The Tretinoin Purge: What to Expect

Many of us are already familiar with fighting acne breakouts, so it makes sense to feel cautious about a product that might cause the situation to worsen.

However, even though any retinol product may cause a skin purge, once you get through it, it may also have long-lasting positive effects on your skin.

Let’s get into the ins and outs of the tretinoin purge, or what the internet has colloquially deemed the “retinol uglies”.

(We've also got some tips on how to deal with the tretinoin purge blues.)

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Also Read: Rosacea Vs. Acne: How To Spot The Difference

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Is the Tretinoin purge a real thing?

Anecdotally, yes, but it’s important to note that experts don’t call the initial weeks of tretinoin treatment a skin “purge” but rather an “adjustment period”.

Tretinoin acne treatments are long-term acne solutions, but the first few weeks of use can feel like a traumatic backslide into acne breakouts. (The adage, “It gets worse before it gets better” comes to mind.)

This can be upsetting as no one starts an anti-acne treatment expecting things to get worse for a while, but this is exactly what may happen with retinol-based treatments.

The internet offers no shortage of anecdotal evidence of this tretinoin purge period - some users documenting every step of their tretinoin experience (and it often involves an adjustment period).

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Why does this Tretinoin skin purge happen?

Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a dermatologist, says “The term ‘skin purging’ refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate.”

As the skin cell turnover rate increases, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells (amongst other things) faster than normal. This is in the pursuit of exposing fresher, brighter, and healthier skin cells underneath. (#skingoals)

As the skin turnover rate increases, working toward revealing beautiful skin, things like excess sebum and skin flakes (the stuff that makes pimples) must rise to the surface too.

This can cause an influx of pimples of all kinds. Over the long run though, a faster skin turnover rate can lessen the occurrences of blemishes and acne and reveal clearer, smoother skin.

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How long does the Tretinoin purging last?

Some people won’t experience a skin purge with retinol products.

For others, however, this process can commonly range anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

Everyone reacts a little differently to retinoids.

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How long does it take for Tretinoin to work?

If used daily, it could take 6 weeks to see the benefits of tretinoin for acne.

But, if you use tretinoin more sparingly to help reduce any adverse effects, it could take 10 weeks to see the skin clearing benefits of tretinoin.  

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Learn More: Can You Get Tretinoin Over the Counter?

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Tips for surviving the Tretinoin purge:

It’s understandable to feel a little down in the dumps when a retinol product worsens an already undesirable acne situation.

So, we’ve got 6 tips from our retinol pros to help you navigate any potential purge issues. If you’re new to retinol, take notes!

1. Prepare yourself

It’s good to know what possibly lies ahead.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect when it comes to the adjustment period.

Remember to ask how to make the adjustment period as smooth as possible (no pun intended).

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2. Accept it

Accept the fact you might get new blemishes and blackheads as a result of using tretinoin.

Take it in your stride as you remember beautiful skin is in your future.

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3. Know the side effects to expect

New blemishes, dryness, and irritation may happen as your skin adjusts. Ask your prescriber about the full list of side effects.

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4. Talk to your healthcare provider about how your skin reacts

There may be an adjustment period with any retinoid such as isotretinoin, tretinoin, and OTC retinol. Talk to your healthcare provider if it becomes too much.

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5. Keep your skin hydrated

The tretinoin adjustment period may cause the skin to become dryer than usual.

Make sure to use a quality moisturizer while using Tretinoin (often) to keep your skin hydrated and skin barrier strong.  

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6. Take selfies to track your progress

A good way to track the slow but steady progress that is seen when using retinol products is to take progress selfies.

You don’t need to refer to them now, but you’ll want them later. It will show you how far your skin has come with the help of tretinoin or other retinoids.  

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Strut Health prescription Tretinoin treatments online

If you want help with your acne, a prescription tretinoin formula may be an option.  

Strut Health offers free online questionnaire-based telemedicine consultations.

If our medical team finds that you’re a good fit for our Strut Acne Formula with Tretinoin (or any other prescriptions we offer), a U.S. pharmacy will put your order together and ship it to your front door with our free shipping.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.