Does Retinol Cause Purging?
Retinol purging: Key takeaways (TL;DR)
- Retinol purging is a natural process that sometimes happens when skin is first exposed to topical retinol. Purges often cause dry, rough, and uncomfortable skin as well as spots and blackheads.
- Retinol is a well-known skincare ingredient associated with the appearance of firmer, smoother skin. As the skin adjusts to this new ingredient, impurities can be brought to the surface of the skin and imperfections can occur.
- The retinol purge phase is temporary and only located on areas where retinol has been applied. For most, retinol purging will last a maximum of 6 weeks.
- To mitigate retinol purging, try to apply products 2-3 times a week at first, only apply at night, and use products with a gentle concentration of retinol, like those in La Roche-Posay’s Redermic R range.
Retinol is one of the most important ingredients in anti-ageing skincare. As well as reducing visible signs of hyperpigmentation, it can help loose skin look and feel firmer and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
However, despite its benefits, when retinol is first introduced to a skincare routine, you might experience what's become known as 'retinol purging'. Much like a breakout, retinol purging can result in spots appearing on the face and has put many people off retinol skincare.
In this article, we'll delve into what's behind retinol purging, explaining what it is and why it affects some people. We'll also explore some of the benefits of retinol on ageing skin, and why pushing past the purge might be the best skincare decision you can make.
What is a retinol skin purge?
Retinol is a retinoid, a topical form of vitamin A that can be used to target visible signs of ageing like wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin. Part of what makes retinol such a well-regarded skincare ingredient is its gradual-release action, which is associated with visibly smoother-looking skin and the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, this adjustment process is actually the cause of the retinol purge phase. As the skin adapts, clogged pores are brought to the skin's surface, and the result is blemishes/imperfections, and very dry skin – commonly called a retinol skin purge.
What are the symptoms of retinol purging?
Symptoms of retinol purging will vary from person to person, with some experiencing purging more than others. Some of the most common symptoms of the retinol purge phase include:
- White and blackheads
- Skin discomfort
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Dryness and peeling skin
- Bumpy skin
It is important to note that while retinol purging might mirror some of the symptoms of a breakout, it is not the same. Breakouts tend to be more widespread and last longer than a retinol purge, with deeper and more painful spots in the affected areas. Additionally, retinol skin purges shouldn't cause swelling or severe discomfort. If you experience this, you may be allergic to something in your chosen product, and it's worth stopping usage and reaching out to your doctor for professional advice.
Retinol purge vs breakout: How to tell the difference
A retinol purge, or any purge from a new skincare product, can look similar to a breakout. So, how can you tell if you're dealing with retinol purging or a breakout?
| Retinol Purging | Breakout | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Temporary flare-up as the skin adjusts to retinol | Regular acne caused by clogged pores, hormones, or irritation |
| When it starts | Within 1–4 weeks of starting or increasing retinol | Can happen at any time |
| How long it lasts | Usually 4–8 weeks, then improves | Can continue until the cause is addressed |
| Type of spots | Small whiteheads, blackheads or spots | Painful, under-the-skin blemishes |
| Other symptoms | Dryness, sensitivity | Swelling, pain, redness, sometimes scarring |
How long does retinol purging last?
If you've just started using retinol products and are keen to feel their effects, then the main question on your mind is probably 'how long does retinol purging last' so you can start seeing the benefits for your skin.
The good news is that the retinol purge phase doesn't last forever, and after consistent use and enough time for your skin to get used to the ingredient, you should start to see and feel its effects. For most, it takes around 6 weeks for your skin to get used to retinol, and during this time, symptoms of retinol purging will vary:
- Weeks 1-2: First signs of the retinol purge phase, some dryness and discomfort are likely, spots can start to form.
- Weeks 3-4: Spots continue to form, but old ones are recovering. Skin may feel rough, but dryness and signs of discomfort should be receding.
- Weeks 5-6: Fewer spots are forming, skin is starting to clear, and dryness and discomfort should be completely gone.
- Week 6+: Benefits of retinol start to take hold, and skin should look noticeably better than it was prior to week 1. The retinol purge phase should be over.
How do you avoid a retinol skin purge?
In many cases, retinol purging is an unavoidable part of using the ingredient. However, there are some steps you can take to minimise the effects of the purge and help your skin while it adjusts.
One way to avoid worsening retinol purging is to be more sun-conscious. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun, and with retinol purges causing dry, uncomfortable skin, the last thing your skin needs is sunburn or irritation. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Anthelios UVAIR Daily SPF50+ and reapplying it regularly can protect your skin against sun damage and prevent a retinol purge from looking worse.
Another way in which you can protect your skin is through moisturising after you use retinol. Using a cream designed for sensitive skin, such as Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Fluid, can help reduce visible signs of irritation caused by dryness and make retinol purging less noticeable.
Top tips for getting started with retinol skincare products
If you're looking to start using retinol products, then there are a few tips we recommend for first-time use. These are:
- Start small: Ideally, your first retinol product should have a gentle concentration of the ingredient to give your skin a smooth introduction to its effects. La Roche-Posay’s Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream is a good choice for this reason as it uses a gentle but effective concentration of retinol (0.3%), which is suitable even for sensitive skin.
- Apply at night: When using products like our Redermic Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin, we recommend always applying at night. Nighttime application reduces the risk of UV damage to the skin and general irritation from daily life, helping to minimise the effects of retinol purging.
- Limit your application: When you begin using retinol products, it's best to avoid daily use and instead apply them 1-2 times a week. Spreading out your use of retinol products, like our 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum, helps the skin to adjust to the ingredient's effects, without overwhelming it. You should also not use the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum in conjunction with other products containing retinol.
While retinol purging can still happen, taking these precautions can help to mitigate its effects and make the bedding-in process more bearable.
Push past the purge with La Roche-Posay's Redermic R range
When used consistently, products with retinol can be really effective. With the ability to help skin look and feel firmer, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and support a more renewed-looking complexion.
The downside of this, of course, is the retinol purge phase – an adjustment phase where impurities rooted in the skin are purged, dryness and signs irritation, blackheads, and more can flare up.
If you're looking to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and help loose skin feel firmer, we recommend pushing past the purge and sticking with retinol long enough to see its effects. La Roche-Posay's Redermic R range is formulated with an effective concentration of retinol that is also suitable for sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for those using retinol products for the first time.
Browse the full Redermic R range today
Retinol serums recommended by dermatologists
With age, wrinkles and creases begin to appear on the skin of the face. Fortunately, there are various treatments and methods of prevention. Using dermatologist-recommended retinol serums is one of the most reliable ways to reduce the appearance of these signs of ageing while managing the purge phase effectively.
0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum
Our Dermatological Renewal Serum for deep wrinkles, photoageing, and uneven skin tone combines retinol and vitamin B3 to diminish wrinkles and smooth skin texture, while being formulated to minimise the effects of retinol purging.
Retinol activates collagen production and accelerates cell regeneration, while Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reinforce the skin barrier. These two ingredients make Retinol B3 Serum a formidable weapon against wrinkles, while helping to soothe skin during the adjustment period.
To limit the effects of purging, apply only 2-3 times per week at night to start, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. Beyond its ability to fight wrinkles, it also helps to promote the skin's overall health, giving it a more youthful, glowing appearance.
Redermic Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
Formulated specifically for the delicate eye contour, this cream delivers retinol's anti-ageing benefits while being suitable for sensitive skin. As with all retinol products, applying at night helps reduce the risk of UV-related irritation and supports a smoother transition through the purge phase.
The following method is recommended for ideal results:
Apply a small amount around the eye contour at night, avoiding direct contact with the eyes. Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen the next morning.
With regular, gradual use, this eye cream can help reduce the appearance of fine lines while minimising the discomfort often associated with retinol purging.
Recommended retinol creams
Now that we have considered all these tips, which retinol cream should you use to help ease into your routine and manage purging? Well don't worry, because we have provided you with the definitive list of the best retinol creams from La Roche-Posay that you can find in your nearest pharmacy. Taking care of yourself has never been so easy.
Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream
For an effective yet gentle introduction to retinol, La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream is a great choice. Its formula uses a 0.3% concentration of retinol, suitable even for sensitive skin, helping to reduce wrinkles while limiting the intensity of the purge phase.
And, of course, we recommend the best selection of products that help support your skin through the retinol adjustment period.
Retinol Purge FAQs
Why does retinol cause purging?
One of the benefits of retinol is its gradual-release action, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and supports a smoother-looking complexion. As part of this adjustment process, clogged pores and other debris trapped in the skin are brought to the surface faster than usual and can cause dryness, irritation and spots to appear – also called retinol purging.
Does retinol cause spots?
At first, retinol can cause spots to appear as part of the retinol purging process. This occurs because the skin is adjusting to the ingredient, which brings impurities within the skin to the surface, causing the appearance of spots and blackheads.
Why is retinol making me break out?
Though the retinol purge may look like a breakout, it's actually quite different. Unlike breakouts, retinol purges bring impurities and clogged pores to the skin's surface in an attempt to rid the skin of them. While this can cause some dryness and signs of irritation in the short term, retinol purging does not last forever and will clear up on its own once your skin is used to the ingredient.
How long is the retinol purge phase?
For most people, the retinol purge phase lasts up to 6 weeks. During this time, symptoms can change, and the positive effects of retinol may not be apparent. After this, retinol's anti-ageing effects should take hold and the dryness, signs of irritation, and breakouts will subside.
What helps retinol purging?
If you're experiencing retinol purging, the following steps could help limit its effects:
- Only using retinol products 2-3 times per week.
- Applying retinol at night.
- Using and reapplying sunscreen regularly throughout the day.
- Using products with a lower concentration of retinol.
