Retinoids work at a cellular level to normalize skin turnover, bringing all the impurities clogging your pores to the surface. This combination of increased cell turnover and pore unclogging can lead to temporary breakouts as everything surfaces at once.
Yes. Retinol enhances the cellular turnover process, which brings up dead-dried cells and impurities to the skin's surface. This may result in breakouts a.k.a. purging.
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 is just one ingredient that can help clear and plump your skin. It can take several weeks before you'll start to see results from retinol, and your skin may look worse before it gets better, so try not to get discouraged. Start slowly and increase your use of retinol gradually.
Managing the retinol purge
– It may take some time for your skin to adjust to the new treatment. This is totally normal. Try reducing your treatment to 1-2 times a week. Once your skin tolerates it well, build up the frequency slowly.
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.
Retinol can cause a side effect called a retinol burn. Retinol burns can cause skin redness, irritation, and flaking. But it's not an allergy. You should stop using retinol if you develop a retinol burn.
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.
You might notice the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and hard bumps in clusters. These combined effects can make the skin look rough and uneven. The term “purging” reflects a process of purification or cleansing, which is exactly what your skin undergoes during the retinoid purging phase.
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.
Ultimately, retinol purging is a temporary phase. As your skin adjusts to the increased cell turnover rate promoted by retinol, you should notice a gradual decrease in breakouts, smoother texture, improved skin tone, and a brighter complexion.
Unlike purging, regular breakouts aren't related to increased cell turnover due to an active ingredient. Instead, they are often caused by external or internal changes that affect your skin's balance.
The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...
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…
Purging is temporary, and it won't last forever – your skin needs to adjust to the new active ingredients in your regime. Keeping consistent will help you through this phase, as your skin will gradually adapt. A simple, stripped back skincare routine will also help your skin to acclimatise.
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.
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.
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.
It can take time for your skin to get used to a retinoid. Start by applying it once or twice a week, and always at night. As your skin adjusts, you can work your way up to using it nightly. If your skin gets red, dry, or flaky, you may be moving too fast.
Some studies show that retinol can not only clear up acne but also improve acne scars. Some retinol products are sold over the counter, but your dermatologist could prescribe a stronger cream.
This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.
Do you have to use retinol forever once you start? If you are using it correctly, where you are balancing getting an effect with minimizing irritation and dryness, then there is really no reason to stop (with the exception of during pregnancy).