The immediate side effects of retinol treatment can take the form of a surge in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rashes. This is termed retinol purging. It lasts for about 2-6 weeks depending on the quality of the skin, following which the positive effects ramp up.
You may notice an initial increase in acne, inflammation or dryness a.k.a. purging when you start using Retinol due to this reason. However, it's important to note that this is often a temporary side effect that can improve over time as your skin adjusts to the Retinol.
In general, a retinol purge is a one-time deal that takes about four weeks to complete, although the amount of time varies by skin type. (Speaking of, retinol isn't a good idea for those with eczema, severe rosacea, or extremely sensitive skin.)
Should you take a break from retinol? If you experience adverse effects like burning, redness, or peeling from retinol, consider taking a break, reducing the frequency of use, or switching to a less irritating retinoid.
Retinol for acne
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment — your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
This is called retinol skin purging, and it's the stage where your skin may get worse before it gets better. It's alarming, especially if you're not a skincare expert or if it's your first time using the product. However, these symptoms are usually just the expected side effect of retinoids.
If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.
You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.
Regardless of the acne treatment you're using, significant improvement in acne is not seen before 6-8 weeks, and it is reasonable to assess a maximal response to treatment after 12 weeks of regular (nightly) use in the case of a topical retinoid.
Retinol can assist in reducing further breakouts, as its formula helps to renew the skin cell cycle and improve skin barrier health. In terms of using retinol on popped pimples, the strength and efficacy of this ingredient can assist with marks.
“Retinol purging is a temporary side effect; if possible, continue to use your retinol as directed.”
Retinol reduces the appearance of acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Look for night creams or serums that contain Retinol. Azelaic Acid: this gentle acid has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. Azelaic acid helps prevent pores from clogging.
What age should you start using retinol? There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For its skin aging benefits, you can start to use it in your 20s as a preventive step. If you're using it for mild acne, you can use it even younger.
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental pollutants, whereas Retinol Serum rebuilds the skin. Essentially, this means that using both simultaneously would cancel each other out.
It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.
Retinol purging is often not understood well. Users mostly think that retinol escalates skin breakout. However, the truth is that retinol only speeds up the process. Since it works by increasing the skin cell turnover, it also pushes oil and skin debris to the surface which are removed through acne.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:
Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin. Allow this to dry completely. Apply your retinol. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.
However, when used with retinol, the effect can be too harsh on the skin, and can cause burns or scarring. If you've gone overboard, applying a hydrocortisone cream over the area can help.
Appearance. The blemishes caused by purging are usually smaller, come to a head quicker and heal faster. Breakouts, however, can vary widely in appearance, including blackheads, whiteheads, deeper cystic spots or hormonal acne along the jawline. They might heal slowly and can range in size and severity.