The 1 Thing You Need To Do Differently If You Use Retinol In The Summer
Retinoids are a skin care hero for many reasons ― they target fine lines, pigmentation, collagen production and acne. But you’ll often hear that retinoids shouldn’t be used before you plan to spend time in the sun in order to protect your skin from a higher risk of sunburn and irritation that comes with retinoid use. But what if it’s summertime and you plan to be in the sun most days? Should you just cut out retinoids entirely?
HuffPost reached out to skin care experts to answer this and other questions about retinoid use in the summer.
Can You Use Retinol In The Summer?
“Many individuals believe that it is in their best interest to cease the use of retinoids in the summer months. This is a misconception,” said Jan Marini, an esthetician and founder of Jan Marini Skin Research.
Marini explained that sun sensitivity occurs when a substance interacts with UV light at any temperature and causes a severe burn ― one such substance is oral drugs in the tetracycline family. “This is not the case with either prescription retinoids (tretinoin) or OTC retinol,” Marini said. Retinoids can even help the skin heal from sun damage or other wounds, per various studies, Marini explained. Retinol doesn’t react with the sun to cause burns or damage.
Who Can And Can’t Use Retinol In General
Irritation and dryness, or even the dreaded “retinol uglies,” are common when first introducing a vitamin A product. According to the experts, there’s a formula and frequency that’s suitable for everyone.
In terms of skin type, Marini explained that unless someone is allergic to a particular formula, anyone can use a retinoid. “The important thing is to have a skin care routine that is geared to your skin type. For example, if you are dry, use products in that category and, if you are oily, likewise. Then simply slip a retinoid into your routine in the evening,” Marini said.