. Faiqa Chaudhry, M.D., provides expert, medically guided acne treatments to help you achieve healthier, more confident skin.
Get Professional Acne Treatments at Skin Artistry Clinic
Want a glowing, acne-free skin? Skin Artistry Clinic can help you! Serving Alamo, San Francisco, the East Bay Area, and Danville in California, our board-certified dermatologists offer professional acne treatments. Our med spa provides personalized chemical peels, Microneedling with PRP, and other procedures to help you get a glowing, smooth skin.
We also offer other skin rejuvenation treatments, including IPL photofacials, hydrafacials, and more. Moreover, our dermatologists possess years of expertise in anti-aging procedures, including Botox, fillers, SkinVive, Kybella, and IV therapy.
If you want to regrow your hair or improve its health, contact us today! Call at 925-404-4293 to book your consultation now!