Every summer, the same question comes up:
Should you stop using retinol when the weather gets hot and solar radiation increases?
And as with many things related to skincare, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. The reality is that it mainly depends on one thing: whether your skin is already adapted to retinoids, such as retinol or retinal, or not.
If you already use retinoids, it's usually not necessary to discontinue them.
There's a belief that retinol should automatically be stopped when good weather arrives, but this isn't always the case. If you've been using a product containing retinol or some type of retinoid for months and your skin tolerates it well, you can continue to use it during the summer in your nightly routine without any problem.
If your skin is adapted, shows no irritation, and you use adequate sun protection during the day, the most common approach is to maintain its use in your nightly routine during the summer months as well.
In fact, suspending the application of a retinol product solely because it's summer may not make much sense. When autumn arrives and you want to reincorporate it, you will probably have to do it gradually again so that your skin can get used to the active ingredient once more.
When might a break be advisable?
Although it's not generally necessary to discontinue it, there are situations where it's advisable to adjust its use.
If you notice that your skin is more sensitive than usual, irritation, stinging, excessive flaking, or increased reactivity after sun exposure, it might be a good idea to space out applications or even temporarily suspend it.
The priority should always be to keep your skin balanced. In these cases, reducing the concentration or frequency for a few days or weeks is usually more reasonable than insisting on continuing to use it when your skin is asking for a break.
Starting to use retinol in summer is another story
Continuing the application of a product containing retinol that your skin is already accustomed to is one thing, but starting to use it for the first time during the summer is quite another.
If you don't currently use retinol products, this is usually not the time of year I most recommend incorporating them on your own. Adaptation requires observing how your skin responds, adjusting the frequency of use, and complementing the process with appropriate products.
Therefore, in most cases, autumn is usually a more comfortable time to start. Sun exposure is typically lower, and it's easier to make a gradual adaptation without other factors interfering.
What if I want to start in summer?
It can be done, but not just any way.
If you want to incorporate retinoids during the summer months, it is ideal to do so in a guided manner and with the supervision of a professional who will assess the condition of your skin, your sun exposure habits, and the most suitable type of retinoid for you.
Not all skin types need the same concentration or frequency of use.
So, retinol in summer, yes or no?
If your skin is already adapted to retinol and is balanced, you can usually continue to use them during the summer without any problems.
If your skin is sensitized or will be subjected to intense sun exposure, it may be advisable to reduce the frequency or take a temporary break.
And if you have never used retinoids, it is generally preferable to wait until autumn or start with a personalized regimen.
Because it's not about using retinoids at any cost. Just as important as the product you use is knowing when to use it and how to incorporate it.
Each skin has its own timing and rhythm, and respecting them usually yields better results than trying to rush.
Hugs,
Mer 🖤
