Can acne get worse before it gets better when starting treatment?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Acne can sometimes get worse before it gets better when starting new treatments—a phenomenon known as "skin purging." This temporary flare-up often occurs with retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients accelerate skin cell turnover and bring underlying clogged pores to the surface faster. Purging typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks. However, not every breakout is purging—some may signal irritation, an allergic reaction, or an unrelated skin condition that needs different care.

Because it's easy to mistake worsening acne for treatment failure, understanding what's actually happening on your skin is key to making the right next move. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly evaluate your symptoms, rule out other possible causes, and guide you toward the most appropriate next steps—whether that's continuing treatment, adjusting your routine, or seeing a dermatologist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn why acne may get worse first Discover if your acne needs care See if worsening acne signals a problem Find OTC acne relief options Find an acne specialist near you Explore evidence-based home remedies for acne Understand likely causes of stubborn acne

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

When beginning a new treatment for acne, it is possible for the condition to initially worsen. This can happen because the skin is adjusting to the new medication or product. While the references provided do not directly address this phenomenon, they do discuss factors that can influence acne, such as dietary supplements and chocolate.

Factors That Can Affect Acne:

Dietary Supplements: Some supplements might impact acne, potentially making it worse.
Chocolate: Eating dark chocolate might also make acne worse for some people.

Understanding these factors can help manage expectations when starting a new acne treatment. If acne worsens temporarily, it might be part of the skin's adjustment process. If you're experiencing concerning skin symptoms or want to better understand what might be causing your acne, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker for personalized insights. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

(References)

Zamil DH, Perez-Sanchez A, & Katta R. (2020). Acne related to dietary supplements. Dermatology online journal, 32941710.
Vongraviopap S, & Asawanonda P. (2016). Dark chocolate exacerbates acne. International journal of dermatology, 26711092.
Callender VD, Preston N, Osborn C, Johnson L, & Gottschalk RW. (2010). A Meta-analysis to Investigate the Relation Between .... The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 20877537.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.