What is Retinol Purge and How Long Does it Last?
Individuals using retinol may have concerns about their skin quality worsening during the course of treatment. However, retinol’s results are often an example of things having to get ‘worse’ before they can get better.
This is what is known as a retinol purge, a side effect wherein cell turnover pushes underlying impurities and blemishes to the surface of the skin, causing symptoms like redness and irritation, before resulting in clearer skin.
In this NOON Aesthetics guide, we’ll be breaking down the process of retinol purge, answering questions like ‘how long does retinol purge last?’ We’ll also take the time to introduce NOON’s retinol skincare products, created with DermShield™ technology and renowned for their highly concentrated formula.
What is Retinol Purge?
To better understand why retinol purge is a necessity, let’s start with how retinol actually works.
When absorbed into the skin, retinol converts to retinoic acid, boosting collagen production and accelerating cell turnover. This turnover quickly drives impurities, dead skin cells, and oils to the surface, cleansing the skin’s deeper layers and often resulting in a ‘retinol purge.’
Whilst purging is a common experience for many individuals beginning their retinol journey, it isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Everybody’s skin reacts differently, and retinol purges can take many different forms.
What does retinol purging look like?
- Location: The effects of a retinol purge can appear wherever you apply the treatment, particularly in one’s ‘problem areas,’ like the T-zone or chin.
- Appearance: The appearance of retinol purges can differ from person to person, depending on their skin type and the conditions they typically deal with. For example, one may experience an increase in whiteheads and blackheads, whilst others’ side effects may take the form of papules and pustules.
- Symptoms: As with many skin conditions, symptoms like redness, irritation and dryness are common symptoms of a retinol purge.
How long does retinol purge last?
The retinol treatment experience can be pretty daunting, with plenty of people concerned about just how bad their skin will get and for how long. Generally speaking, a retinol purge tends to last around one to two skin cell cycles, which can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.
There are, however, a number of factors that can contribute to the length of your retinol purge:
- How often you apply retinol
- The concentration of your retinol
- Skin sensitivity
If the side effects of retinol continue to worsen after the four- to eight-week timeframe, our experts recommend seeking the advice of a professional.
How to Manage a Retinol Purge
There are several ways individuals can care for their skin during the retinol purge to achieve the best results and minimise irritation.
- Start Slow: The skin can initially be very sensitive to retinol. This is why many dermatologists recommend starting slowly with around one or two applications of retinol per week, before gradually increasing the frequency over time as the skin grows more familiar with its effects.
- Stay Hydrated: Side effects of retinol can include dryness and flakiness. Consider using a serum or moisturiser to soothe the skin over the course of the treatment.
- Wear SPF: During cell turnover, the skin is far more sensitive to UV light, which is why it’s important to protect the skin with SPF.
Discover Retinol at NOON Aesthetics
Here at NOON Aesthetics, our products are created with DermShield technology, allowing for highly concentrated formulas without causing irritation. That’s why our potent retinol treatments are ideal for those with sensitive skin, delivering rejuvenating results without leading to further inflammation.
Become a Stockist Today
Now that we’ve answered questions like, ‘How long does retinol purge last?’ and ‘What does retinol purging look like?’, consider stocking NOON Aesthetics’ collection of retinol treatments. Take a look at our medical-grade range of products today and offer your clients access to industry-leading skincare solutions today.