breakouts when you first start using a product?

[#1]

I've read elsewhere that your skin can break out when you first start using a product.  Is this true?  Why is this?

I just started using PTR Retinol PM in the evening, and PTR blemish clearing wipes in the morning, followed by PTR oil free moisturizer.  I've also used a sample of Exfolikate a few times.  I've been doing this routine for about a week now and my breakouts haven't cleared.  My skin does look nicer, but a few smaller pimples have popped each morning up here and there, they're usually gone by the next day, but still--it's annoying :-(

any words of wisdom for a desperate girl? 

[#2]

Most dermatologists seem to scoff at the beuty myth of skin "purging impurities." The initial breakout experienced from starting a new skin care regimen, and mind you it's different from person to person, is your skin reacting to the change and trying to adjust. That's why it's important to stick to a regimen for a while before giving up on it.

[#3]

I would stop the PTR night retinol for now its not the retinol in it that's making you break out its the high content of oil in this product to keep the skin moisturizer while keeping the retinol encapsulated. I would look for another retinol at night like one that gives you the same results without the harshness of retinol. Try KORRES quercetin and oak regimen because its a natural type of retinol that's not harsh and oily like most retonol products.

[#4]

I highly recommend visiting a Dermotologist. They are truly skin experts and will prescribe you something to clear your acne. I've had acne problems my whole life and only now is my skin clear and beautiful because I took a trip to the Dermotoligist.

[#5]

Also I would just like to add you shouldn't use the Exfolikate all the time. I would say the most maybe twice a week if you deem it necessary. I use it just once a week, as my skin is sensitive and it make my face pretty red after. Took much exfolitation can be causing your skin to go nutty. If you want to exfoliate more, use something with sphereic beads, not acids. I think the PTR beaded one is a good substitute. But so much exfoliation really isn't necessary. Especially with you  using Retinol with helps with skin turn over to begin with.  Hope this helps

[#6]

Just hang on there! It's completely normal for a product or an acne system to give you a purging period. How long have you been using that regimen? I also agree to give it 4-6 weeks. I hope this helps and good luck!

[#7]

It is true that you may have breakouts in the first few weeks of using a new product- especially if it is a skin clearing product.  The products you are using are purging your skin of impurities and cleaning your skin from the inside out.  This may mean that new blemishes will be brought to the surface but it also means that it is working.  Just stick with it for a little bit longer and the blemishes should all clear very soon.  Usually 4-6 weeks is the most optimal time to see results but in a week or so (hopefully) you should see way fewer new ones popping up.

The retinol treatment is also very strong and some people do experience some breakouts with this product.  It will help with acne but for me I noticed small blemishes around my smile lines with this product.  I just avoided the more sensitive areas and it helped.

Best of luck and let me know how your skin is in a few weeks!

xoxo

Jill

[#8]

Hello,

I completely agree with Jill. Retinol can take some getting used to when you first begin treatment. Many times with the new products it is part of your skin actually acclimating to the product so that it will be most effective in the long run. I would discontinue using a product if it take longer than a week for your skin to adjust. Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Erik

Sephora PRO

[#9]

Thanks for the answer! I too am experiencing some breakouts after starting  a new skin care regimen.