While retinol definitely gets a bad rap when it comes to skin purging, it's not the only culprit. "Any ingredients that cause cell turnover can cause purging, and that includes exfoliant acids like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids," says Dr. Farber.
Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Whereas in the short term, it can lead to acne breakouts, skin peeling, dryness, and a range of other frustrating temporary outcomes. The purge phase usually lasts for two to six weeks.
The Bottom Line
Retinol doesn't cause acne. But it does cause purging, bringing those acne breakouts to the surface sooner than they would on their own. Keep using it. The sooner you go through a purge, the sooner it's over for good.
Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface.
Joshua Zeichner suggests applying retinol two to three times a week, starting at the lowest concentration and adjusting accordingly.
More to love, it's easy to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving no residual tackiness. As advertised, this contains retinol. CeraVe doesn't reveal the amount included, but based on its positioning in the ingredient list, it's likely around 0.01%.
Use alone or under makeup once or twice per day. It may take your skin some time to get used to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use.
You might also get more breakouts once you start using retinoids. Keep calm and stick with it. “It's common to see acne get worse before it gets better, as the retinoids can cause a mass 'purge,'” says Robinson. Basically, as skin cell turnover increases, new clogs rise to the top.
In general, retinol is one of the more gentle varieties of retinoids, however, “if you're going to experience shedding it will begin on day three to five of daily night time use, and this usually continues for about five to 10 days depending on your skin type and the percentage of retinol you've used,” adds Ejikeme.
Purging is slightly different, appearing on the skin mostly as blackheads or small skin-coloured bumps just under the surface of the skin. But it is also possible for purging to cause similar spots to a breakout, too.
When your skin is purging, it's most likely due to ingredients bringing already-clogged pores to the surface. If your skin is negatively reacting to a new product you're using, it's most likely a breakout.
That's right: It may be tempting to stop using said retinoid or exfoliating acid altogether, but resist. “If it's an Rx retinoid from your doctor, they gave it to you for a reason,” Mraz Robinson says. “Stick through this 'it gets worse before it gets better' phase.”
This 'gentle dermatologist recommended' product is one of the most common cleansers out there. But in reality, one of it's main ingredients is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is an inexpensive and irritating foaming surfactant that ranks as 5 on the 1 to 5 scale of pore clogging ingredients.
Dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., considers whiteheads and blackheads “mild” and therefore, “over-the-counter products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol should do the trick.” According to Dr.
Peeling, redness, and irritation are common onset reactions for some people when they first start to use retinol. Some reactions get so bad that the common term used to describe the list of effects has been dubbed the “retinol uglies”. Note from a skincare expert: Many things in life get worse before they get better.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
Generally, it takes a few weeks to see results, but some OTC options may require months of regular use. Most dermatologists said you'll need to use retinol for a few weeks before you see results, but you should see improvements by 12 weeks with most products.
Some people have noticed acne breakouts after using retinol, though this is a rare side effect. Eczema flare-ups, skin discoloration, swelling, and stinging are also rare occurrences. Side effects are likely to disappear after a few weeks of regular use, so it's important to give your skin time to adjust.
How to treat skin purging. “If the skin barrier is compromised when you see purging then start ingredients which help with barrier repair, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formulation. If you are using a treatment or product continue with a slower approach.”
Purging is a sign that the product is working and you should continue with the treatment as prescribed. After a few weeks of purging, your skin and acne will have noticeably improved. Breaking out is when your skin is reacting because it is sensitive to something in the new product.
A derivative of vitamin A, Retinol helps refine and resurface the skin to improve the appearance of texture and uneven skin tone. CeraVe Resurfacing Serum contains retinol to help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and visible pores overtime.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin's texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin's surface.
We recommend applying our Resurfacing Retinol Serum in the evenings after cleansing & before moisturizing. Our Skin Renewing Retinol Serum can be used twice daily depending on your skin's needs.