Is This a Purge or Just a Bad Breakout? How to Tell When Acne Flares During Treatment

There’s nothing more frustrating than finally committing to a new acne treatment—something you’ve researched, hoped for, maybe even saved up for—only to watch your skin get worse before it gets better. At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we hear this all the time. A client comes in after their first AviClear® session or starts using a new product, and within a week or two, their skin flares up. It’s hard not to panic.

But here’s the good news: that sudden flare might not be a sign that your treatment isn’t working. In fact, it could be the exact opposite. What you’re experiencing could be a purge—a short-term reaction that’s part of the skin’s process of clearing itself out.

Let’s talk about what that actually means, what it looks like, and how to know when a flare is normal… and when it’s something to flag.

WHAT IS A SKIN PURGE, EXACTLY?

A skin purge is what happens when an acne treatment speeds up your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle. Most people don’t realize it, but acne doesn’t always form overnight. Those clogged pores—called microcomedones—can sit under the surface for months before they show up as whiteheads, blackheads, or painful bumps. When a product like a retinoid or an acne-fighting laser like AviClear® kicks in, it starts pushing all that buildup out faster than usual.

The result? More breakouts. At least at first.

It can feel like your skin is revolting. But what’s really happening is that the gunk was already there, and now your treatment is simply speeding up the timeline. Once that congestion clears, your skin has a clean slate to work with—and that’s when the real healing begins.

WHAT DOES A PURGE LOOK LIKE?

Purge breakouts usually show up in the places you already tend to break out. If you’re prone to acne on your cheeks or chin, that’s where you’ll see the flare. The breakouts might be a mix of small red bumps, whiteheads, or even deeper inflamed pimples. The texture can feel rougher than usual, and your skin might be a little more sensitive, especially if you’ve just introduced something strong like adapalene or tretinoin.

What’s different about a purge is that it tends to come on fast and run its course quickly. It’s not uncommon to see a wave of breakouts within a week or two of starting treatment, with things beginning to calm by weeks 4–8. If your skin starts to improve after that window, that’s usually a good sign you were purging—not reacting.

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PURGE AND A REACTION

It’s not always easy to tell. And when your skin is red and uncomfortable, you might not care what it’s called—you just want it to stop. But there are some clues.

A purge:

• Starts soon after beginning treatment (often within the first 1–3 weeks)

• Happens in the areas where you already break out

• Gradually improves within 4 to 8 weeks

• May come with some mild dryness or sensitivity

A reaction or flare-up that’s not part of a purge:

• Gets worse over time, with no sign of calming down

• Happens in new or unusual areas (like your neck or hairline)

• Feels painful, itchy, or hot to the touch

• May include rash-like bumps or swelling

If your skin feels like it’s on fire, or if breakouts are showing up in places you’ve never had acne before, don’t tough it out—check in with a provider. Not every breakout is a purge, and you may need to tweak your routine or stop using a certain product.

WHAT ABOUT AVICLEAR®—DOES THAT CAUSE A PURGE TOO?

Sometimes, yes. But it’s usually milder than what people experience with prescription medications.

AviClear® works by targeting the sebaceous glands—the ones that produce oil—and helping them normalize over time. As that shift begins, some people experience a flare-up of small breakouts, usually within the first couple of weeks after their first session. We call this the “AviClear® purge.” It’s not guaranteed, but it’s not uncommon either.

What’s reassuring is that most clients report this purge is short-lived and less intense than what they’ve experienced with oral or topical medications. We also provide a little support kit after treatment, which typically includes Differin® (a retinoid called adapalene) and an antihistamine to keep inflammation down. That combination helps most people move through the purge phase more comfortably.

HOW LONG DOES THE PURGE LAST?

That depends on your skin and what treatment you’re using, but for most people, a purge wraps up within 4 to 8 weeks. The first two weeks are usually the most noticeable. If you’re using a new retinoid, it might take a little longer for your skin to fully adjust.

The hardest part is trusting the process, especially when your face feels like it’s freaking out. But try to remember: a purge isn’t a setback—it’s a sign that something is happening beneath the surface.

GETTING THROUGH THE PURGE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

If you’re in the middle of a purge right now, here are a few ways to support your skin and stay sane while it passes:

KEEP YOUR ROUTINE SIMPLE

Now isn’t the time to pile on new actives. Stick with a gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and whatever your provider recommended. Don’t exfoliate more than usual—it won’t “scrub away” the breakouts and may just irritate your skin further.

STAY MOISTURIZED

Dryness and peeling are common side effects of products like Differin® or tretinoin, but that doesn’t mean your skin is “too oily to moisturize.” Even acne-prone skin needs hydration, especially during a purge.

RESIST THE URGE TO PICK

This is easier said than done, we know. But picking can lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, and longer healing times. If your breakouts are bothering you, a cool compress or calming spot treatment may help.

WEAR SPF EVERY DAY

Purging skin is often a little more sensitive, and sun exposure can make post-acne marks darker and longer-lasting. Choose a lightweight sunscreen that won’t clog your pores.

BE PATIENT

That’s the hardest part. But we’ve walked hundreds of clients through this phase, and we promise: the ones who stick it out see real results.

SO…WHEN WILL THINGS ACTUALLY GET BETTER?

If you’re using topical treatments, most people start to see meaningful improvements after 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use. With AviClear®, your skin will continue to improve for up to a year after your final treatment. The earlier you start, the sooner you’ll get through that purge and onto clearer skin.

At CLEAR, we monitor our clients closely through each stage of treatment—especially if there’s a purge involved. We’re always here to check in, adjust products, or just offer reassurance when you need it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: DON’T LET A PURGE SCARE YOU OFF

If you’re seeing more breakouts after starting treatment, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not working. In many cases, it means your skin is doing exactly what it needs to do. That temporary flare-up is often the last step before a major turning point.

And if you’re looking for a solution that clears acne without the daily grind of pills or prescriptions, AviClear® might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s the first ever FDA-cleared laser for treating acne at the source—your oil glands—and it’s what we specialize in at CLEAR.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a purge or just need help figuring out next steps, we’re here to help.

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