What Are They, And How Can You Avoid Them?

Posted by Tandra Barner on Thursday, May 16, 2024

If you know about the positive effects of retinol on one's skin, you've probably heard of the dreaded retinol purging — also known as retinol uglies. Skin purging is the skin's temporary reaction to products that promote cell turnover — in this case, retinol — which can make your skin worse before it gets better. It can result in breakouts, flaking, peeling, and dryness. This is normal as retinol rids the skin of everything lurking beneath the surface in the process of bringing about healthy new skin cells.

Don't use retinol every day when first introducing it into your skincare routine if you want to minimize any possible reactions. Rather, incorporate it gradually to help your skin adjust over time. Keep in mind that while the short-term effects may sound awful, they are only temporary, and your skin will heal, looking fresher than before — the payoff is worth it.

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