5 Remedies To Treat Retinol Purge At Home

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative. It is even called an “age-defying” ingredient. Research says that retinol is effective in accelerating skin renewal, enhancing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of aging, uneven texture, and age spots. When it is incorporated into age-preventive skincare routines, it helps firm the skin and keeps acne at bay.

While retinol has many potential skincare benefits, there are side effects to consider, too. Some of these are breakouts, a retinol purge, etc. Retinol purge may also cause dryness, irritation, and skin peeling.

This article will help you understand the retinol purging process, how long it lasts, and how to deal with it.

# Try a cold compress to soothe your skin

Like with any other type of burn, a cold compress also helps with retinol purges. Wrap an ice bag or an ice pack in a clean, soft towel and apply to the affected area for up to 15 minutes every hour. But remember that icing the region will provide some pain relief in the short term, but it won't help with the redness or peeling.

Note - Never apply ice straight to your skin, whether in the form of a bag of ice, an ice pack, or an ice cube. Because it increases the risk of inflicting skin injury or even frostbite.

Additionally, if your skin is already peeling, the ice may stick to it and pull it away when you remove it.

# Discontinue using the products that contain retinol

After noticing the signs of retinol purge, stop using retinol and stay away from skincare products with acids and exfoliators. Also, try to avoid any other skincare products that can irritate your skin. Keep in mind that whatever you put on your skin now has the power to penetrate considerably deeper than before, so stay away from anything scented.

# Follow a basic and gentle skincare routine while your skin is healing

While you're healing from retinol burn, be aware of other products in your skincare routine that may aggravate your condition.

For six weeks, only use a gentle cleanser and sensitive skin moisturizers, and refrain from using any harsh products. This means avoiding peels, exfoliating scrubs, and anything containing salicylic or glycolic acid.

# Use a moisturizer that contains barrier repair ingredients like Ceramides and Madecassoside

Using a ceramide-based moisturizer on a daily basis can help in repairing the damaged skin, enhancing skin hydration, and bettering the barrier functioning of the skin. Madecassoside is a great ingredient to look for in moisturizing creams since it can reduce inflammation by decreasing cytokine production during acne flare-ups.

# Shield your skin from sun rays

The use of retinol will make your skin more sensitive to light - especially during the initial few days. This means that if you're using retinol, you might burn more easily in the sun. Hence, it's critical to apply SPF 50 every day and keep your skin out of the sun as much as possible while it recovers. Opt for a sunscreen that is free of harmful ingredients like PABA, and oxybenzone since they can worsen the irritated skin.

Quick Enlightenment - Although retinol can cause acne breakouts to get worse, causing peeling, dry skin, and irritation in the short term, these effects are only temporary. Remember that you are playing the long game with retinol. Most OTC products need at least three to six months (and sometimes longer) to show results.