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.)
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.
How long will the retinol purge last? This varies, but you can expect the purge to last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you're seeing results for longer than 3 months, you might want to consult your GP or dermatologist. But first, be sure your skin concerns are definitely related to retinol…
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.
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.
Retinol burns heal on their own over 1 to 2 weeks, typically. But Dr. Robinson cautioned, “For people with sensitive skin or underlying conditions, like eczema, it may take a little longer.” If you develop a retinol burn, stop using retinol products until your skin heals.
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.
It really is a case of less is more. So, if you'd still like to use other actives and exfoliants in your routine, make sure to do so on an alternate day to retinol and take a break if your skin starts to feel sensitive.
“Retinol purging is a temporary side effect; if possible, continue to use your retinol as directed.”
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.
Gradually introduce the ingredient into your routine — if you're like most, it will take several weeks for your skin to adjust. Start off by using a pea-sized amount once a week for two weeks. Then, slowly move up to twice a week until there are no signs of irritation.
It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Retin-A starts working in as early as 2 weeks for acne. But its full benefits are more often seen within 12 weeks (3 months) of regular use. Though, it takes longer to treat wrinkles and sun damage, with 3 to 6 months of regular use typically being needed.
Retinol does help clear acne, but it's not a quick fix. It may take weeks or even a few months for your skin to improve. Plus, you may have an initial acne flare-up when you start using retinol. That doesn't mean the retinol serum for acne isn't working.
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.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.
For some people, stopping retinol abruptly may not lead to serious changes, but it's always best to consult a dermatology provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances. However, there is a chance your more obvious signs of aging may return after discontinuing retinol.
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.
If the Retinol Burn is so inflamed and causing pain then keep the affected skin cool with a cold wet cloth pressed on the skin. Don't apply makeup. Apply a specialist soothing oil, one that provides intense moisturisation and cooling along with the nourishment needed to help the burn heal quickly .
How long does retinol purging last? 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.)
You should always discontinue your use of retinol if your physician instructs you to. Your physician may also recommend that you slow down your use of retinol or use it at a lower concentration depending on your skin type and skin concerns.
However, incorporating retinoids in your skincare routine can also cause clogged pores, redness, peeling, and breakouts—regardless of skin type. This is called retinol skin purging, and it's the stage where your skin may get worse before it gets better.