Whether you’re just starting your detox journey or have been detoxing for some time, you may be wondering, “Why am I experiencing skin breakouts during detox?!” If you’ve been asking yourself if it’s just you or if detox breakouts are a normal part of the process, you’re not alone.
Not to worry! In this article, we’re going to get down and dirty about detox breakouts and answer all of your blemish questions so you’ll never have to worry about them again!
Is It Normal To Breakout During A Detox?
So, you started your detox and notice a few blemishes here and there. What gives? Now, before you get all worked up, let me assure you that it’s completely normal to breakout during a detox.
If you’re unfamiliar with how detoxing works but want the benefits of detox tea, you must trust the process. Breaking out is sometimes part of that process. In fact, it’s actually a good sign that your detox is actually working! Hear me out…

What Causes Detox Breakouts?
Detox breakouts are a normal part of the detoxification process, but not everyone experiences them! If you notice a breakout after starting a detox, you probably want some sort of explanation…
In order to understand what causes detox breakouts, you must learn how detox tea works. But without getting into too much detail, here’s the quick answer…
When toxins exit your body, they leave the same way they enter—through your breath, your gut and bowels, your urine, and… your sweat!
“Okay, so what does that have to do with my breakout?” Let me explain…
The liver is an essential organ in the function of the body’s lymphatic system. During a detox, your liver is responsible for cleansing toxins from the blood, regulating hormone production, and assisting the immune and drainage systems. You see, toxins need a place to exit your body quickly, and because the lymphatic system lives just below your skin, they can easily escape through the pores in the form of sweat.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and has two types of pores—sweat pores and oil pores. The primary purpose of your oil pores is to provide lubrication to help keep the skin supple, moisturized, and healthy, whereas sweat pores allow for sweat to travel from your sweat glands to the surface of the skin to help maintain your body temperature by evaporative cooling.
When your body sweats, the toxins can often build up in the skin as they make their way to the surface. When the toxins mix with the natural oils of your skin (this oil is called sebum), it can cause a buildup and, can sometimes result in an acne flare up.
So, even though breakouts can be annoying, experiencing a breakout during a detox is actually a GOOD sign that your body is in the process of flushing out toxin buildup!


How Long Do Detox Breakouts Last?
Detox breakouts vary from person-to-person and many people may not experience skin breakouts during detox at all. But regardless of how long it will last, it’s important to note that a detox breakout is only temporary. (And that’s if you have a breakout at all!)
But to answer this question directly—a detox breakout can happen anywhere from 2 to 3 days to a week after you’ve started detoxing and really shouldn’t last for more than 2 weeks, tops. If you’re naturally prone to acne and your blemishes worsen, your skin should return to normal within the same time frame.
When it comes to skin issues, people often wonder if there are any individual factors about their skin that could potentially contribute to the problem. Here are some fast facts about your skin and detox breakouts:
- The size and behavior of your pores can be partially responsible for a detox breakout. When a pore becomes clogged with dirt, bacteria, or in this case, environmental toxins, the oil within your pores builds up and causes them to expand. If your pores can’t expand fast enough to account for the increase in oil, acne occurs.
- Your skin type DOES NOT contribute to a detox breakout. Despite popular belief, a detox breakout is an equal opportunity skin condition. So, whether your skin is oily, dry, or tends to be a combination of the two, you do not have an increased likelihood of a detox breakout.
- Having acne prone skin DOES NOT increase your chances of a detox breakout. While it’s true that acne-prone skin can temporarily worsen during a detox, having acne-prone skin is not an underlying factor in whether you’ll experience a detox breakout or not.
- The number of toxins in your body can affect the length and intensity of your breakout. If you have a pretty hefty buildup of toxins in your body, you could develop more blemishes than someone with less toxin accumulation. But again, this is a good thing, and means your body is releasing those toxins and helping you to get healthier!
How Can I Prevent Skin Breakouts During Detox?
We know that skin breakouts can occur during a detox… but the good news is that there are a few things you can do to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
1. Remove any makeup before doing any physical activity
Because toxins can be released through perspiration, it’s best to remove any makeup before working up a sweat. Doing this will minimize the accumulation of debris on your face when you start to sweat and reduce your chances of a breakout.
2. Cleanse your face daily and use oil-free moisturizer if your skin type permits
Keeping your skin clean can prevent dirt and oil from clogging your pores, and ultimately help make room for the toxins that need to be released. Similarly, an oil-free moisturizer (if your skin type permits) can help keep excess oil at bay.

3. Drink LOTS of water
Drinking 8 glasses of water each day will not only keep your skin hydrated during the detoxification process, but it will help your kidneys flush out toxins through your urine.
4. Reduce your intake of added sugar and high-fat foods
Sugar contains oxidative properties that can provoke acne breakouts. High-glycemic foods can spike your blood sugar causing a burst of inflammation throughout your entire body. Insulin spikes can increase the production of skin oils and can contribute to acne. By reducing your intake of foods like white bread, candy, fried foods, ice cream, soda, etc. you can minimize a potential breakout.
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eating low-glycemic foods that contain zinc, vitamin A and E, and antioxidants can lower your risk of breakouts due to their anti-inflammatory properties. This includes foods like blueberries, salmon, dark leafy greens, nuts, etc.
6. Exercise regularly
Stress is a common trigger for breakouts. Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress and increase your metabolism. And as long as you cleanse your face and remove your makeup before exercising, you shouldn’t have to worry about clogged pores as a result of working out.
The Bottom Line On Detox Breakouts
The major takeaway here? Detox breakouts can definitely be frustrating BUT they’re actually a GOOD sign that your body is releasing toxins and your detox is working! Also, keep in mind that they’re only temporary and the benefits of detox will far outweigh a few blemishes.
To keep your detox going 24/7 and to combat any stress-related skin issues, pair your daytime Detox with SkinnyFit ZzzTox. This calming night time detox blend fights stress-related symptoms including weight gain, digestive issues, and skin flare-ups.
Happy detoxing!
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SkinnyFit Detox Tea
Slim down, soothe bloating, and boost your energy naturally! Unlike other detoxes, SkinnyFit Detox has NO laxatives and is made with 13 metabolism-boosting superfoods.
