Tretinoin/Retin-A….do you stop it during beach vacation?

[Anonymous]

If you use a prescription strength retinol like Tretinoin, do you stop using it before or during a beach vacation? I hear it makes skin more sensitive to the sun. I wear high spf face sunscreen but I still end up with some tanning despite wearing sunscreen, wide hat, sunglasses, etc. For this reason, I’m reluctant to start using a strong retinol. What does everyone else do?

[Anonymous]

I would avoid during a beach vacation, though I'm fair and I can absolutely tell it makes my skin more sensitive to the sun/faster to burn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would avoid during a beach vacation, though I'm fair and I can absolutely tell it makes my skin more sensitive to the sun/faster to burn.

Thanks PP. I always wondered if people stop using retinols when they know they will be exposed to a lot of sun (beach, hiking, sailing etc..)

[Anonymous]

I stop it during any trip with a lot of sun exposure, but also because I am lazy and don’t want to bring tons of lotions and potions on vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stop it during any trip with a lot of sun exposure, but also because I am lazy and don’t want to bring tons of lotions and potions on vacation.

Agreed about all the bottles! Especially if you’re traveling by plane and only have a carry on.

[Anonymous]

I avoid it! When I was in college, I used Retin-A for acne. I had a horrible reaction to the sun during a beach trip. My face blistered and swelled up like nobodies business. It was awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stop it during any trip with a lot of sun exposure, but also because I am lazy and don’t want to bring tons of lotions and potions on vacation.

This is me as well!

[Anonymous]

I stop several days before beach-level sun. I’m a ginger though and fry no matter what.

[Anonymous]

I wear high SPF sunblock and always wear a hat with SPF on the beach, so no, I don't alter my skincare routine during a beach vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear high SPF sunblock and always wear a hat with SPF on the beach, so no, I don't alter my skincare routine during a beach vacation.

I also wear all that but it’s impossible to avoid all sun exposure. Especially if swimming. Unless PP you use an amazing waterproof sunblock?

[Anonymous]

I stop 1-2 weeks before so the skin can build the stronger barrier before prolong sun exposure.

[Anonymous]

I'd it helps, it is mostly a myth that retin a makes your skin more sun sensitivite.

https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/do-retinoids-make-skin-sun-sensitive
https://cambridgelaserclinic.com/retinoids-summer-should-i-skip-my-retinol-when-the-suns-out/

You may have mild sensitivity that sunblock will help with, but It's actually the medicine that is affected by the sun. It makes it less effective. So if it's expensive for you, and you can't stay out of the sun, probably not worth wearing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stop 1-2 weeks before so the skin can build the stronger barrier before prolong sun exposure.

Yes, I stop at least one week before.

[Anonymous]

I don't but i do use sunblock on my face.

One thing I definitely don't use while in the sun is oral antibiotics. Learned that one the hard way!

[Anonymous]

I stop the prescription retinol but substitute a lower strength retinol product.