When you add a new product to your skincare routine, and it does not work for you, your skin will break out. You may think this is why you should discard the product. But what if you're mistaken, and you're actually purging instead of breaking out?

Skin purging is normal when you introduce any product that significantly enhances your skin cell turnover. One of the most common ingredients that result in skin purging is retinol. Continue reading to learn what retinol purging is and how you can smartly prevent it. 

What is Retinol?

Retinol is your go-to product if you want lifetime access to youthful and radiant skin. It's a vitamin A derivative and a trending ingredient amongst skincare enthusiasts- all for good reasons. It boosts collagen production, reduces pore visibility, lightens skin tone and gives you firmer, more taut skin. If the benefits weren't enough, it also helps in combatting acne. It unclogs pores and reduces oil production, inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria. 

While retinol is the golden standard for efficacy, you also need to know about purging and its effects. Continue reading the article to learn more about it. 

What is retinol purging?

If you're a first-time trier, retinol may cause some amount of irritation and dryness to your skin. You may also experience whiteheads, blackheads, and acne once you start using it. This process is known as 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 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.

How to control retinol purging?

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 Vit-A-lity retinol night 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. 

Here are a few tips and tricks you can keep in mind when using retinol

1.Avoid using actives in the same routine

Combining retinol serum with other actives can make your skin more prone to irritation and redness. However, you can use actives in different parts of your routine. For example- if you intend to use retinol and vitamin C serum, you can apply vitamin C serum in your morning routine, followed by applying retinol at night. In this way, your skin does not adversely react to the product. 

2.Moisturize your skin

Using a moisturizer helps in providing a calming and soothing effect to the skin. Your skin deserves a lot of pampering and care. Slathering a moisturizer containing ceramides can help strengthen and maintain the skin barrier. 

3.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. 

4.Avoid popping pimples

While there's nothing more tempting than popping that one pimple, it does your skin more harm than good. It can further aggravate your condition and can cause scarring and dark spots.  

5.Avoid harsh cleansers 

Using harsh cleansers strips your skin of natural oils, weakening your skin barrier and drying it further. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser like the daily duet cleanser; it contains sodium hyaluronate and red algae extract, known to provide your skin with deeper hydration and cleanse it effectively. 

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.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.

2.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. 

3.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.