Retin A contains tretinoin, a prescription retinoid that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sun protection during the day and tretinoin at bedtime, following your prescription rather than changing the dose yourself.234
What should you look for on the bottle?
SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, the ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB. Look for all three essentials: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance. Narrow the choice using those label details, rather than letting the bottle's adjectives run the selection process.15
Which sunscreen suits your skin?
| Your priority | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Sensitive skin | A sensitive skin formula without fragrance, parabens or oxybenzone. |
| Sunscreen stings or burns | Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the only sunscreen active ingredients, without fragrance. |
| Dry skin | A sunscreen labelled moisturizing or for dry skin. |
| Oily or acne prone skin | A sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic or won't clog pores. |
| Avoiding white residue | A tinted sunscreen that matches your skin tone. |
Tinted sunscreen also helps protect against visible light, which can worsen dark spots. Keep the same SPF, broad spectrum and water resistance requirements when choosing a tint, because the colour gets creative freedom but not editorial control.1
Lotions, creams, sticks and gels are all options, so the sunscreen aisle has several ways to package the same daily job, which must be a relief for the packaging department. A stick is useful around the eyes to help prevent sunscreen dripping into them; gels suit hairy areas. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face.15
How to use sunscreen with Retin A
- 1Apply sunscreen during the day, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Cover all skin not protected by clothing, including the ears, neck, hands and hairline.
- 2Use enough for even coverage. About one ounce is the amount for an average adult's entire exposed body, not the face alone.
- 3Reapply at least every two hours during sun exposure, and more often when swimming or sweating. Follow the bottle's directions.
- 4Use shade, protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat as well. Limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- 5At bedtime, use Retin A as prescribed. Wash gently, let the skin dry as directed and apply a thin layer to the affected area.
Water resistant does not mean waterproof. The label states whether protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. A higher SPF does not give you permission to stay in sunlight proportionally longer.5
What if your skin becomes irritated?
Do not apply Retin A to sunburned skin; wait until it has fully recovered. Stop using Retin A if you develop a sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation. Contact your prescriber about severe or persistent dryness, burning, peeling, redness or swelling. Call promptly for a rash, hives or pain at the treatment area.34
Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin, call your doctor.24
Where this answer comes from
- 1How do I know if I'm using the right sunscreen?aad.org
- 2Retinoid or retinol?aad.org
- 3DailyMed - RETIN-A- tretinoin cream RETIN-A- tretinoin geldailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Tretinoin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
- 5Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sunfda.gov
