Is Retinol Safe to Use in the Summer? Here’s the Science
What you need to know about the safest ways to use retinol during the summer.
Whether you’re a new convert to the many benefits of retinol, or already a committed user, you may be wondering if retinol is safe to use in the summer. And with good reason – retinol is known to make your skin more sun sensitive.
You may have heard that retinol should be avoided in the summer, but what does the science tell us? Read on to see what skincare experts recommend as the best strategies for taking care of your skin while still getting all the benefits of using retinol in the summer months.
The Science Behind Retinol and Sun Sensitivity
Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) delivers its powerful anti-aging effects mainly through increasing cell turnover – in other words retinol speeds up the rate that your skin renews itself. This means brighter, smoother skin and fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can also affect your skin’s natural barrier (the outermost protective layer of your skin) so that it is more sun sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage such as premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Three signs that your skin barrier has become more sun sensitive:
▪️Your skin struggles to retain moisture meaning dry, red or peeling skin.
▪️Your skin is vulnerable to irritants meaning lower defences against outside factors.
▪️Your skin is less able to block UV rays meaning quicker to burn and freckle.
The good news is that with correct use, retinol does not have to compromise the health of your skin barrier. Certain retinols and retinoids can be harsh on your skin so look for encapsulated retinols that are gentler on your skin, and contain skin-barrier-supporting ingredients like Malassezin.
Retinol Synergist
Should You Avoid Using Retinol in Summer?
No. According to skincare experts, retinol is safe to use in the summer as long as you follow certain guidelines. And that starts with taking good care of your skin barrier.
Here’s how to take care of your skin barrier in the summer:
✔️ Skip harsh physical or chemical exfoliants
✔️ Use a skin barrier-friendly moisturizer
✔️ Wear sunscreen every day
It can be tempting to use a lot of different skincare actives at once – the more the merrier right? Wrong. If you’re regularly combining retinol with other exfoliants like scrubs or acid-based face washes or masks, you could be over-stressing your skin barrier. Retinol is a skincare superhero but make sure you build up use slowly and support your skin barrier with a targeted barrier repair moisturizer.
Summer heat and UV exposure can dry out your skin barrier and increase side effects from the skincare actives in your daily routine. You can help your skin by always wearing a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen and avoiding direct exposure to the sun. So, when you’re shopping for sunscreen, pick up a wide-brimmed hat as well, and avoid outdoor activities in the hottest part of the day.
Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer
The Safest Ways to Use Retinol During Summer
Just because the temperatures are rising doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the anti-aging benefits of retinol. Your main goal is to avoid damage to your skin barrier from retinization – over-drying of your skin from too much (or too harsh) retinol. Here’s a checklist for your safest summer skincare routine.
How to safely use retinol in the summer:
✔️ Only use retinol at night: Use retinol products in your evening skincare routine to avoid direct sun exposure after application.
✔️ Don’t skip the sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning, and re-applied throughout the day if you're outdoors.
✔️ Wear protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and sun umbrellas can provide additional protection.
✔️Reduce your time in the sun: Seek shade during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and avoid prolonged sunlight when possible.
✔️ Adjust frequency: Consider reducing how often you use retinol during intense sun months to minimize any potential irritation or photosensitivity.
✔️ Support your skin barrier health: Use encapsulated retinol to reduce retinization and include a barrier repair moisturizer in your routine.
With a few simple changes to your skincare routine, retinol can be safe to use in the summer. Encapsulated retinol can be a better option for summer months because its slow-release delivery system means that it is gentler on your skin barrier. Adding a skin barrier-supporting ingredient like Malassezin to your retinol routine can also boost your skin health in the summer.
Advanced Retinol That Delivers the Best Results – All Year Round
Want to know the secret to having your best skin year-round? It’s surprisingly simple – focus on a consistent, balanced skincare routine, tailored to your skin's needs and the changing seasons.
Three steps to achieving your best skin all year round:
- Daily sun protection
- Consistent skin barrier hydration
- Advanced skincare products
Choosing the right retinol for you can be confusing – they come in a bewildering range of strengths and formulations. The good news is that retinol has come a long way since its discovery as a skincare active in the 1950s. New developments have led to encapsulated retinol – a new, more effective formulation found in Retinol Synergist that is gentler on your skin barrier.
Mother Science uses encapsulated retinol that has a moisturizing outer coating so it travels slowly through your skin layers releasing the active ingredient over time. Advanced encapsulated retinol in Retinol Synergist is a good choice for summer, and year round, because it means less irritation to your skin barrier, and deeper, more effective results.
Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer
Retinol Synergist
Clinically-Proven Skincare Validated by Science
At Mother Science, we strive to make revolutionary products validated by science and clinical trials. We believe in our products, and we’re confident that you will love them too, but if you’re not completely satisfied, we offer free returns within 30 days of receiving your products.
We know consistent use delivers the best results from Mother Science Products. That’s why we offer discounted bundles and 10% off all subscription orders. We want the very best for you and your skin.
Questions? Take a look at our FAQ page or reach out to us at hello@motherscience.com.
