Retinol has been shown to be one of the most effective active ingredients known to date for combating certain signs of aging in the skin, such as wrinkles, blemishes, etc. One question that we often receive in our office is whether retinol can be used in the summer, and today we want to clarify this issue by explaining all the details clearly.
To start at the beginning, let’s look at what exactly retinol is and why it’s so effective.
What is retinol and how does it act on our skin?
Retinol, also called vitamin A, stimulates collagen production and cell renewal. It is a fat-soluble substance, meaning that it is naturally absorbed by the body through food, and it is an active ingredient that helps us in bone development, soft tissues, teeth or, as we are going to delve deeper, the skin.
Currently, it has become the star ingredient in cosmetics with the aim of rejuvenating the skin, revitalizing the dermis and restoring its luminosity. One of the effects it has is that it can sensitize the skin, so it needs a period of adaptation, known as retinization, and this raises the question of whether it can be counterproductive to use it in the summer.
Retinol can be used in the summer as long as we do not start treatment at this time.
Retinol in summer can be used safely but what is not recommended is to start applying it during the summer season, precisely because of what we have mentioned above: retinization.
During this adaptation period, retinol may cause peeling of the skin, redness, irritation or burning of the skin. These effects can be counterproductive with sun exposure, so we should avoid starting treatment during the summer. However, if we are already undergoing treatment, we can continue it during this time. However, we must take some key considerations into account.
Our recommendation is to use it at night and wash our face thoroughly the next morning, using protective cream frequently. It is also possible to decrease the concentration of the active ingredient. Using retinol in summer can even be advantageous, as it is an active ingredient that improves the skin’s ability to hydrate, making the dermis more resistant.
At Clínica Bajo, we know that each person may have specific circumstances, so it is essential to receive personalized recommendations based on their needs. Remember that in our clinic, in the south of Tenerife, we take care of your skin during all four seasons of the year.
