There are a few side effects you might notice when you first start using your Software treatment, especially if you’re using a treatment containing retinoids. It’s relatively common to experience some skin flaking, peeling, stinging, irritation, and redness.
You also might notice an increase in acne: this is often known as ‘retinoid purging’, and although it can be annoying to suddenly see more acne when you want to see less, it means your treatment is working because it’s quickly clearing out the acne lesions that were forming deep down in your skin.
You can expect to see these side effects, including purging, decrease within a month or two after starting your treatment. If you’d like to lessen some of them, particularly redness and stinging, our doctors recommend that you use the ‘Sandwich’ method by applying moisturiser before and after your Software treatment. This doesn’t make your treatment less effective, but it does reduce the side effects you can experience.
If side effects persist or cause pain please stop using your treatment and seek medical attention before continuing.