Am I supposed to experience "skin purging" when I switch from Adapalene to Tretinoin?

Question

I've been using Adapalene 0.1% or over 2 years for my hormonal predominantly jawline acne. It has been working pretty well, my skin has cleared completely. Recently, however, I started having breakouts again and I decided to switch to Tretinoin 0.05%. My question is should I expect to have a purge like I did when I just started Adapalene?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When transitioning from Adapalene to Tretinoin, it is possible to experience "skin purging." Both Adapalene and Tretinoin are retinoids, but they have different strengths and mechanisms of action, with Tretinoin generally being more potent.

What is Skin Purging?: Skin purging occurs when retinoids accelerate the turnover of skin cells, bringing underlying clogged pores to the surface more quickly. This can result in an initial increase in breakouts, which is temporary.

Transitioning from Adapalene to Tretinoin: Since Tretinoin is more potent than Adapalene, your skin may go through an adjustment period, potentially leading to purging. This is similar to what you experienced when you first started using Adapalene.

Duration of Purging: If purging occurs, it typically lasts a few weeks to a couple of months as your skin adjusts to the new treatment.

Managing Purging: To minimize discomfort, consider introducing Tretinoin gradually. You might start with applying it every other night and increase the frequency as your skin tolerates it. Additionally, ensure your skincare routine includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing to support skin barrier health.

Consultation: If purging is severe or persists beyond a few months, consult with your dermatologist for further guidance and to ensure that Tretinoin is appropriate for your skin type and concerns.

Overall, while purging is a possibility when switching to Tretinoin, it is typically a temporary phase that leads to clearer skin as your skin acclimates to the new treatment.

Am I supposed to experience "skin purging" when I switch from Adapalene to Tretinoin?

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Am I supposed to experience "skin purging" when I switch from Adapalene to Tretinoin?

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.