Cast aside all of your dryness and damage fears, we’ve got the perfect guide for you.

Retinol has taken the skin care world by storm over the last few years. It went from every dermatologists’ favorite secret ingredient to suddenly lining both drugstore shelves and beauty store end caps. 

If you’ve picked up a retinol product and incorporated it into your skin care routine, you know all about its benefits when it comes to treating acne, enlarged pores, and fine lines. You probably also know that it can cause sensitivity to the sun, along with redness and flakiness if used too frequently. When it comes to this ingredient, balance is key! 

Using retinol in the winter paired with your favorite heavy moisturizer seems like a no brainer- but using retinol in the summer might raise some red flags due to all of the powerful sun rays.

But, fear not! You can keep using retinol in the sunnier months as long as you’ve got a game plan. Read on for our guide to keeping your skin happy and calm all summer long- without having to stop using retinol.

Slow It Down

To curb any sensitivity, try reducing the frequency of your retinol application during the summer months. This is especially important if you’re using a prescription retinoid. If your skin is used to you using it every other night, slow down to two nights a week. 

On the more sensitive side? Try once a week, and only apply to areas in need, like breakouts or fine lines on the forehead. Remember: a pea-sized amount of product is usually more than enough!

Keep Your SPF Game On Point

Retinol is a sun-sensitive ingredient and most dermatologists recommend applying it at night for peak effectiveness. In the daytime, you’ll want to keep your skin extra-protected with an SPF to maximize your results. Try Dr Oracle A-Thera Sunblock SPF 50 which uses a combination of chemical and mineral filters to block the sun’s rays and adds soothing centella asiatica to fight any irritation. 

If you’re planning on being outside when the sun is at its brightest, remember to reapply your SPF every two hours. Keeping a solid sunscreen stick in your bag will allow for mess-free, on-the-go touch-ups.

Simplify Your Actives

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient, but it doesn’t always play nicely with others, especially when it comes to other active ingredients. To minimize irritation, save exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs for the nights you’re not using retinol. 

If you’re on the more sensitive side, nix the more aggressive actives altogether and try a PHA exfoliant, like Klavuu Green Pearlsation PHA Calming Toner on non-retinol nights. PHAs are known to be gentler, and this toner will sweep away dead skin cells while calming inflammation with marine extracts and centella asiatica. Always remember, when it comes to using retinol in your routine, keeping it simple is best.

Be Sure To Soothe

Over time, using retinol will help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin. However, you may notice your face feeling a little drier, tighter or more sensitive in the mornings after you apply it. The best course of action is to reduce the frequency of your applications and reach for calming treatments that will give your thirsty, sensitised skin a break.

Pop a soothing mask like Round Lab Mugwort Calming Sheet Mask in the fridge for a few minutes for a cooling treat that will provide irritated skin with instant relief, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of mugwort extract and madecassoside. 

If you’re in need of a quicker fix, try misting with Leaders All Filter Mask Zone Mist. Though it was designed with mask-wearer’s irritation in mind, its soothing cica supports the skin barrier and fermented fungi extract softens and soothes, making it the perfect solution when you might have overdone it with active ingredients.

Do you use and love retinol in your routine? Let us know in the comments.