You start a new product. You’re hopeful.
Then bam—your skin freaks out. You’re told it’s “purging,” but deep down something doesn’t feel right.

So let’s talk about it.
Is purging really necessary? Does your skin have to get worse before it gets better?
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no—but once you understand what’s really happening, you can make more confident decisions about your skin.

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What Is Purging, Really?

Purging is a process where cell turnover speeds up, usually due to ingredients like exfoliating acids or retinoids. In theory, this pushes out buildup trapped inside your pores and helps clear the skin faster.

Sounds like a good idea, right?

Here’s the problem: if your skin barrier is weak or inflamed, this process can do more harm than good.

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The Truth About “Acne Types” and Purging

When we talk about acne types and causes, it’s important to understand that not all breakouts are created equal. You might be dealing with clogged pores, hormonal acne, fungal acne, or skin barrier irritation, and each needs a different approach.

What often gets labeled as “purging” is actually just your skin reacting to a product it’s not ready for.

True purging looks like this:

• Breakouts only in areas where you already tend to get acne
• Comedones (clogged pores) coming to a head
• Minimal inflammation that clears up in a few weeks

If you’re getting cystic acne, painful inflammation, or breakouts in new places—that’s not purging. That’s irritation, and it’s a sign your routine needs to be reworked.

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A Quick Skin Fact: Inflammation Comes First

Here’s one of the most misunderstood skin facts out there:
We used to think acne started with a clogged pore and bacteria, then inflammation came last.

But new research shows it’s actually the other way around—inflammation is the trigger, not the result. The inflammatory molecules that get released by your body can kickstart the clogging process before bacteria even shows up.

This is why exfoliating too soon or using retinoids on an already-sensitive barrier can backfire.

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Why This “Purging Phase” Keeps You Stuck

If your skin always seems to be purging, it might not be purging at all.
It might be trapped in a cycle of chronic irritation.

And here’s a key piece of skin advice:
The only products that actually cause purging are exfoliating acids and retinoids.
If your moisturizer, sunscreen, or cleanser is making you break out, it’s not detox. It’s damage.

That’s why it’s time to rethink the strategy.

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My Barrier-First Approach to Basic Skin Care

In my Ultimate Acne Skincare Guide, we don’t mess around with your skin barrier.
Phase 1 is all about restoring it—no exfoliating acids, no retinoids, and no unnecessary inflammation.

We focus on simple, nourishing products that repair your skin, regulate oil production, and help prevent the kind of irritation that’s often mistaken for purging.

Once your skin is strong and stable? Then we build from there.

This guide was created to help you navigate the most common acne types with clarity and a clear plan. Because you shouldn’t have to guess what your skin needs.

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Final Thought

You don’t need to suffer through weeks of inflammation in the name of progress.
You don’t need to “wait out the purge.”
You don’t need to keep trying product after product, hoping this one will be different.

You need a routine built around skin facts, not skincare myths.
And you need a plan that works with your skin, not against it.

👉 Download the Acne Skincare Guide and start healing your skin with confidence.

Rooting for you always,

Ally