What to Expect When Starting Acne Treatment: Understanding Purging and Skin Progress

Based on internal clinical data from AcneClinicNYC

If you’ve ever started a new acne treatment and suddenly noticed more breakouts, you might be wondering:

“Is my skin purging or just getting worse?”

At AcneClinicNYC, we specialize in customized topical regimens that help clients of all ages and acne types achieve clear skin — and we have the experience to back it up. With over 10,000 clients successfully treated and three locations across New York, we understand the many ways your skin might respond to acne therapy.

What Is Skin Purging?

Purging is a short-term response that can happen when active ingredients like retinoidsmandelic acid, or benzoyl peroxide increase your skin’s cell turnover. As a result, clogged pores that were forming beneath the surface come up faster — which may look like your acne is getting worse before it gets better.

Here’s how to know if it’s purging and not irritation:

  • Happens where you normally break out
  • Starts soon after introducing a new product
  • Peaks within the first few weeks
  • Resolves within 4–6 weeks as your skin clears

Real Data from Our Clinical Observations

At AcneClinicNYC, we conducted an internal study on 350 clients aged 17–42, representing all acne types — including comedonal, hormonal, and cystic acne. All participants followed a customized topical protocol under our supervision.

100% of these clients achieved full skin clearance, without the use of oral medications or isotretinoin.

Here’s what our internal data showed:

  • 77% Experienced Stable Improvement — steady skin improvement with little to no purging.
  • 20% Had Purging Then Improvement — temporary increase in breakouts, followed by rapid clearing.
  • 3% Showed Improvement, Then Purging, Then More Improvement — initial improvement, brief purge around week 6, then full clearance.

Why This Matters

Skin purging can be alarming if you’re not prepared for it. But when guided by a professional, it’s a normal and manageable part of the healing process — and not everyone goes through it.

With the right topical plan and clinical support, your skin can:

  • Clear more efficiently
  • Avoid unnecessary medications
  • Heal without long-term damage

At AcneClinicNYC, our data-driven protocols and personalized care help clients reach clear skin faster — and more confidently.

Why Clients Trust AcneClinicNYC

  • Tens of thousands of clients successfully treated
  • Three convenient locations in NYC
  • 99% success rate with our acne programs
  • Evidence-based, ingredient-focused regimens
  • Ongoing support from trained Acne Specialists

Start Your Clear Skin Journey Today

Whether you’re starting a new routine, unsure if your skin is purging, or frustrated by past treatments — we’re here to help.

📍 Visit one of our three New York locations or book a virtual consultation to get started.

Acne doesn’t clear overnight — but with the right plan, it does clear.
And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.