If you ever had the chance to ask our founder Dr. Fredric Brandt his number-one trick for youthful-looking skin, you might be surprised by his simple, no-nonsense answer: sunscreen, applied every morning and touched up in the afternoon. And when pressed for another low effort, high payoff recommendation? Retinol. The problem: retinol, or Vitamin A, can make skin more sensitive to sun—so what happens when summer arrives? Should retinol take a seasonal break? The short answer: no, but with a few smart adjustments.

What Is Retinol (And Why Is It a Year-Round Essential?)

Retinol is a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin A, considered the gold standard in over-the-counter skincare for a reason. Backed by decades of clinical studies, it’s one of the top five ingredients dermatologists recommend for tackling everything from fine lines and wrinkles to discoloration, uneven texture, and dull tone.

How it works: Retinol boosts collagen production and speeds up cell turnover, helping skin look firmer, smoother, and more even. When used consistently, it improves elasticity, minimizes the appearance of pores, and leaves your complexion with that coveted lit-from-within glow. This is why we consider retinol a non-negotiable in any PM routine—yes, even during the sunniest months of the year.

Can You Use Retinol in the Summer?

In a word? Yes! The key lies in how you use it. Despite the common misconception that retinol should be paused during the summer, it’s perfectly safe (and beneficial) to continue using it, provided you follow a few essential steps:

1. Only apply retinol at night.
Nighttime is when the skin naturally repairs itself, making it the ideal window to apply retinol and let it work its magic away from UV rays.

2. Commit to sunscreen every single morning.
Since retinol makes your skin more photosensitive, daily SPF is non-negotiable. Reach for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (though SPF 50 is even better), and reapply throughout the day—especially if you’re outdoors, in a car, or work near a bright, sunny window.

3. Double down on sun protection.
Sunglasses, hats, and of course staying in the shade are common-sense strategies for reducing UV exposure, especially in summer. Up to 75% of visible skin aging can be linked to everyday UV damage, so the more protection, the better.

4. Keep your products cool and shaded.
Retinol formulas degrade when exposed to heat and light. Look for products housed in opaque, airtight packaging, and keep them in a cool, shaded space away from sunlight.

Perfect Ingredient Pairings To Use With Retinol

If you’ve experienced dryness, flaking, or sensitivity when starting retinol, you’re not alone! These symptoms are normal as your skin adjusts, and should resolve with regular use. 

To support your skin barrier during this transition, reach for retinol formulas that pair active ingredients with deeply nourishing ingredients likeceramides and squalane.Glow Overnight Retinol Oil from Dr. BRANDT’sBright This Way collection contains both, and was designed to deliver the benefits of retinol in a more nourishing, restorative formula.

Vitamin C, a powerhouse antioxidant, is another great active to use alongside retinol. Just be sure to use it separately, in your AM routine, to support collagen production and shield your skin from free radicals. It complements the work retinol does at night, especially when it comes to brightening and evening out skin tone.

Summertime Retinol Do’s and Don’ts

DO: Choose the right formula for your skin type.
Retinol isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s all about finding the format that fits your routine and tolerance level. From Dr. BRANDT, tryTriple Active Retinol if you’re an experienced retinol user, andGlow Overnight Retinol Oil for a more nourishing option.

DO: Start slow if you're new.
Begin with 1-2 applications per week and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.

DO: Cleanse gently.
Avoid harsh astringent cleansers while using retinol. Instead, opt for a barrier-supporting cleanser likeClean Biotic to maintain your skin’s microbiome and hydration levels.

DON’T: Layer with other strong exfoliating actives.
If your skin is sensitive, steer clear of AHA or BHA exfoliants on the same nights as retinol. These ingredients can increase irritation and sensitivity when combined.

DON’T: Skip your SPF.
One more time for the people in the back: SPF is essential every single morning, no exceptions.Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 provides advanced mineral protection in a lightweight, invisible formula, and is perfectly portable for easy touch-ups.

For the best retinol-powered skincare and radiance-boosting formulas from Dr. BRANDT, shop the Bright This Way collectionhere.