Can you use retinol in summer? We explain whether it causes pigmentation, whether it is photosensitising and how to adapt its use during the sunnier months.
Every summer, the same question arises: is it necessary to stop using retinol during the months with greater sun exposure? Many people still believe that this active ingredient causes pigmentation or that it is incompatible with sun exposure. However, this is not actually the case.
Retinol is one of the skincare ingredients supported by the strongest scientific evidence and, in most cases, there is no need to stop using retinol in summer. The key is to use it correctly and always combine it with appropriate sun protection.
Does retinol cause pigmentation in summer?
No. Retinol does not cause pigmentation by itself, nor does it promote the development of hyperpigmentation.
Pigmentation changes can occur as a result of sun exposure without adequate protection. In fact, retinol is one of the most widely used active ingredients for improving signs of photoageing and helping to correct certain pigmentation changes caused by sun exposure.
The idea that retinol “causes dark spots” is therefore one of the most widespread myths in dermatology.
Is retinol photosensitising?
No. Retinol is not a photosensitising active ingredient in the strict sense of the term.
A photosensitising substance is one that causes an abnormal skin reaction when exposed to solar radiation. This can occur with certain medicines or specific substances, but not with retinol.
What can happen, particularly during the first few weeks of use, is that the skin becomes more sensitive, dry or irritated. Under these circumstances, it may be less tolerant of certain external factors, including sun exposure.
For this reason, dermatologists always recommend combining retinol with rigorous sun protection and physical measures to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
What happens if you stop using retinol in summer?
Stopping retinol does not cause any serious problems, but it does mean temporarily losing the benefits associated with its continued use.
Retinol promotes skin cell renewal, stimulates collagen production and helps improve skin texture and evenness. When its use is interrupted for prolonged periods, these effects gradually diminish and the skin progressively returns to its usual renewal cycle.
People who stop using retinol every summer may also encounter another issue: when they restart it in autumn, they may once again experience symptoms associated with the initial adaptation period, such as dryness, irritation or flaking.
Can you continue using retinol while on holiday?
In general, yes.
Someone who already uses retinol regularly and tolerates it well can usually continue applying it while on holiday, including when travelling to beach destinations, provided that appropriate sun protection is maintained.
The recommendation is therefore not usually to stop treatment altogether, but rather to adapt its use to the circumstances.
Although discontinuation is generally unnecessary, it may be advisable to adjust the skincare routine during periods of greater sun exposure in order to maintain good skin tolerance.
How to use retinol in summer
During months with greater sun exposure, the following recommendations may be helpful:
- Apply retinol only at night.
- Continue using concentrations that your skin already tolerates well.
- Reduce the frequency of application if the skin becomes more sensitive.
- Reinforce skin hydration.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every day.
- Complement sunscreen with hats, sunglasses and shade, particularly during the middle of the day.
Every person’s skin has different needs, so anyone who is unsure about the most appropriate regimen should consult a dermatologist.
The most common mistake: starting retinol in the middle of summer
If there is a less suitable time to start using retinol for the first time, it is generally during the summer.
During the first few weeks of treatment, the skin undergoes what is known as retinisation, an adaptation phase during which irritation, flaking or increased sensitivity may occur.
For this reason, people who have never used retinol before will often benefit from starting in autumn or winter, when sun exposure is lower and it is easier for the skin to adapt to treatment.
What do dermatologists say about stopping retinol in summer?
We now know that, for most patients, there is no need to routinely stop using retinol during the summer months.
On the contrary, maintaining an appropriate regimen is generally more beneficial than interrupting treatment every year.
In most cases, stopping retinol in summer provides no particular benefit and may mean losing some of the improvements already achieved. The important point is not to stop automatically, but to use retinol correctly, adjust the regimen when necessary and maintain appropriate sun protection at all times.
The combination of appropriately prescribed retinol and rigorous sun protection remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing and treating signs of photoageing, improving skin quality and maintaining its benefits over the long term.
If you have any concerns, the most appropriate approach is to review your skincare routine with a dermatologist, who can adapt the frequency of use and concentration to your individual needs.
Frequently asked questions about retinol in summer
Can I use retinol if I am going to the beach?
Yes. If you already use retinol regularly and your skin tolerates it well, there is usually no need to stop using it during a beach holiday. The important considerations are to maintain appropriate sun protection, avoid prolonged sun exposure and apply retinol only at night.
What sunscreen should I use if I use retinol?
A broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen is recommended. It should be reapplied when necessary and complemented by physical protection measures such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and seeking shade during the middle of the day.
Is it a good idea to start using retinol in summer?
In general, summer is not the ideal time to start. During the first few weeks of use, the skin undergoes the retinisation process and may become more sensitive, irritated or prone to flaking. For this reason, it is usually preferable to start using retinol in autumn or winter.
Can I combine retinol and vitamin C?
Yes. Retinol and vitamin C are compatible active ingredients and can form part of the same skincare routine when used correctly. Vitamin C is commonly used in the morning and retinol at night, although the regimen should always be adapted to the individual skin type.
What is the difference between retinol and tretinoin?
Both belong to the retinoid family, but tretinoin is a prescription medicine and is more potent. Retinol, on the other hand, is commonly used in cosmetic skincare products and is generally better tolerated, although results may take longer to become apparent.
