Pimples after using The Ordinary products can stem from several reasons, including a normal skin purging process, irritation, an allergic reaction to specific ingredients, product incompatibility, or incorrect usage. Understanding the cause is key to addressing the issue effectively.
Skin Purging: A Temporary Worsening
One of the most common reasons for new breakouts after starting products, especially those from The Ordinary, is skin purging. This is a common reaction to certain active ingredients that accelerate skin cell turnover, bringing underlying impurities to the surface.
When you introduce products with ingredients like:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) (e.g., Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) (e.g., Salicylic Acid)
- Retinoids (e.g., Granactive Retinoid, Retinol)
- Vitamin C (in some forms)
These powerful ingredients work by encouraging your skin to shed dead cells faster, revealing fresh skin underneath. In this process, they draw out accumulated oil, dead skin, and acne-causing bacteria that were trapped deep within your pores. This "gunk" rises to the surface, temporarily manifesting as new pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. This initial breakout phase is generally temporary, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, as your skin adjusts and clears.
How to Identify Purging:
- Location: Breakouts appear in areas where you typically get pimples.
- Type: Often includes whiteheads, blackheads, small pustules, or cysts that come and go relatively quickly.
- Duration: Usually resolves within 2-6 weeks.
Irritation or Allergic Reaction
Your skin might simply be reacting negatively to one or more ingredients in the product. The Ordinary is known for its highly concentrated formulas, which, while effective, can sometimes be too potent for sensitive skin.
Signs of Irritation/Allergy:
- Persistent breakouts: Unlike purging, these breakouts don't seem to improve and may even worsen over time, appearing in new areas.
- Other symptoms: Redness, itching, burning, stinging, dryness, or flaky patches.
- Ingredient sensitivity: You might be sensitive to specific components like certain acids, essential oils, or preservatives.
What to do:
- Patch test: Always try a new product on a small, inconspicuous area of skin (like behind the ear or on the inner arm) for a few days before applying it to your face.
- Review ingredients: Compare the ingredients list with any known sensitivities you have.
Product Incompatibility or Overuse
Using too many active ingredients at once, or layering incompatible products, can overwhelm your skin and compromise its natural barrier, leading to breakouts and irritation.
Common Scenarios:
- Mixing too many strong actives: Combining multiple acids (e.g., AHA and BHA) or a strong Vitamin C with a retinoid without proper acclimation can be too harsh.
- Incorrect layering: Ensure you apply products in the correct order (e.g., lighter textures before heavier ones, water-based before oil-based).
- Over-exfoliation: Using chemical exfoliants too frequently can strip your skin, making it vulnerable to inflammation and breakouts. The Ordinary offers potent exfoliants that often require careful introduction.
Tips for Product Usage:
- Introduce one product at a time: Allow your skin a few weeks to adjust to a new product before adding another.
- Follow instructions: Pay close attention to recommended usage frequency and concentration.
- Research compatibility: Check if the active ingredients in your routine are safe to use together. Many brands, including The Ordinary, provide compatibility guides.
Other Contributing Factors
Sometimes, the new pimples might not be directly related to the Ordinary products but rather coincide with other factors:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or conditions like PCOS can trigger acne regardless of skincare.
- Dietary triggers: Certain foods can exacerbate acne in some individuals.
- Stress: High stress levels can impact skin health and lead to breakouts.
- Environmental factors: Pollution, humidity, or even touching your face frequently can contribute to acne.
- Medications: Some medications can have acne as a side effect.
Distinguishing Purging vs. Breakout
It's crucial to differentiate between skin purging and a true breakout caused by irritation or an incompatible product.
| Feature | Skin Purging | True Breakout / Irritation |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short-lived (2-6 weeks), then skin improves | Persists or worsens over time |
| Location | Areas where you typically get pimples | Can appear in new, unusual areas |
| Type of Lesions | Whiteheads, blackheads, small pustules, cysts | Inflamed, painful cysts, constant redness, irritation |
| Associated with | Introduction of active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids) | New product, sensitizing ingredients, or wrong usage |
| Overall Skin | May feel slightly drier or sensitive initially, but healthier underneath | Often feels irritated, itchy, burning, tight, or flaky |
What To Do If You're Breaking Out
- Simplify Your Routine: Temporarily discontinue all new products and revert to a very basic, gentle routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF). This helps to calm your skin and identify the culprit.
- Reintroduce Slowly: Once your skin has settled, reintroduce one new product at a time, waiting at least 2-4 weeks before adding another. Start with lower concentrations if available.
- Prioritize Skin Barrier Health: Ensure you're using a good moisturizer to support your skin barrier, which is essential for protection against irritants and maintaining hydration.
- Protect Your Skin: Always use sunscreen, especially when using active ingredients that can increase sun sensitivity.
- Consult a Professional: If breakouts are severe, persistent, or accompanied by significant irritation, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.
