What is the difference between purging and a breakout from a new product?

Purging is accelerated cell turnover triggered by actives like retinoids and AHAs, bringing existing congestion to the surface. It appears in your normal breakout zones and resolves within four to six weeks. A reaction to a new product typically causes breakouts in unusual areas, appears within days of starting a product, and does not improve over time. Clogging without pore-clearing actives indicates a reaction rather than purging.