In the early days of using a retinoid, your skin might feel more sensitive, making you more aware of the sun’s warmth. Are you burning? Not necessarily. Retinoids boost blood flow to your skin, causing you to flush more easily, which can be mistaken for extra sun sensitivity. Retinoids are photoreactive, meaning they break down when exposed to UV rays, reducing their effectiveness. Despite this, they don’t increase your risk of sunburn!
Recent research supports that retinoids don’t cause photosensitivity, which means that you can confidently continue your retinoid regime going year-round!