RED ALERT
You need to stop your retinoid in summer…TRUE OR FALSE?
For those of you here for the quick answer, this is… FALSE!
For those of you interested in why’ and quick tips? Here you go..
Retinoids are sensitive to the sun and are inactivated by UV (which is why we tell you to apply them at night). So retinoids (hopefully much like you!) need to avoid sunlight. But summer or winter, they happily work their magic at night.
The one caveat (sorry, skincare is never simple):
Retinoids are notorious for causing skin irritation (redness, flaking, sensitivity). And a sensitized skin is a no-go in summer because it’s going to make sunburn an even bigger worry.
The Fix:
You need to adopt your TYPE of retinoid and possibly your FREQUENCY and skincare REGIMEN around it: Let me explain:
- Prescription strength retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) and higher concentration retinols or retinaldehydes are more likely to make your skin irritated. Switch to Granactive retinoids which although potent in efficacy, are much gentler on the skin and much better tolerated.
- The more often you apply your retinoid, the more likely your skin can feel irritated. Drop down to alternate night use of your retinoid. If even that is too much then even using it two to three times weekly will still benefit the skin.
- The formulation of your retinoid matters. Gels and serums are often more irritating. The more you support, hydrate and nourish your skin barrier, the better you’ll tolerate your retinoid. Our retinoids are in an OIL formulation to counteract the drying out effects. If you want to support your skin barrier even further, try sandwiching it between two applications of your moisturiser. In other words: moisturise, apply your retinoid and then moisturise again!
root4’s award-winning NovA and SupernovA Retinoid Oils
formulated with Granactive Retinoids, Bakuchiol (a retinol-alternative) and trans-retinoic acid from rosehip oil outperform prescription retinoids but without the irritation.
Shop the ultimate summer-time retinoid oils and discover why they shine year-round.
