Should you stop retinol in summer?

Author: Dusty Dare  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Again, when using any vitamin A derivative, it is very important to always apply sunscreen the next morning. Is it better to use retinoids during the summer or winter? As experts in vitamin A, we always recommend using retinoids all-year-round for visibly firmer, healthy-looking skin.

Should I not use retinol in the 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 you stop using retinol?

Retinol can cause a side effect called a retinol burn. Retinol burns can cause skin redness, irritation, and flaking. But it's not an allergy. You should stop using retinol if you develop a retinol burn.

Does retinol go bad in heat?

Also a reminder to store retinols in a cool environment, as it seems they can degrade rapidly at higher temperatures (40 deg C) compared to moderate (25 Deg C).

What happens if I use retinol in the sun?

When retinol (a form of vitamin A) is exposed to sunlight, it can degrade and lose its effectiveness. Here are some key points to consider: Degradation: UV radiation can cause retinol to break down, reducing its potency and effectiveness in promoting skin cell turnover and collagen production.

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

Should you stop tretinoin in 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.

Should I take breaks from retinol?

“If you get too dry or red or peeling or irritated from retinol, simply take a break for two to three nights, moisturize only, and then resume using it. Our skin will typically get used to the products over time.”

What happens if I don't refrigerate retinol?

Third, skin care formulas are created to exist at room temperature and retinol will naturally degrade over time- there's simply no fighting that fact (7)!

What happens if you leave skincare in heat?

How Temperature And Light Affect Your Skincare. Temperature and sunlight have a bigger impact on your skincare products than you might think. Extreme temperature and sunlight can result in the breakdown, oxidisation, curdling, or melting of formulations.

At what temperature does retinol degrade?

The results showed that the retinoids were degraded in almost all products, both at room temperature (0-80% degradation) and at 40°C (40-100% degradation). Retinol and Retinyl palmitate were similarly degraded, beta-carotene was slightly more stable and the most stable form was Hydroxypinacolone retinoate.

How long do retinol uglies last?

The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.

Is it OK to use retinol forever?

Do you have to use retinol forever once you start? If you are using it correctly, where you are balancing getting an effect with minimizing irritation and dryness, then there is really no reason to stop (with the exception of during pregnancy).

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.

Should I ever stop using retinol?

You should always discontinue your use of retinol if your physician instructs you to. Your physician may also recommend that you slow down your use of retinol or use it at a lower concentration depending on your skin type and skin concerns.

Is it bad to sweat with retinol on?

Moreover, the combination of heat, sweat, and retinol can lead to clogged pores and potentially cause breakouts. Sunscreen is an absolute must during the summer to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Which season is best for retinol?

Thus, Fall is the best time to transition into using Retinols – by the time the seasons change, your skin would've gotten used to Retinol and Retinol use would've been strongly integrated in your routine already.

Does heat damage retinol?

Retinoids are some of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients out there—but they are also some of the most unstable: Exposure to air, light, and heat can render them useless. Here's how to keep them fresh so they do their job.

Should you change skincare in summer?

There are definitely considerations you have to take into account with seasonal change. For the summer, you want to use a gel-based cleanser and then moisturizers that are a bit lighter—typically products that have hyaluronic acid in them—to avoid clogging your pores.

Should I stop my skincare routine if it burns?

Stop Using the Product: Discontinue the use of the product that caused the burning sensation to prevent further irritation. Apply a Cold Compress: A cold compress can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the burning sensation.

Why is the ordinary retinol so oily?

Many retinol serums are water-based but water can affect the stability of the retinol and cause it to become ineffective or potentially irritating. Because this formula is oil-based, the oil helps to protect the retinol and prevent destabilising from happening.

Can I leave retinol overnight without moisturizer?

Don't skip this step! It's important to moisturize with a high-quality moisturizer after you've let the retinol soak into your skin.

Is retinol 3 times A week enough?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

What is the best age to start using retinol?

Generally, starting retinol in the 20s is recommended for purposes of preventing signs of aging. However, it can be used earlier, especially for those with acne.

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