Sunscreen and retinol: a daily pair
If you only add two things to your skin care, make them sunscreen in the morning and a vitamin A product at night. One protects your skin and the other helps it renew.
Morning: sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important step in any routine. As skin gets older it shows sun damage more easily, as pigmentation, rough texture and fine lines. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning, including on cloudy days, and reapply if you’re outdoors.
Night: retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It encourages skin cells to turn over, a process that slows with age, and over time it can improve texture, fine lines and uneven tone. It takes patience: most people need three months or more of regular use to see a change.
Starting retinol without irritation
- Start with a low strength, two or three nights a week, and build up slowly.
- Use a pea-sized amount on dry skin, and follow with moisturiser.
- Expect some dryness or flaking at first. If your skin stings or stays red, use it less often.
- Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, which is one more reason to use sunscreen every day.
- Don’t use retinol if you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
When to ask for advice
Stronger vitamin A products are only available on prescription, and they’re not right for everyone. If over-the-counter retinol isn’t helping, or your skin is sensitive, a doctor can advise you on what suits your skin.
When to see a doctor
See your GP or a dermatologist if your skin becomes very red, sore or swollen with any product. Any spot that is new, changing or not healing should be checked.
This article is general information, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks.
Back to AdviceBook a consultation
Every treatment at Concept Cosmetic Medicine starts with an unhurried, one-on-one consultation with an experienced practitioner. You’ll talk through your concerns and goals, and leave with a clear plan built around your skin, with recovery, risks and costs explained, so you can decide with confidence.
Important information. All procedures carry risks. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Before any treatment you’ll have a consultation with a registered practitioner, who will explain the expected benefits, recovery time, possible side effects and complications, costs, and alternatives, including not having treatment. Take time to consider your decision. You may wish to seek a second opinion.