Skin purging is a common side effect when starting new skin care treatments like retinoids. Purging occurs as the treatment accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing clogged pores and impurities to the surface. While purging is a good sign the treatment is working, the breakouts and irritation can be unpleasant. Many wonder if there are ways to speed up the purging process so they can get through this adjustment period as quickly as possible. Here we will look at what causes purging, how long it lasts, and whether you can make purging end faster.
What causes skin purging?
Skin purging happens when you start using topical skin care products that increase skin cell turnover. This includes ingredients like:
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene)
- Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid)
- Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)
- Vitamin C
These ingredients work by accelerating the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells from its surface. This helps reveal fresh new skin and clears pore congestion. However, this rapid turnover brings debris to the surface faster than your skin can clear it away. The debris becomes trapped under the surface, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples to form.
Purging usually starts within the first 2-6 weeks of using the new skin care product. It may cause:
- Increased breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples
- Breakouts in areas you don’t usually get them
- Bumps and acne that are slow to heal
- Irritation, flaking, peeling, redness
While unpleasant, this is a sign the product is working. Within 4-12 weeks, breakouts should subside as pore congestion clears and your skin adjusts.
How long does skin purging last?
There is no set timeframe for how long purging lasts. It depends on factors like:
- Your skin type and condition
- The product and strength being used
- How often you use it
Here are some general timeframes:
| Treatment | Purging Duration |
|---|---|
| Retinol | 2-6 weeks |
| Retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene) | 4-12 weeks |
| Alpha hydroxy acids | 2-4 weeks |
| Beta hydroxy acids | 2-4 weeks |
| Vitamin C | 2-4 weeks |
With consistent use, the breakouts and irritation should resolve. But if they persist beyond 12 weeks, see your dermatologist.
Can you speed up purging?
While you can’t make purging end faster, you can take steps to ease the process:
Start slowly
Using a product less frequently at first allows your skin to adjust slowly. For example, if starting retinol or retinoids, begin by using it twice a week, then build up to every other day, then daily use.
Use a gentle cleanser
Washing with a gentle cleanser reduces irritation but still helps clear away oil, dead skin, and debris to prevent clogged pores.
Apply moisturizer
Hydrating your skin helps it repair its moisture barrier and increases its ability to heal breakouts faster.
Avoid other actives
Don’t use other potentially irritating products like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, or acids until purging resolves. This prevents over-drying and irritation.
Protect your skin barrier
Be gentle and avoid scrubbing or picking at skin. Use soothing products like niacinamide and ceramides to support your skin barrier.
Give it time
Stick with the product, as purging is a sign it’s working. Consistency is key to getting through this phase faster.
When to see your dermatologist
See your dermatologist if you experience:
- Prolonged purging beyond 12 weeks of consistent use
- Cystic, painful acne
- No improvement in acne after 4-6 months
- Signs of skin infection like oozing, yellow crusts, warmth
They can provide additional treatments or prescribe medications like antibiotics or oral retinoids to help clear acne sooner.
Conclusion
While purging can’t be avoided when starting new skin treatments like retinoids, you can take steps to ease the process like using them slowly, hydrating your skin, and avoiding irritation. Within several weeks to months, breakouts should subside and make way for improved skin as clogged pores get cleared out. Sticking with the treatment and having reasonable expectations on the duration can help you get through this frustrating but temporary phase on the path to clearer skin.