Purging acne or reaction acne?

[KatiRenee]

I don’t know how to tell the difference between if my skin is purging from new skincare.. or if I’m having a reaction to it.. but I’m getting acne on both sides of my face and in different places when I never have any usually.. and they hurt.

[kissmeimdutch]

I have been wondering the same thing! I have recently started using two new products for clearing skin, origins Clear Improvement Moisturizer and The Ordinary Niacinamide serum, but started breaking out intensely along my jaw. Is it purging or a reaction?

[TrysBeautyItems]

@kissmeimdutch Reaction.

Purging occurs from active ingredients- i.e. retinol, acids like glycolic, lactic. Since they help shed/turnover the skin. and typically appears where you breakout. Clay and niacinamide aren't active ingredients to cause purging.

In addition to breakouts, reactions occur where you don't normally have them.

Did you start both new products at the same time? How often are you using each?

Remember to introduce one new product at a time, for a few days before the other, and apply in a controlled area first. Now, stop both, let the skin rest, days later do the introduction. Niacinamide, work up to 2x day, don't jump right in, some do react to it.

[quspork]

That sounds a bit more like a reaction, @KatiRenee but it's hard to say. What products are you using?

[KatiRenee]

Ole Henriksen balance it all. The toner, face wash and moisturizer..

[mfilardo]

How long have you been using these products?