Unfortunately, sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.
This is true with plenty of things in life, and sometimes even in skin care too.
There is truth behind this buzzy term, but it’s more nuanced than you might think.
Here’s everything you should probably know, from experts.
What is a retinol purge?
So retinol is not simply causing your skin to break out point-blank but rather expediting the process.
Think of it like this: You have some breakouts on queue when you start using your retinol serum.
Maybe they would come to the surface in a week, two weeks, a month, etc.
Now, they’re just popping up at a faster pace.
How to tell if it’s a retinol purge or a simple breakout.
It can be hard to differentiate between skin purging and a day-to-day breakout.
In that case, the product may simply be irritating your skin or clogging your pores.
Further, timing can help you decipher if it’s a breakout or purge.
“Once the purging is done, the skin should remain clear,” Zeichner previously said.
won’t be due to retinol use.
Want a recap?
3 things to look for:
6 tips to manage a retinol purge.
Don’t give up!
If you pick at your purge breakouts, you’re more likely to experience scarring and dark spots.
If you resist the urge to pick, you’ll have a smooth, clear surface post-purge.
Cycle through your skin care.
Overusing retinol will only cause more irritation.
(For more ideas onhow to use retinol, read up.)
Keep the rest of your routine simple.
It’s best to keep the rest of your routine simple and hydrating to avoid irritation and ingredient interactions.
“For example, you could switch from a foaming cleanser to creamy cleanser.
From an exfoliatingtonerto a hydrating one.
Skip the vitamin C serum and switch to ahyaluronic acid serum,” Ross says.
Sandwich your retinol.
The sandwich method calls for a layer of moisture underandover your retinol.
This will prevent the retinol from penetrating as deep into the skin, which will help minimize the irritation.
It’s important to see to it your final moisturizer isn’t occlusive either.
This means nosluggingpetrolatum-based products and botanical oils included.
Avoid extractions.
“Basic facials can be helpful during a retinol purge to help gently encourage the purging process.
However, avoid heavy exfoliation and extractions, which could lead to blemishes,” Ross explains.
If you want to get afacialduring your adjustment to retinol, great.
Wear SPF to avoid scarring + protect the skin.
Retinol products can make your skin more photosensitive, so keep up with regulardaily SPF.
FAQ
Can you avoid the retinol purge?
How long does a retinol purge last?
“Usually about two weeks, but no longer than six weeks,” Suarez says.
Do stronger retinoids cause more intense purging?
Prescription-grade retinoidslike tretinoin and Tazorac tend to be more potent than OTC retinol.
So if you’re switching from gentle retinol to a prescription-grade formula, your skin may need to readjust.
The takeaway.
With new retinol, your skin may even get worse before it gets better.
