Retinoids during Sun Exposure

Retinoids increase photosensitivity — pair with mandatory SPF and prefer PM use.

back to the index

go slower than usual.

Retinoids increase photosensitivity — pair with mandatory SPF and prefer PM use.

how to use it. Apply retinoids only in the PM. Use SPF 30+ daily. On days with heavy sun exposure planned, skip the retinoid the night before.

why it works. Retinoids thin the stratum corneum and increase UV penetration, elevating erythema and pigmentation risk. Retinoids themselves are also UV-degradable, which is why PM application is standard.

Reviewed with 2 sources on 2026-07-03.

related guidance