RETINOL, SUMMER-PROOFED

Think you should shelve this active ingredient for the season? Think again! Here's how to keep that glow going – without the flaking

- CASSIE STEER

Retinol is the overachiever of the skincare world. The multitasking ingredient does it all — dusts off hyperpigmentation, ramps up skin renewal, boosts collagen and blitzes blemishes - but it gets a bad rap at this time of year.

A form of vitamin A, retinol was first discovered in the derm’s office and remains the unrivalled gold standard for anti-aging results. And despite a wave of next-gen formulas ~ many featuring slow-release or encapsulated delivery systems to help reduce the irritation, dryness and flaking that can occur, especially when you're just starting out — people are wary of retinol use during the summer. This is largely because of the longstanding belief that it breaks down in sunlight and increases skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, making it a no-go for sunny days.

“It’s one of many retinoid myths that you can’t use this ingredient in the hotter months,” says Dr. Sam Bunting, a cosmetic dermatologist and founder of her eponymous skincare brand, Dr. Sam's. “It’s absolutely fine to continue using your retinoid throughout the summer, as long as you're diligent with SPF.”

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