Is the fear of the “tretinoin purge” keeping you from trying out a retinol-based acne treatment? Learn more about the tretinoin purge.
Is the fear of the “tretinoin purge” keeping you from trying out a retinol-based acne treatment? Well, you aren’t alone.
Many of us are already familiar with fighting acne breakouts, so it makes sense to feel cautious about a product that might cause the situation to worsen.
However, even though any retinol product may cause a skin purge, once you get through it, it may also have long-lasting positive effects on your skin.
Let’s get into the ins and outs of the tretinoin purge, or what the internet has colloquially deemed the “retinol uglies”.
(Spoiler: it’s not as bad as it sounds and we’ve got some tips on how to deal with the tretinoin purge blues.)
Also Read: Rosacea Vs. Acne: How To Spot The Difference
Anecdotally, yes, but it’s important to note that experts don’t call the initial weeks of tretinoin treatment a skin “purge” but rather an “adjustment period”.
This alludes to the fact that the initial reaction is just part and parcel of a short term adjustment.
Tretinoin acne treatments are long-term acne solutions, but the first few weeks of use can feel like a traumatic backslide into acne breakouts. (The adage, “It gets worse before it gets better” comes to mind.)
This can be upsetting as no one starts an anti-acne treatment expecting things to get worse for a while, but this is exactly what may happen with retinol-based treatments.
The internet offers no shortage of anecdotal evidence of this tretinoin purge period - some users documenting every step of their tretinoin experience (and it often involves an adjustment period).
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist says “The term ‘skin purging’ refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate.”
As the skin cell turnover rate increases, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells (amongst other things) faster than normal. This is in the pursuit of exposing fresher, brighter, and healthier skin cells underneath. (#skingoals)
As the skin turnover rate increases, working toward revealing beautiful skin, things like excess sebum and skin flakes (the stuff that makes pimples) must rise to the surface too.
This can cause an influx of pimples of all kinds. Over the long run though, a faster skin turnover rate can lessen the occurrences of blemishes and acne and reveal clearer, smoother skin. The long term benefits usually far outweigh the frustrating temporary effects of “the purge”.
Some people won’t experience a skin purge with retinol products.
For others, however, this process can commonly range anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Everyone reacts a little differently to retinoids.
If used daily, it could take 6 weeks to see the benefits of tretinoin for acne.
But, if you use tretinoin more sparingly to help reduce any adverse effects, it could take 10 weeks to see the skin clearing benefits of tretinoin.
Learn More: Can You Get Tretinoin Over the Counter?
It’s understandable to feel a little down in the dumps when a retinol product worsens an already undesirable acne situation.
So, we’ve got 6 tips from our retinol pros to help you navigate any potential purge issues. If you’re new to retinol, take notes!
It’s good to know what possibly lies ahead.
Talk to your doctor about what to expect when it comes to the adjustment period.
Remember to ask how to make the adjustment period as smooth as possible (no pun intended).
Accept the fact you might get new blemishes and blackheads as a result of using tretinoin.
Take it in your stride as you remember beautiful skin is in your future.
Your new skincare mantra is “It’s may get worse before it gets amazing.”
It’s tempting to assume the purging effects is an adverse reaction.
We’ve all had a breakout due to a lotion, or a foundation and then kept away from it like the plague. But, this situation is slightly different. (Refer to your skincare mantra.)
There is an expected adjustment period with any retinoid such as Accutane, tretinoin, and OTC retinol. Just try to stick with it.
The tretinoin adjustment period may cause the skin to become dryer than usual.
Make sure to use a quality moisturizer while using Tretinoin (often) to keep your skin hydrated and skin barrier strong.
A good way to track the slow but steady progress that is seen when using retinol products is to take progress selfies.
You don’t need to refer to them now, but you’ll want them later. It will show you how far your skin has come with the help of tretinoin or other retinoids.
Don’t let the tretinoin purge scare you away from the skin of your dreams. If you want to improve your acne, prescription tretinoin acne formulas may help.
Strut Health offers free online questionnaire-based telemedicine consultations.
If our medical team finds that you’re a good fit for our Strut Acne Formula with Tretinoin (or any other prescriptions we offer), a U.S. pharmacy will put your order together and ship it to your front door with our free shipping.
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