August 16, 2022

By Srishty Singh

Retinol, a type of Vitamin A, is touted as the holy grail of anti-ageing. Its topical application ensures healthy cellular renewal and boosts Collagen production to soften fine lines, wrinkles, laugh creases, crow’s feet, and more. However, a handful of Retinol beginners may notice discomfort in the form of flakiness, breakouts, and inflammation – also known as Retinol purging. A normal reaction to enhanced cellular turnover, purging shouldn’t discourage you from using Retinol. However, there are certain preventative measures and tips to alleviate these symptoms – that make your experience with Retinol a whole lot better. Scroll ahead to learn more. But before we get to everything purging, let’s refresh our basics on Retinol. Retinol And Its Benefits Retinol is popular for its anti-ageing benefits, but that is not all. If used in the right manner, Retinol works to 1. Prevent clogged pores 2. Minimizes pores size 3. Regulate sebum production 4. Kill acne-causing bacteria 5. Reduce acne 6. Improve skin texture and tone What Is Retinol Purging? Retinol accelerates the skin's cell turnover, and it can bring underlying acne to the surface more rapidly than it would naturally. You may notice an initial increase in acne, inflammation or dryness a.k.a. purging when you start using Retinol due to this reason. However, it's important to note that this is often a temporary side effect that can improve over time as your skin adjusts to the Retinol. What Does Retinol Purging Look Like? Retinol purging manifests in different forms in different individuals. Rare first time-Retinol users may experience - 1. Dry skin: Due to enhanced cellular turnover, dead cells may rise to the dermis – leading to dryness and flakiness. 2. Redness and inflammation: Expedited cell renewal can make new skin look red and inflamed. 3. Uneven texture and bumps: First-time Retinol users may also experience pimples, blackheads, whiteheads in bands. How Long Does Retinol Purging Last? The duration of purging differs from person to person. Most individuals experience signs of purging for 4 to 6 weeks from the first use. If your symptoms last longer than 8 weeks, we recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. How To Avoid Retinol Purging And Breakouts? 1. Introduce it slowly in your routine: You can use the serum once or twice a week to get your skin used to this skincare hero. Then, once your skin has adjusted well to the product, you can gradually increase the usage to every alternate night. 2. Use a lower concentration of Retinol: A higher concentration of Retinol = faster results? That's not the case. A higher concentration of Retinol can be harsh on sensitive skin and escalate the possibility of skin purging. You can use a Retinol serum containing a lower concentration of Retinol. Foxtale's Retinol Serum contains 0.15% encapsulated Retinol, a process wherein retinol penetrates deeper into the skin cells to deliver the best benefits without causing any purging! Encapsulated Retinol boosts Collagen production, provides excellent anti-ageing results and makes your skin radiant! 3. Look for soothing ingredients: Using a Retinol serum containing soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Kokum butter causes fewer chances of your skin reacting to Retinol. Allantoin and Kokum butter provide a soothing effect on the skin and treat inflammation. In addition, the presence of Betaine helps soften the skin texture and hydrate it. 4. Always follow up with a sunscreen While you're aware that Retinol accelerates cell turnover, did you know that newer skin cells are at threat of exposure to the sun's UV rays? Always layer your skin with sunscreen to avoid the risk of skin sensitivity. Can I Keep Using Retinol After Purging? Purging is a relatively normal reaction to introducing Retinol in your skincare routine – so it's okay to continue using the ingredient. Here are some non-negotiables that will curb the discomfort or flare-ups 1. Use a hydrating cleanser: Prep your skin for Retinol with a hydrating, non-drying cleanser. Steer clear of ingredients like SLS or alcohol that dehydrate the skin, weaken the barrier and add to the dryness possibly caused by Retinol. 2. Layer active ingredients smartly: We recommend not going overboard with active ingredients. Case in point, if you are using Retinol in your nighttime skincare routine, opt for the Vitamin C Serum in the morning to avoid irritation or inflammation. 3. Moisturize always: Without moisturization, all your efforts for younger-looking skin will be futile. A potent moisturizer creates a barrier on the dermis, sealing in the Retinol molecules and hydration for best results. Additionally, slathering a generous amount of moisturizer alleviates any accidental flare-ups caused by Retinol. 4. Try sandwich method: This method involves using retinol between two layers of moisturizer. This tip will be most suitable if you're new to retinol or have sensitive skin. It doesn't make your skin prone to irritation and provides ample pampering. You Should Discontinue Retinol After Purging If 1. You have excessive redness or inflammation on the skin 2. You experience peeling skin or burning sensation that refuses to budge 3. The purging last for 6+ weeks 4. Your dermatologist asks you to discontinue Retinol with immediate effect Is There A Retinol Product That Minimizes Purging? As discussed earlier – if you are looking for a Retinol-infused formula that minimizes purging, we have a little treat for you. Try Foxtale’s 0.15% Encapsulate Serum STAT. It boasts Retinol enclosed in a protective layer that travels deep inside the skin to break open. This innovative technology helps limit episodes of purging and inflammation. 1. The gradual release of Retinol molecules into the deepest layers improves the serum’s efficacy. The lightweight formula boosts Collagen to soften fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet over time. Moreover, topical application of this Retinol Serum averts free radicals that deplete your skin’s Collagen levels. 2. Unlike other formulas, Foxtale’s uber-safe Retinol Serum doesn’t dry out the skin. Betaine, a powerful humectant at the forefront, helps bind water molecules to the skin for its long-lasting hydration. 3. The serum also carries Kokum Butter which administers long-lasting and multi-level moisturization for the skin. Plus, it makes your skin super smooth, soft, and supple. Conclusion If you want to try using retinol but are concerned about purging, there are some tips you can follow to help minimize the likelihood of this occurring. First, it's essential to understand your skin type and choose a retinol product with a lower concentration that is appropriate for your skin. Introducing the product slowly and gradually to your skin can also help to reduce the risk of irritation and purging. Among its skincare counterparts, retinol is unrivalled in providing protection from ageing, reducing pores, evening skin tone, and enhancing the glow on your face. Just out of the fear of purging, you don't have to forego your dream of youthful and radiant skin. FAQs 1. Can Retinol break you out in the first few weeks? Yes. Retinol enhances the cellular turnover process, which brings up dead-dried cells and impurities to the skin’s surface. This may result in breakouts a.k.a. purging. 2. Can you keep using Retinol with purging? Yes, you can. Purging is a normal reaction to a new active ingredient in your skincare routine. It generally subsides in 4 to 6 weeks. 3. Does Retinol help with acne in the long run? Yes. Retinol helps with acne in the long run by 1. Unclogging pores 2. Reducing acne scars 3. Abating inflammation 4. Killing acne-causing bacteria 4. How can I start retinol without purging? If you want to avoid retinol purging, follow these two necessary steps. Firstly, choose a retinol serum with a lower concentration and soothing ingredients such as betaine, allantoin, and kokum butter. These ingredients help to reduce skin irritation and redness, which are common during retinol purging. Secondly, start using retinol only once or twice a week to gradually allow your skin to adjust to the product. 5. Can I skip wearing sunscreen after using retinol? No, retinol make’s your skin sensitive to the UV rays of the sun and can cause skin damage, including wrinkles and age spots. So, to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, it's essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. 6. Can I apply retinol serum on damp skin? No, when retinol is applied on damp skin, it is less effective because the moisture on the skin can dilute the product and reduce its absorption. Additionally, wet skin may be more sensitive and prone to irritation from retinol. For best results, you should apply retinol to clean and dry skin in the evening.

January 31, 2022

By Srishty Singh

When you use a new skincare product, you will discover three things; it can work for you, make your skin feel irritated, or cause you to break out. The problem is not the irritation or breakout; it's figuring out which of the two you are experiencing. Let's discuss purging and breakouts in detail to understand the difference. What Is Skin Purging And Breakouts? In simple words, purging is nothing but a reaction that occurs when you use a specific skincare product or procedure for the first time. It does not necessarily happen to everyone; not all skincare products will make you purge. But majorly, retinoids and other exfoliating acids, such as AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, etc., are known to cause purging. Worried if it's normal for your skin to purge? The skin naturally sheds dead skin cells and renews itself, but specific ingredients like retinoids should accelerate it. And this makes the impurities underneath come to the skin's surface faster, causing it to purge. It usually happens when you introduce a new product that your skin is not used to in your skincare routine. So there's nothing you need to worry about. On the other hand, if your skin is not purging and breaking out, it will irritate the skin, clog pores, and lead to acne. Unlike purging, breakouts are caused because a particular product is unsuitable for your skin. Most commonly, when a skincare product is comedogenic or has ingredients that can cause allergies, it will cause a breakout. These products can be anything from cleansers to facial oils. Other reasons for breakouts can be stress, pollution, and dirt. What Does Skin Purging Look Like? Skin purging can show itself as red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads on the face. In addition, it causes dead skin cells to surface, which results in flakiness and dryness. These signs can also indicate your skin is getting accustomed to a product. How To Tell Purging From Breaking Out Now that you know these two, here's how you can differentiate between them. However, distinguishing a breakout from a purge can be difficult for people with acne. So, here is a list of signs you can look out for: 1. Check the duration Purging is temporary and doesn't last for more than a month. However, breakouts last for a while, more than a month. 2. Check the product type Purging can happen only after introducing a new skincare product or procedure that increases cell turnover. Hence, purging can only result from products with active ingredients such as Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroxy acids, L ascorbic acid, etc. Breakouts, conversely, can result from trying a new product that isn't right for you or can clog your pores. 3. Check the location Purging occurs only around the areas that you usually break out. So, if your chin is where your most breakouts are, you will purge there. In contrast, breakouts occur on your face, forehead, shoulders and chest. 4. Check the signs Purging makes you experience no such signs of irritation or pain. However, with breakouts, you may see dryness, irritation, redness, itchiness, swelling, and pain. 5. The after-effects With purging, you won't see any blemishes or marks afterwards. But breakouts leave scars when they are gone. What Are Some Tips And Tricks To Avoid Purging? Preventing skin purging, which happens due to a new ingredient or skincare product, can be alleviated with these tips. 1. Introduce products slowly into your skincare: If you are new to an ingredient or skincare product, start by using it 1 to 2 times a week. Increase the product’s frequency only when your skin reacts well to the addition. 2. Patch test: Before applying a new product to your entire face, do a patch test on your neck. If outcomes seem favourable, apply the active-laced formula on your face (initially only 1 or 2 times a week). 3. Choose the right ingredients: Pick products that address your concerns while elevating overall skin health. For example, folks with acne-prone skin can try ingredients like Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, AHAs, and BHAs. 4. Avoid over-exfoliation at all costs: Cut down the use of exfoliating products to prevent inflammation or irritation on your skin. 5. Hydrate-hydrate-hydrate: Studies show that hydrated skin recovers faster. Moreover, ample hydration boosts barrier health and reduces instances of flare-ups and inflammation significantly. 6. Be Patient: Skin purging can last a couple of weeks. If symptoms persist, consult your dermatologist. 7. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Adhere to a simple, 4-step skincare routine with gentle formulas. Observe other factors like stress, diet, and hormonal changes that can impact your skin. If you're concerned about recurring issues, consulting a dermatologist can provide personalized advice and solutions. What Is A Simple Yet Effective Skincare Routine To Alleviate Purging Episodes The best way to alleviate purging episodes is by adhering to a simple yet effective skincare routine. Here’s how you can do so 1. Start by cleansing: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores while ensuring a healthy microbiome. Folks with dry or sensitive skin can try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that ensure sustained hydration for the skin. Moreover, the gentle surfactants in the face wash make it a great makeup remover. People with oily or sensitive skin can try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formula blots excess oil, controls acne, and soothes inflammation. The best part? Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide are at the forefront of replenishing your skin’s moisture bank and boosting its overall health. 2. Apply serum: If you want to improve your skin’s health, hydration, and barrier function, pick a Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid treatment. Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum carries humectants like Sodium Hyaluronate, Aquaporin Boosters, Red Algae Extracts, Betaine, Alpha-Bisabolol, and Pro-Vitamin B5 for 6X hydration. Moreover, the topical application of this formula offsets all signs of inflammation or irritation. Use 2 to 3 drops of the efficacious serum and gently dab it on your face. Observe caution around sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth. 3. Moisturize: Don’t skip moisturization because of purging episodes. A moisturizing formula maintains a healthy microbiome for the skin by offsetting inflammation, maintaining hydration, and accelerating healing. People with dry skin should try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer STAT. The lightweight formula contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil that improve your skin’s capacity to hold moisture. Alternatively, people with oily skin can try Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. The Niacinamide-infused formula cuts excess sebum, prevents clogged pores, and soothes inflammation. If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, try our Skin Repair Cream. The unique formulation uses ERS technology to hydrate, nourish, and heal the dermis. Take a few drops of your favourite Foxtale moisturizer and massage it on your skin. Don’t forget to cover your neck and ears. 4. Sun protect: No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. A potent sunscreen formula shields the skin against harmful UV rays, preventing episodes of tanning, burns, pigmentation, and photoaging. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen for your daily routine. It contains D-Panthenol and Vitamin E that ensure a long-lasting moisturization effect for the skin. Alternatively, people with oily or combination skin can try our Mattifying Sunscreen. The lightweight formula helps with infallible sun protection while cutting excess sebum and preventing clogged pores. The Conclusion It's important to note that while skin purging can be frustrating, it's a natural process and a sign that the skincare product is working. Sticking with the product for at least a few weeks is usually best to see if your skin adjusts and improves over time. Each skin type is different, and its reaction will vary. Therefore, it is crucial to remain patient and consistent to reap the best benefits from your skincare products. However, if the purging is severe or causing discomfort, it's always a good idea to check with a dermatologist. FAQs 1. How long does skin purging last? The period for which skin purging can last depends on the product used and the duration. Generally, skin purging should last for 4-6 weeks. If the purging lasts longer than six weeks, it may be a sign that the product is not working for your skin, and you should consider stopping it or consulting a dermatologist. 2. Will my skin purge before it gets better? While purging does not happen with every product you use, certain products like retinoids can accelerate cell turnover, speeding the rate at which newer acne beneath the surface appears. Purging can also signify your skin getting used to the product. It’s a temporary condition your skin will go through but will improve gradually. Related Searches: How to Control Retinol Skin Purging., Simple 3 step Skincare Routine