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The obvious precursor to a retinol purge is, of course, starting a new retinol product. This could look like using retinol for the first time or switching to a stronger formula. But are purge pimples all that different? Here’s what we know. 

It would be convenient if retinol purge breakouts and typical acne looked starkly different, but that’s not really the case—instead, the reason behind the breakout is what makes the retinol purge unique. 

A typical pimple pops up due to a combination of oil (formally known as sebum), bacteria, dead skin, hormone fluctuations, etc.—however, a retinol purge happens because your skin is in the process of clearing up—which can be hard to believe when you’re in the middle of the breakout. 

“Skin purging is a process where blockages within your pores are brought to the surface all at once,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. Think of it like a going-out-of-business sale for your zits.

However, it’s completely normal to have an even worse breakout during this retinol purge period than you usually would. What’s more, even people who have never experienced acne may see pimples popping up after starting retinol. 

1. You just started using a retinoid, retinol alternative, or hydroxy acid. These products encourage exfoliation and skin cell turnover—so any issue deep in the pore comes to the top. “Skin purging is most commonly reported with the use of topical retinoids,” says Zeichner. “Ingredients like over-the-counter retinol promote skin cell turnover, pushing blockages within the pores to the surface of the skin.” If you just started using a product with no cell-turnover-causing actives, like a hydrating serum, it’s probably a normal breakout.
2. It happens within two weeks of using a product. Since these actives start working quickly, you’ll see your skin purge almost right away. “Once the purging is done, the skin should remain clear,” Zeichner assures. If you’ve been using a product for a month or so, and then have a breakout, it might be another issue.
3. It happens in oilier spots on the face. If you have a shiny T-zone, you’ll likely see your skin purge around there—as it’s more likely your pores have congestion in that area. If you have a breakout somewhere new, like around your hairline, that’s likely not a purge pimple and may be a reaction to something else, like a new makeup or hair product.

• You’ve been using your retinol for more than 2-3 months: While most people will only experience purging for a month, others might experience an extended purge. Don’t discount the purge possibility unless you’ve been using your retinol product for at least two to three months. If it’s after that, you’ve probably got a normal breakout—and it may be worth consulting your skin care professional for a different acne treatment. 
• You’re close to your menstrual period: Many people break out around their period, so if you see an uptick in pimples the week before or the week of your menstrual period, it’s more likely due to hormonal fluctuations. 
• You just started hormone therapy: If you’ve recently switched up your birth control method (such as birth control pills, IUDs, etc.) or gone off hormonal birth control completely, your skin might break out. This has nothing to do with your retinol product, but can come on suddenly as a retinol purge does. Rest assured, these hormonal breakouts will fade with time when your body adjusts. 
• You started using a new product: If you’ve been using retinol for a few months or more but just picked up a new serum, moisturizer, SPF, foundation, concealer, etc., then you may want to look into that product instead. Stop using your new product for a week or so and see if your skin clears up. 
• You’re traveling, stressed, or lacking sleep: Occasional acne is a real thing, and it’s usually triggered by lack of sleep, traveling, or increased stress. If any of those apply, then you may be experiencing occasional acne, rather than a retinol purge (or both, if applicable). 

1. Start slow: “I do recommend when adding a product like a retinoid or chemical exfoliant into your skincare routine, you start slowly so your skin has time to adjust,” board-certified dermatologist Gabriella Vasile, D.O., FAAD tells mbg. “Try adding the product in 1-2 times per week and gradually increase the frequency if your skin can tolerate it,” she adds. So if you dove in head first and started using retinol every day immediately, consider slowing down for the next few weeks. 
2. Add hydration to your routine: When you start using a retinoid, your skin may become drier for the next month or so. While you may think this is “drying out” your acne, it’s actually not going to help the purging process. See dry skin produces more sebum (to compensate for the lack of hydration), which can lead to clogged pores. The answer is to have a hydrating serum and moisturizer in your routine to balance it out. Vasile’s recommendation: The Community Sixty-Six Hydrating Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer. 
3. Double-check your products: It’s not uncommon to overhaul your skin care routine all at once, including new retinol, moisturizer, SPF, etc. While purging is unavoidable, you can limit the pore-clogging products in the rest of your routine to avoid even more new breakouts. To be sure, run the ingredient list through this pore-clogging ingredients checker from Acne Clinic NYC. Not every flagged ingredient is guaranteed to break you out, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

1. Whiteheads and blackheads: Opt for retinol treatment (yes, even if it might cause a purge). You’ll want to start low and slow with a gentle retinol serum that you only use once or twice a week. You may not need a stronger retinol product, but if this doesn’t work, know there are other options out there (like prescription-grade retinoids). You can also use an exfoliating face wash with salicylic acid to clear out the dirt oil stuck in your pores, but be sure to leave it on for a minute or two for the exfoliant to work its magic. 
2. Pustules and papules: For this kind of acne, you’ll want to follow the tips above. However, you may benefit more from a prescription-grade retinoid, if your dermatologist recommends it. You’ll also want to use spot treatments like hydrocolloid patches or cream formulas with salicylic acid. 
3. Cystic acne: For this kind of hormonal breakout, you’ll likely need a bit more than the steps above. You can consider swapping out your salicylic acid wash for a benzoyl peroxide cleanser (again, leave it on for two minutes before rinsing it off), but be sure to moisturize your skin well afterward as this ingredient can be drying.