Should I start retinol before a sunny holiday?

Why wait until after the holiday?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A used for acne and signs of skin ageing. Visible improvement takes several weeks, and changes in wrinkles usually take months. Starting just before departure adds an adjustment period without offering a quick improvement for the trip. Using retinol at bedtime does not remove the need for daytime sun protection.12

Starting cosmetic retinol is different from managing an established prescription retinoid, such as tretinoin or adapalene. If you already use a prescription, follow its directions and ask your prescriber about changes for the trip rather than applying a blanket holiday stopping rule. There is no single stopping interval that fits every retinoid and routine.2

What should I use during the holiday?

Keep a familiar routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer when needed and sunscreen. Bring your usual products rather than delegating your routine to the hotel bathroom, which did not interview you before stocking the shelf. Hotel products often contain fragrance that can irritate sensitive skin, and keeping familiar products reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to unfamiliar ingredients.34

Apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to skin not covered by clothing. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Sun protection also matters in cars and airplanes because harmful UV rays can pass through windows.4

How should I start retinol after returning?

1. 1Try a small amount on a small area of skin first. Wait a couple of days and check for redness or itching before applying it more widely.
2. 2At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Follow the product directions. General guidance is a pea sized amount in a thin layer over the face, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Begin once every few days rather than every night, then increase gradually as your skin tolerates it.
5. 5Finish with a moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores. Keep using daytime sunscreen.

Sensitive or allergy prone skin needs extra care, and retinoids can worsen eczema through drying. If you are pregnant, do not start retinol without discussing it with your healthcare provider; some topical retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy. Seek dermatology care for dryness that becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or persistently stinging, or for a new rash during or after travel.245

What skincare should I do after arriving from a long flight?

Airplane conditions can dry your skin. Apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry and after bathing while it is still damp. If your skin is dry, petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture. Moisturize dry, peeling skin rather than trying to exfoliate the flakes away.45

Should I use my winter moisturizer on a tropical holiday?

Keep a rich cream if your skin remains dry, because moisturizer does not need a seasonal rebrand to remain useful. Creams are more hydrating than lotions or gels. If you need moisturizer in summer but prefer something lighter, a gel is an option for oily skin. For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas too.35

How do I adjust my routine for a holiday with lots of swimming?

Make sunscreen reapplication part of each swim, not just a morning task. Use a water resistant formula and reapply after swimming, even if two hours have not passed. Apply moisturizer after bathing while your skin is damp, and again whenever it feels dry.4