Skincare Protocols | 17 June, 2025

What is retinol purge?

Has your skin worsened since introducing retinol to your routine? This uncomfortable period – when breakouts seem to multiply and skin is irritated – is called a retinol purge. Rest assured, this phase is temporary, manageable, and often a sign that retinol is doing its job.

What causes a retinol purge?

Retinol is a powerful derivative of vitamin A and a well-researched skincare ingredient. It's used to treat a wide range of concerns – blemishes, fine lines, dark spots + uneven texture. 

It works by speeding up the natural cell turnover process, helping your skin shed dead cells quicker to bring new, fresh ones to the surface. 

As a result, congestion that sits below the surface – such as clogged pores + inflammation – rises to the top more quickly. This flood of breakouts is referred to as the retinol purge.

A purge is different from a reaction. It is part of the skin's adjustment to active ingredients. A reaction could be a sign of irritation or an allergy, especially if it includes symptoms like painful rashes or burning.

What does a retinol purge look like?

The signs can vary from person to person, but there are patterns that include:

• Increased breakouts: You may notice more pimples than usual, especially in areas where you already tend to break out.
• Whiteheads + blackheads: These types of clogged pores form when dead skin cells + oil build up inside hair follicles.
• Inflamed blemishes: Red, sore breakouts can appear as part of the skin's detox process.
• Peeling + dryness: Retinol can dry out the skin, especially when you start using it, leading to flaky patches.
• Redness or irritation: Some mild irritation is normal, particularly if your skin isn't used to actives.

When does a retinol purge start?

A purge typically starts within the first 1-2 weeks of beginning a retinol product. This is when your skin starts to speed up its cell turnover, clearing clogged pores + impurities that were already forming beneath the surface. 

If you're seeing breakouts or irritation right away or within the first few days, it's likely part of the purge. However, if new breakouts appear after several weeks or in areas you don't usually break out, it may be a sign of a negative reaction. 

How long does a retinol purge last?

Most retinol purge timelines last between 4-6 weeks. During this time, your skin adjusts to the increased cell turnover rate. After about a month, the breakouts begin to calm down, and you should start seeing clearer, smoother skin. 

That said, not everyone purges. Some people experience no breakouts when starting retinol, while others go through a more intense purge. How your skin reacts depends on a few things:

• Your skin type + sensitivity
• The concentration of retinol you're using
• How often you apply it
• Whether you've used retinoids before

If your purge is still going strong after 6 weeks or your skin is getting worse instead of better, we advise consulting with a dermatologist. 

How to minimize and manage a retinol purge

While a purge may be unavoidable for some, there are ways to minimize discomfort and keep your skin barrier healthy. 

• Start slow: Don't jump into high-strength retinol right away. Begin with a lower concentration – such as 0.25% – and use it 1-2 times a week. 
• Use the "sandwich" method: Apply a gentle hydrator before + after your retinol. This cushions your skin, reducing irritation without interfering too much with retinol's effectiveness. 
• Hydrate + protect: It's essential to keep your skin well-hydrated. Use a nourishing hydrator and always wear SPF in the daytime – because retinol accelerates skin-cell renewal, it makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
• Avoid other irritants: Avoid using other strong actives like exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), benzoyl peroxide or vitamin C in the early stages. Combining too many actives can cause further irritation. 
• Don't pick or scrub: It can be tempting to exfoliate flaky skin or pick at breakouts, but this can cause damage + slow healing. Let the purge run its course naturally.

Can you prevent a retinol purge?

If you're prone to clogged pores or breakouts, a purge might be hard to avoid. But you can reduce its intensity and help your skin transition more smoothly. 

Here are prevention tips: 

• Pre-treat your skin: If you've never used retinol before, prepare your skin by using gentle exfoliants or non-prescription retinoid alternatives like bakuchiol for a few weeks.
• Use barrier-repair products: Niacinamide, ceramides + hyaluronic acid can help strengthen your skin, so it's better equipped to handle stronger ingredients.  
• Listen to your skin: If your skin is getting too irritated, dial back your usage. More retinol isn't always better. Progress with patience is key.

Consider doing a patch test before applying retinol to your full face. This can help you gauge how your skin will react and give you a chance to spot any potential issues early.

Is retinol worth the purging?

Yes, for most people – especially if you're dealing with specific concerns. While the purging phase can be frustrating, it's usually temporary. 

Once your skin adjusts, retinol's long-term benefits include smoother texture, clearer pores, reduced breakouts, and improved tone.

Navigate the retinol purge with confidence

The retinol purge can be discouraging, but it's often a sign that the ingredient is working hard to accelerate the renewal process. With patience, the purge will pass + reveal healthier, more radiant skin. 

If something doesn't feel right or you need further advice on using retinoids, find your local ZO® Partner or get in touch to speak to our friendly experts.