Tretinoin (Retin-A^®) Purge and Acne Flare: What to Expect from Experts

Curious about starting tretinoin but concerned about the “tretinoin purge” you have heard about?

Tretinoin has over 40 years of proven success as a treatment for acne and anti-aging.¹ With that solid history in skin care, you can be confident that, if prescribed by a licensed professional, tretinoin is safe and effective. For a subset of users, a tretinoin purge is a temporary part of the process.

Learn here about the symptoms and causes of tretinoin purge so you can make an educated decision about prescription skin care with your provider.

What is a tretinoin purge?

A tretinoin purge is a phenomenon that affects some people when they start using a retinoid skin product like tretinoin. For some users, acne will flare up within the first few weeks of using tretinoin before it starts to reduce acne. Tretinoin purge is also referred to as “acne flaring.”²

In addition to increased acne, a tretinoin purge can also include dryness, peeling or flaking skin.³

What causes a tretinoin purge?

The tretinoin purge is caused by the active topical retinoid in tretinoin skin care products. While tretinoin is anti-inflammatory, the skin may need an adjustment period. Experts believe the purge is either underlying acne overriding the anti-inflammatory activity of tretinoin or a delay in onset of therapeutic activity from the retinoid.⁴

Tretinoin speeds up the cell turnover process, which can bring dead skin cells to the surface. At the beginning of treatment, this can cause issues like clogged pores, dryness, flaking and peeling.⁵

When does a tretinoin purge start?

A tretinoin purge can start when a person starts using tretinoin, especially for the first time. It usually occurs within the first few weeks of use.⁶

How long does a tretinoin purge last?

Results will vary from person to person. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waiting four to six weeks for any new skin care treatment to start clearing up skin. If you are experiencing purge symptoms after six weeks, talk to your provider.⁷

Is there a difference between a tretinoin purge and a breakout?

The main difference between a tretinoin purge and a breakout is the cause. A tretinoin purge is always caused by using tretinoin. A breakout can have lots of causes, including makeup, hormones, diet and nicotine.⁸

Does everyone experience a tretinoin purge?

No, not everyone who uses tretinoin will experience a purge. In one large study, approximately 16% of participants who used tretinoin experienced an acne flare. The majority of participants saw an improvement in acne after tretinoin use.⁹

How can I prevent a tretinoin purge?

The only way to completely prevent a tretinoin purge is to avoid using tretinoin products. You can minimize tretinoin purge by starting your regimen slowly. Start using the products once or twice a week and gradually increase until your skin adapts to daily use.¹⁰

Are there treatments for a tretinoin purge?

Tretinoin purges are temporary and do not require treatment. However, you can minimize symptoms with moisturizers that have calming ingredients that support the skin barrier, like:¹¹

• Peptides

• Ceramides

• Hyaluronic acid

• Jojoba oil

• Oat oil

• Aloe vera

Tretinoin Purge Week by Week

How RedBox Rx can help

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• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $20/month.

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Get started on your journey toward better skin with our online assessment for acne or anti-aging.