{"id":637018,"date":"2026-07-28T15:34:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T19:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=637018"},"modified":"2026-07-28T15:34:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T19:34:57","slug":"can-you-use-tretinoin-in-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-use-tretinoin-in-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Should you stop tretinoin before heading to the beach?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tretinoin<\/a> is a generic prescription retinoid<\/a>\u00a0 cream or gel that boosts collagen production. It\u2019s often used to treat acne<\/a> and melasma (dark patches on the skin), but it can also reduce signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It works similarly to over-the-counter retinol<\/a> by boosting collagen production and accelerating cell turnover. However, because it is much more potent, it is more likely to cause side effects<\/a> such as skin peeling, redness, stinging, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Contrary to popular belief, tretinoin can be used in the summer\u2014dermatologists generally recommend using it year-round.<\/p>\n

Can you use tretinoin in the summer?<\/h2>\n

Many people believe they need to pause retinoid use in the warm months to avoid photodamage (sun damage), but that\u2019s a myth. This misconception often stems from the FDA label warning consumers that the medication increases sensitivity to sunlight.<\/p>\n

The key isn\u2019t stopping the medication, however\u2014it\u2019s adequate sun protection. \u201cIt\u2019s not the tretinoin; it\u2019s the lifestyle of the patient that makes a difference,\u201d says Richard Bottiglione<\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Alliance Dermatology and Mohs Center in Phoenix, Arizona. \u201cMy patients still use tretinoin and see very little to no side effects when they limit time in the sun and wear sunscreen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Further, tretinoin should be used year round. \u201cWhen treating skin conditions with retinoids, it is important to treat year-round, as skin conditions or disorders do not take a break during summertime,\u201d says Tanya Evans<\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the Skin Cancer Program at the Melanoma Clinic at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.<\/p>\n

Does tretinoin make your skin more sensitive to the sun?<\/h2>\n

First, let\u2019s explain how tretinoin works. Essentially, it exfoliates the top layer of the skin to allow for a fresh, new layer\u2014which can be sensitive. So, what\u2019s the difference between photosensitivity and skin-barrier irritation? \u201cTrue drug photosensitivity occurs when a chemical absorbs UV light and generates a reaction that directly damages the tissue,\u201d Dr. Evans says.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not<\/i> what tretinoin does. \u201cTretinoin does not cause a true photosensitivity reaction; instead, it causes skin-barrier irritation,\u201d she adds. While sensitivity is most likely during the early adjustment period (about two to six weeks after you start the medication), it will ease over time, especially if you use a moisturizer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI typically recommend that patients start using it two nights per week and increase by one night each week (three nights at three weeks, four nights at four weeks and so forth) until they reach nightly use,\u201d Dr. Evans says.<\/p>\n

Tretinoin<\/a> is best applied at night for a few reasons. For starters, it may be less likely to interact with other skin products. Plus, nighttime is when the skin naturally repairs itself, according to Dr. Bottiglione. Additionally, UV light can make tretinoin less effective, Dr. Evans says, as well as increase your susceptibility to a sunburn.<\/p>\n

When using tretinoin, the FDA recommends<\/a> avoiding unprotected exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps and UV light. That\u2019s because it increases photosensitization. Additionally, the FDA encourages people to exercise extra caution if they are exposed to UV radiation (ultraviolet radiation) or UV rays (ultraviolet rays) for extended periods. This could include people who play sports or work outside for long periods.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Should you stop or cut back on tretinoin in summer?<\/h2>\n

Stopping tretinoin in summer isn\u2019t necessary\u2014with nuance, of course. In certain situations, temporarily reducing the frequency might make sense. One example is when the medication causes the skin to become dry, red, or slightly irritated. \u201cI usually tell my patients who don\u2019t want dry skin all the time to use tretinoin every other day or three days in a row, then take a break and apply plain moisturizer for the other four days,\u201d Dr. Bottiglione says.<\/p>\n

You might want to cut back on tretinoin use during extreme weather (such as very dry or cold weather), during extended UV exposure, when you are susceptible to other skin conditions, or when using other skin-irritating medications, Dr. Evans advises.<\/p>\n

With that said, Dr. Bottiglione emphasizes that the frequency should be personalized to the patient, taking into account why they’re using it and their goals. \u201cIf you pause the treatment, then you\u2019re not getting any of the skin benefits of the active ingredient to help reduce acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles,\u201d Dr. Bottiglione says.<\/p>\n

If you do take a break, he recommends easing your way back in to build tolerance. You can use it one to three times a week and increase the frequency over time to prevent acne recurrences and other concerns. Also, you don\u2019t have to jump right back in with tretinoin. \u201cOther options include restarting or starting with milder over-the-counter retinol formulations and then advancing to stronger prescription doses of tretinoin,\u201d Dr. Evans adds.<\/p>\n

Can you start tretinoin for the first time in the summer?<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can start tretinoin during the summer months. Just be sure to use sun protection and apply it at night. First-time users should expect some side effects and irritation during the adjustment period, such as redness, dryness, and little bumps, Dr. Bottiglione says.<\/p>\n

Dr. Evans provides the following tips to minimize irritation:<\/p>\n