Skin Purging or Breaking Out? How to Tell the Difference
Skin Purging or Breaking Out? How to Tell the Difference
Starting a new skincare routine and seeing more breakouts can be confusing and frustrating. Is it working? Is it harming your skin? Should you stop or push through?
For acne-prone and sensitive skin, this question comes up often. And the answer matters.
At Earthwoven, we specialise in helping skin that breaks out easily, reacts unpredictably, or has been overwhelmed by past routines. Understanding the difference between a purge and a breakout is one of the most important steps you can take to get clear on what your skin needs.
What Is Skin Purging?
Purging happens when an ingredient increases skin cell turnover. This speeds up how quickly blockages below the surface come to light.
It’s most often triggered by ingredients like:
Retinoids
Exfoliating acids (AHAs or BHAs)
Vitamin C
Purging usually shows up in the areas where you already break out. It can look worse before it looks better, but it should settle within four to six weeks. If breakouts are getting more inflamed, painful, or lasting longer than that, it may not be a purge.
What Is a Breakout?
A breakout happens when something triggers new inflammation or disrupts your skin’s balance. This can happen even if the product is marketed as “clean” or “gentle.”
Common signs include:
Breakouts in new areas
Redness, itching, or stinging
A tight, burning, or compromised feeling
Skin getting worse with each use
Breakouts can be caused by the wrong actives, too many steps, or simply using something your skin doesn’t need. If it feels like your skin is getting angrier, not adjusting, it’s time to pause and reassess.
| Question | If Yes, Consider |
|---|---|
| Are breakouts happening in your usual breakout zones? | Possibly a purge |
| Did you recently start a product with actives that increase cell turnover? | Possibly a purge |
| Are the breakouts painful, itchy, or spreading to new areas? | Likely a breakout |
| Is your skin getting more inflamed with each use? | Likely a breakout |
| Has it lasted more than 6 weeks without improvement? | Likely a breakout |
How Earthwoven Helps You Avoid the Guessing
Earthwoven was made for people who are tired of feeling unsure about their skincare. If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, you’ve likely tried products that overpromised and left your skin worse off. We do things differently.
Our formulations are designed to:
Strengthen and protect the skin barrier
Calm visible signs of inflammation
Support clearer skin without triggering new irritation
Some users may experience a short adjustment period as their skin starts to stabilise. This is normal, especially if your barrier has been compromised by harsh actives or constant routine changes.
Earthwoven is not about quick fixes. It’s about building consistency, supporting repair, and giving your skin something it can trust.
Final Thoughts
If your skin is breaking out, it is trying to tell you something.
You do not need to panic. You do not need to start over. You need to understand the difference between a purge and a reaction, and choose products that support healing.
We are here to help you do that with confidence. If you’re still figuring things out, the Earthwoven Trial Kit is a good place to start. It includes all three products in smaller sizes, so you can experience how they work together before deciding what’s right for your skin.