This is surprisingly common! When using treatments containing retinoids, some users report seeing an increase in acne, rather than a decrease as expected. This increase is only temporary, and happens because all of the acne lesions deep down in your skin are being flushed out by the retinoids.
Your treatment doesn’t create new acne, but it does hurry the acne that’s already hiding beneath your skin and makes it come out faster than it would have otherwise. This side effect is so common that it’s called ‘purging’—mention it to anyone you know who uses retinoids and you’re sure to get a sympathetic response!
Purging should end in a month or two, but in the meantime there are a few things you can do to help manage it:
- Avoid popping any of the pimples, and don’t touch your face excessively
- Avoid harsh treatments on your face, including exfoliants, face masks and peels. These can further aggravate the skin and make purging worse
- Avoid the sun where practical, and always wear SPF
- Use a gentle cleanser and apply a hydrating moisturiser every night before bed
- Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your skin
Here is a video on purging by Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Emma Mooney: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHjR8cuH5FD/?hl=en
Here is a video on purging by Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Ryan De Cruz: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNi2ltGjj_m/
If the severity of the purge is proving too much we can always put you back in touch with your doctor to discuss your concerns.