{"id":34086,"date":"2023-02-16T02:05:46","date_gmt":"2023-02-16T02:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=34086"},"modified":"2024-11-22T13:25:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T13:25:43","slug":"retinol-purge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/retinol-purge\/","title":{"rendered":"Here’s *Exactly* How to Beat the Retinol Uglies for Calmer, Clearer Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"

The retinol<\/a> purge is real… but it doesn’t have to be disastrous. A dermatologist and an aesthetician share five essential tips and tricks to beat the retinol uglies, and inch your way closer to a calmer, clearer complexion in no time. We also explore the benefits of retinol and retinol side effects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

If you were to ask any skin expert to name the holy grail ingredient for beautiful, healthy skin, chances are retinol would rank highest on the list. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol \u201cis a powerful ingredient that is the gold standard for repairing damaged, aging, and acne-prone skin,\u201d explains Kerry Benjamin, aesthetician and founder of StackedSkincare. Regarding the use of retinoids (an umbrella term for topical vitamin A derivatives, both OTC and Rx), \u201cThere is not only data on the improvement of the appearance of the skin<\/em> but also on the reduction of precancerous changes<\/a>,\u201d adds Nancy Samolitis, MD<\/a>, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and medical director of facile skincare<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Simply put, this potent overachiever banishes breakouts, stops premature aging in its tracks, and even safeguards your skin against more serious complications down the road. Yet as great as it can be to yield a clear and positively ageless complexion, initial side effects may develop in the form of a retinol purge, aka the retinol uglies.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is Retinol Purging?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Before we cover the telltale signs of retinol purging, it\u2019s important to understand how this powerhouse ingredient works. \u201cRetinoids speed up cellular turnover and boost collagen, which helps the skin shed dead cells and grow new cells,\u201d Benjamin explains. \u201cThis cell turnover boost addresses a number of skin issues<\/a>, including wrinkles, acne, congested pores, and dark spots.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

While this takes place, the retinoids unearth whatever\u2019s clogging your pores (think: dead skin and excess oil). As the saying goes, the only way out is through… and this is how the retinol uglies can manifest on the skin’s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Close<\/figure>\n\n\n

What Does a Retinol Purge Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n

\u201cThe increased skin cell turnover<\/a> that is promoted by retinoids can lead to peeling, dryness, redness, and breakouts while the skin is getting adjusted to the change,\u201d Dr. Samolitis explains. However, she says that purging is more of the exception rather than the rule, especially if you know how to integrate retinol into your routine properly. (More on that soon.) \u201cObviously, this varies from person to person, depending on the history of their skin and other coexisting skin issues like eczema or rosacea,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n

Retinol Purge Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n

However, Benjamin notes that if you already struggle with congested skin, you\u2019re more susceptible to experiencing the retinol uglies. But don\u2019t worry too much: These not-so-pretty side effects can indicate better skin days ahead. \u201cPurging is actually a really good thing,\u201d says Benjamin. \u201cSometimes your skin will get worse before it gets better, but getting that congestion out will ultimately resolve the breakouts, and then you can use your retinol products and get all the benefits without the side effects of purging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

How Long Does Retinol Purging Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n

The retinol uglies aren\u2019t inevitable\u2014but should they occur, rest<\/a> assured that the eventual pros are likely to outweigh any initial cons. As far as how long the skin purge lasts, Dr. Samolitis says it typically spans about two weeks. However, some people may notice it takes a bit longer, though you should see some level of progress by your next skin cycle, which kicks off about every 28 days.<\/p>\n\n\n

P.S. You can promote skin cell turnover<\/a> even further with HUM’s Mighty Night (and enjoy a better night’s rest, to boot). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Mighty\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t691 Reviews\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

5 Tips to Beat the Retinol Uglies<\/h2>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ready to add a retinoid into your skincare routine\u2014which both experts highly<\/em> recommend, BTW\u2014or you’re currently experiencing a retinol purge yourself, follow this how-to guide to (literally and figuratively) save face.<\/p>\n\n\n

1. Choose Your Retinol Wisely<\/h3>\n\n\n

New to retinoids? You may benefit from choosing a lower-strength option, which can minimize your risk of purging and irritation while still getting your skin goals trending in the right direction. \u201cStarting with an OTC retinoid and working your way up to the prescription strength (to see maximal benefits) is recommended for those who have never used a retinoid before,\u201d Dr. Samolitis shares.<\/p>\n\n\n

That said, Benjamin notes that the retinoid conversion process can trigger purging, so specific forms of topical vitamin A<\/a> may be better than others in your quest to prevent the retinol uglies. \u201cAll retinoids must be converted into retinoic acid before they can be used by your skin cells,\u201d she explains. Prescription-grade retinoids\u2014such as tretinoin (including Retin-A)\u2014don\u2019t need to be converted at all, whereas most OTC options require multiple conversions before the skin\u2019s retinoic acid receptors can put them to use. \u201cThe conversion process creates irritation on the skin and [retinol] becomes less effective,\u201d Benjamin continues. With that in mind, she developed StackedSkincare\u2019s Advanced Retinol Serum<\/a>: \u201cIt uses Granactive Retinoid, a non-irritating retinoid ester the skin converts directly into retinoic acid, giving you all the benefits of retinol without the dryness and peeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Man<\/figure>\n\n\n

2. Start Slowly<\/h3>\n\n\n

As excited as you may be to experience the clarifying, pro-aging benefits of retinol, you\u2019ll want to take an easy-does-it approach. \u201cI always suggest starting use of a retinoid two days a week, with two break days in between,\u201d says Dr. Samolitis. (FWIW, this protocol aligns with the trending skin cycling method<\/a>.) Once your skin acclimates and the retinol uglies subside, you can work frequency up to every other night, as tolerated.<\/p>\n\n\n

Also, a little dab’ll do you: Only a pea-sized amount of product is routinely recommended to cover your full face. Any more than that is likely to exacerbate dryness and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n

3. Space Out Your Active Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n

Since retinol can be sensitizing even after an initial purging period<\/a>, it\u2019s best to avoid applying it before or after other heavy hitters. \u201cIt shouldn’t be started at the same time as other active ingredients<\/a> like exfoliating acids or vitamin C,\u201d Dr. Samolitis explains.<\/p>\n\n\n

Retinol is best for nighttime use. Save your vitamin C serum and exfoliants for your morning skincare routine, and\/or use the latter on your non-retinol nights.<\/p>\n\n\n

Note: Retinol will also make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so SPF<\/a> is an absolute must for daytime\u2014full stop. In addition to (but not in lieu of) sunscreen, HUM’s Turn Back Time can help protect your skin against UV damage from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Hydrate and Heal<\/h3>\n\n\n

According to Benjamin, properly hydrating your skin with humectants\u2014i.e., substances that attract water and prevent moisture loss\u2014can help combat the retinol uglies in the form of dry patches and irritation. Hyaluronic acid<\/a> and glycerin are among the best of the hydrating bunch, the first of which you can find in facile\u2019s Dew You serum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Growth factors are another ingredient that can offer relief, especially where breakouts and inflammation<\/a> are concerned. \u201cThey speed up healing, [which can] help control purging,\u201d Benjamin explains. Her own EGF Activating Serum<\/a> also packs yeast extracts to accelerate healing; moreover, she adds that the formula \u201chelps to lift the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) left behind from breakouts.\u201d Bonus: EGFs are gentle enough to apply twice daily\u2014even in tandem with your retinoid of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n

5. Moisturize Like You Mean It<\/h3>\n\n\n

When dealing with the retinol uglies, a good moisturizer will be your saving grace. \u201cIf your skin gets too dry, especially if you\u2019re dealing with purging, it will compound the issue because your skin will overproduce oil [to compensate],\u201d says Benjamin. \u201cSo always be sure to properly moisturize your skin when using retinol.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Retinol Purge FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n