Can you use retinol in the summer?

Do you need to stop retinol when summer starts?

Summer alone is not a reason to stop a retinol you tolerate, even if the skincare calendar would like another job. Sunlight can inactivate retinol, which is another reason to use it at night rather than in your morning routine. Some people tolerate retinol better in summer, but warmer weather is not a reason to rush into more frequent applications.12

How to use retinol on summer nights

1. 1Before starting, test a small amount on a small area of skin. Wait a couple of days; if the area becomes very red or itchy, do not proceed with full face use.
2. 2At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Follow the package directions. General guidance is a pea sized amount spread in a thin layer over your face, keeping it out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning it is designed not to clog pores.
5. 5Start every other night for the first couple of weeks, or once every few days if you need a slower start. Increase gradually as your skin tolerates it.

Choose the lowest strength or least intense formula you can find when starting. Retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging, so a missing percentage is not a reason to assume a product is gentle. A moisturizer that suited winter can be too rich in summer, so the bathroom shelf need not observe seniority. If a rich moisturizer contributes to breakouts, consider a lighter option rather than abandoning moisturizer altogether.12

What sun protection do you need?

Use sunscreen on skin not covered by clothing, seek shade and wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat. Applying retinol at night does not replace daytime protection. For sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and deliberate tanning. If you use retinol for acne, sunbathing and sunbeds are not a reliable acne treatment and can cause painful skin damage.124

How long will results take?

Expect several weeks before visible improvement, and several months for changes in fine lines or dark spots. Acne can look worse initially; topical retinoid acne treatment can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. Redness, peeling, dryness, itching and burning are possible side effects, not reasons to increase the amount.35

Who should be careful or stop?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Skin allergies, marked dryness or existing redness and inflammation are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist before starting. Retinoids can worsen eczema. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, so start slowly and use moisturizer. If your skin becomes substantially red or inflamed, pause use and seek advice. For acne that is deep, painful, causing scars or not improving with self treatment, see a doctor.256

What if you use prescription tretinoin?

Follow your prescribed bedtime schedule rather than the starter routine above. Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned skin or eczema, and ask your prescriber before adding other topical medicines, including benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Tell your doctor about severe or persistent irritation; call immediately for a rash, hives, or pain at the treated area. Discuss planned pregnancy or breastfeeding with your prescriber.7