The general rule for retinol is that you should stay away from sunlight since retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays (and sunlight decreases its efficacy). There are two reasons we're told to stay out of the sun when using retinol: It breaks down in sunlight and makes your skin more prone to sun damage.
Yes, just make sure that you thoroughly exfoliate your body and gently exfoliate the face. The retinol will just make your tanner lighten more quickly over the course of a week.
Protect Your Tan with Simple Skincare Swaps
Also be aware that ingredients like retinol and AHAs will fade your tan faster, so you'll need to top up regularly if using (more on that later).
The sun can also reduce the efficacy of your tretinoin, so make sure you use it at the end of the day, not in the morning. “Retinoids are also broken down by the sun, so always incorporate them into your evening skincare routine, after cleansing,” Dr Malvina adds.
The short answer is that quite possibly the visible light from light bulbs may degrade Retin A to some extent. Retinol, the non-prescription alternative to tretinoin, also is light sensitive. Just how much and how quickly is impossible to know because it depends on the output of your light bulbs.
Retinols themselves are sensitive to light so if you expose your skin to the sun immediately after applying, the retinol does degrade to some extent2. That's why it's suggested that you use it in your evening routine (more on that later).
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 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.
If you want to self tan your face. on a night that you're using tretinoin, you're going to have to do it with tanning drops. And you're going to put the tretinoin on first, let that dry down for a few minutes, and then you're going to mix the tanning drops. into your regular moisturizer.
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.
While retinol can't reverse the effect the sun has had below the surface of your skin, it can help reduce the visible signs of sun damage to the skin. Retinol's main job is to increase skin cell turnover. This means that fresh, undamaged, layers of skin are quicker produced.
Retinol purging is a temporary reaction where increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms include flaking, redness, and rough texture. Although unsettling, this phase indicates that retinol is working to renew your skin.
For the record, no study proved that there's been any skin damage or signs of 'faster aging' caused solely by retinol. Instead of being concerned with the 'right' age for it, what matters more is how you use it.
Overuse or Improper Application
Using too much retinol or applying it too frequently can overwhelm the skin, causing irritation and making it more prone to dark spots. Solution: Use only a pea-sized amount for the entire face and apply it to dry skin to minimise irritation.
Because retinoids can be very irritating to the skin if not used properly. The higher the strength, the more skin irritation (redness and peeling), the lower the strength, the less skin irritation.
Yes, skipping sunscreen after using retinol can negatively impact your skin, including sunburn, skin damage and ageing.
To play it safe, Nandi recommends omitting your retinol use a few days before and after a summer vacation or beach day to minimize the risk of sun damage. Make this period without retinol even longer if you plan to get a tan. (Better yet, don't do that.)
What you should never do is mix your retinol with your tanning drops. This may cause irritation and also won't give you a nice, even result. If you're unsure about applying your tanning drops after your retinol, just alternate days.
As it's a strong ingredient, retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is the main reason retinol and sunbeds should never be combined. As retinol products leave the skin more susceptible to UV damage, the negative effects of using a sunbed increase. Furthermore, retinol is sensitive to UV exposure.
The instructions on many retinol products will tell you not to go out in the sun immediately after applying them. However, this is more to do with how well the product will work than about causing damage to your skin. Yes, retinoids will make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun.
The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...
Does retinol remove suntan? Yes, it is known for retinol to remove areas of suntan. This is because a natural suntan is a result of an increase of melanin making its way to the surface and changing the overall tone of the skin.
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)!
When does the retinol purge happen? Purging usually happens in the first couple of weeks of starting retinol. If you've seen nothing in the first month, you might be in the clear!
Second, UVA/UVB break down many different skincare ingredients, including alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and hydroquinone. Retinol is no exception — UV light can inactivate retinol and reduce its effectiveness. If you wear retinol without sunscreen during the day, it'll break it down before it can work its magic.