Breakouts when you’re trying to clear your skin? Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it. If you’ve started using adapalene (a powerhouse retinoid) and suddenly feel like your skin has gone rogue, welcome to the world of purging.
What’s happening? Why is it happening? And most importantly—how do you get through it without ditching your entire skincare routine? Continue reading to get the answers.
Why This Guide Is Different
Most articles barely scratch the surface of adapalene purging. They give vague advice like, “Be patient.” Helpful? Not really.
This guide arms you with real strategies to do the process effectively. No fluff—just the straight facts.
Adapalene in a Nutshell
Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid designed to tackle mild to moderate acne head-on. What sets it apart? For starters, it’s chemically stable and less prone to photodegradation than its counterparts—meaning you can safely use it alongside benzoyl peroxide without worrying about it breaking down.
Its real strength lies in how it targets keratinocyte (it’s the outermost layer of our skin) proliferation and differentiation. This makes it more effective than tretinoin when it comes to treating comedonal acne. That’s why dermatologists frequently recommend it as a first-line treatment.
And the results? Clinical studies show adapalene works just as well as other retinoids—but with one big advantage: less irritation.
Over the past five years, numerous clinical trials have been conducted on comparing the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene and tretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A meta-analysis of five large studies with more than 900 patients over 12 weeks demonstrated that adapalene 0.1% gel is as effective as tretinoin 0.025% gel (A review of the use of adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris – PMC).
What Exactly Is Adapalene Purging?
Purging is your skin’s way of adjusting to a high-performance ingredient. Adapalene, found in products like Adaskyn Gel, supercharges cell turnover. The result? All the gunk sitting under your skin (clogged pores, unseen breakouts) is pushed to the surface faster than usual. It’s a deep clean—but not a pretty one.
It’s like decluttering your closet. You pull everything out to reorganize, but for a while, your room looks worse before it gets better.
Why Does Purging Happen?
Here’s the deal: adapalene doesn’t create breakouts—it reveals them sooner. Normally, a pimple might take weeks to form, but adapalene speeds up the process, bringing hidden congestion to light in just days.
If you had zero clogged pores before starting adapalene, you wouldn’t experience purging. (Spoiler: almost no one has zero clogged pores.)
How Long Does Purging Last?
The million-dollar question. Four to six weeks is the norm. If you’re dealing with non-stop breakouts beyond that, you may have an irritation issue, not purging.
Red flag: If you’re breaking out in areas where you don’t normally get pimples, or your skin is burning or peeling excessively, it might be a bad reaction—not purging.
How to Handle Adapalene Purging Like a Skincare Boss
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t. Purging is temporary, and there are ways to get through it without losing your sanity.
1. Keep It Simple
Your skin is already adjusting—don’t overload it. Stick to the basics:
- Cleanser – Gentle, non-stripping, fragrance-free.
- Moisturizer – Lightweight, non-comedogenic, hydrating.
- Sunscreen – This one is on-negotiable. Adapalene makes your skin more sun-sensitive.
Exposure to ultraviolet light should be minimized in patients using adapalene gel. Patients exposed to high levels of sun exposure and sensitive to sunlight should exercise caution. Using sunscreen and protective clothing over adapalene-treated areas is suggested when patients cannot avoid exposure to the sunlight (Adapalene – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf).
2. Start Slow
If you’re new to adapalene, don’t go all in. Use it every other night (or even every third night) until your skin builds tolerance. Overloading too soon? You’ll regret it.
3. Spot Treat Instead of Full-Face Application
Not every inch of your skin needs adapalene. If you’re purging in specific areas, apply only where needed.
4. Hydration Is Important
Dry, irritated skin only makes things worse. Layer in hydrating serums, sheet masks, or a barrier-repairing moisturizer.
5. Hands Off!
Tempted to pop those purging pimples? Don’t. Picking makes everything worse—slower healing, scarring, and even more breakouts. Let the process play out.
6. Stay Consistent
Adapalene is a long skincare game so stick with it. If you quit too soon, you’ll never see the glow-up on the other side.
7. Consult a Dermatologist If Needed
If your skin is angry beyond the usual purge symptoms, get professional advice. Not all breakouts are “normal.”
FAQs
How do I know if it’s purging or a bad reaction?
Purging happens in your usual breakout areas and improves after 4-6 weeks. A reaction includes burning, excessive peeling, or breakouts in new areas. (If in doubt, stop and reassess.)
Can I use other active ingredients while purging?
Keep it minimal. Avoid AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide in the first few weeks. Once your skin adjusts, you can slowly reintroduce them.
What’s the best moisturizer to pair with adapalene?
Look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid—they repair your skin barrier without clogging pores.
Should I stop using adapalene if my skin feels dry?
Not necessarily. You just need to cut back on usage (try every third night) and increase hydration. If irritation persists, better have it checked with a dermatologist.
Will I purge again if I stop and restart adapalene?
Possibly. But the good news is that subsequent purges are usually milder.
Does purging mean adapalene is working?
Yes! If you’re purging, adapalene is doing its job by clearing out deep congestion.
Can makeup make purging worse?
Not if it’s non-comedogenic. Just make sure to remove it properly at the end of the day.
How long before I see clear skin?
Usually, it takes around 8 to 12 weeks for you to see visible results. Stick with it!
Can diet or lifestyle help during purging?
Yes! Hydrate, eat anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, salmon), and reduce stress—your skin will thank you.
Is adapalene worth it despite purging?
Absolutely. Once the purge is over, most users see clearer, smoother skin.
Your Skin Deserves Patience
Adapalene purging isn’t fun. But here’s a fact: it’s temporary—and the results are worth it. Give your skin time, treat it well, and trust the process.
You’ve got this.
Where to buy Adapalene
Here are the most reliable and trusted sites where you can purchase Adapalene products like Adaskyn Gel: