Should I stop using tretinoin in summer?

Author: Marcelle Gleason  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Can I use my Medical Grade Skin Care Products with Tretinoin and Hydroquinone during the summer? Absolutely! In fact, it is especially important to use your products during the summer when sun exposure is at its highest and skin's susceptibility to sun damage is at its peak.

Should I stop using tretinoin during the summer?

You might think that, because tretinoin can heighten sensitivity to the sun, it's best to avoid using it altogether during the warmer months. However, consistency is key for achieving your skin goals – so, as long as you're protecting your skin from the sun, it's absolutely fine to use tretinoin during the summer.

What happens if you go in the sun with tretinoin?

During the first 6 months of use, avoid overexposing the treated areas to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe.

Should you avoid retinol in summer?

Retinol also speeds up the rate at which skin sheds, so the new cells underneath are more sensitive to the sun. All reasons why Dr Tewari advises you should only ever apply retinol at night during the summer and any other time of year.

When should I stop using tretinoin cream?

Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away.

Can You Use Retinol in The Summer? | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Will my skin go back to normal if I stop using tretinoin?

For many, tretinoin is highly effective at treating acne, but it's still possible to experience breakouts once you stop using it.

Is it OK to use tretinoin forever?

Dr. Mohta says that tretinoin can be used long term, even your entire life, as tretinoin is commonly used for the treatment of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Mohta, also says that it may be necessary to use tretinoin for a few weeks before you can notice changes in your skin.

Can I sit in the sun if I use retinol?

Not only is retinol broken down by ultraviolet light5, it can cause increased sensitivity when applied. That makes it ideal for your nighttime routine so your skin isn't as sensitive when you head out for the day. Just make sure that you don't forget the sunscreen in your morning routine.

Does tretinoin reverse sun damage?

Regular use of this medication over time will lead to healthier appearing skin with improved texture and less wrinkles. It can replace dull-appearing skin with a pink rosy glow. In summary, if used over many months and years, tretinoin can reverse signs of excessive sun exposure.

Will acne come back after stopping tretinoin?

Unfortunately, stopping treatment usually means a return of pimples. That's because most acne treatment medications don't cure acne but rather keep the symptoms under control.

What are the negative long-term effects of tretinoin?

What harm does Tretinoin do to the skin?
  • It makes the skin significantly more vulnerable to UV damage.
  • It causes contact irritant and photosensitivity reactions.
  • It damages the skin's barrier.
  • It increases chronic inflammation which in turn disrupts barrier function.
  • Its use in one study has been linked to premature death.

How long does tretinoin purge last?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

Does tretinoin peeling ever stop?

Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

Does tretinoin make you age slower?

With regard to efficacy, all studies consistently reported that topical tretinoin was efficacious in improving clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines as early as 1 month and lasted after 24 months.

Is topical tretinoin bad for the liver?

Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.

What happens if I stop using tretinoin for a week?

Your skin turns over in about a month, so if Tretinoin use is stopped for a month or more, your skin will again take time to acclimate to the product. The benefits of Tretinoin will persist for longer than a month but will not be sustained without continued use.

What does sun damaged skin look like?

Pigmentation changes such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines) and freckles. Loss of skin tone (decreased elasticity) Rough, uneven skin texture. Broken capillaries (spider veins), usually around the nose and chest.

How long does it take for tretinoin to get rid of sun spots?

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a topical medication used for the treatment of acne, wrinkles, and skin damage from the sun. It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Retin-A starts working in as early as 2 weeks for acne. But its full benefits are more often seen within 12 weeks (3 months) of regular use.

Do I need to wash tretinoin off in the morning?

Do you have to wash tretinoin off in the morning? Yes, it's advisable to cleanse your face in the morning to remove the tretinoin before applying your morning skincare products and sunscreen.

Should I stop retinol in summer?

Should you stop retinol in summer? As mentioned above, you do not need to stop using vitamin A in the summer. As long as you're applying a sunscreen of at least 30+ the following morning after using vitamin A, you're ensuring that your skin stays protected against the sun's ageing and burning rays.

What happens if you don't wear sunscreen with tretinoin?

As your skin adjusts, it can also become especially sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen every morning and reapply throughout the day. Sunlight exposure can make Tretinoin less effective, too, which is why it's important to apply it at night and be diligent about your sunscreen habit during the day.

What happens if I stop retinol for 2 weeks?

For some people, stopping retinol abruptly may not lead to serious changes, but it's always best to consult a dermatology provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances. However, there is a chance your more obvious signs of aging may return after discontinuing retinol.

Is tretinoin 3 times a week enough?

When you first start using tretinoin, you may start with a lower percentage that you apply just two or three times a week. After two weeks, if your skin is adjusting well to the tretinoin, you can consider increasing use to every night as tolerated.

Does tretinoin thicken or thin skin?

Topical tretinoin stimulates epidermal proliferation and differentiation by upregulating heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), which causes increased exfoliation and thickening of the epidermis.

What is the sandwich method of tretinoin?

Option one: The sandwich technique

After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.

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