Does retinol make your skin more sensitive to the sun? Dermatologist Dr. Dray explains the truth about retinol, sun sensitivity, and skin aging.
Retinol does not increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun or cause more sun damage. However, sunscreen and daily sun protection are still essential because topical retinol does not protect the skin from UV radiation.
This video explains how retinol can support healthier, younger-looking skin while also helping suppress activation of collagen-destroying enzymes that are increased by UV exposure. For the best anti-aging results, retinol and consistent sun protection work together.
☀️ Key takeaway: Retinol does not replace sunscreen. Daily sun protection is essential for preventing UV damage and maximizing the anti-aging benefits of a retinoid.
#Retinol #Sunscreen #SunDamage #Skincare #AntiAging #Dermatologist #Retinoids #SkinAging
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Thanks for this article.
Excellent information! ❤😊
So technically we can apply retinoids in the morning?
I could be wrong – but what I understood was that almost all retinoids (except adapalene) break down/degrade very easily when the actual product is exposed to certain amounts of uv. So that is why you are mostly advised to use them at night.
@cestmoi0822you’re absolutely right.
just stay indoors
There are some retinoid options that can be used in sunlight – usually those that are encapsulated. You’ll need to read the product info that applies to that retinoid. THAT SAID, it’s easiest to just use them at night. Then you don’t have to worry about which version you’re using or if any daytime antioxidants you’re using nullify it. You’re only supposed to use them 1x a day anyway. All the derms I’ve ever seen as a patient reco night time usage even with the ones that can be in sunlight. Dr Dray has videos on this. So does Doctorly.
@mister4875 ??? Insane advice lmao
If you’re applying retinol or tretinion, and using sun protection, occasionally you spend more time under sun, it will not make sun damage worse or will recover from sun damage less?
Gotta love evidence based medicine! Thank you, Dr. Dray for cutting through the chaff. ❤
All sunscreens do is give me little acne. I just use UV protector mask whenever I’m out now.
I’m sure people have already suggested this so I apologize if you’ve already tried it, but Korean sunscreen is a game changer. I have very oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, and Beauty of Joseon Aqua has changed my life!
FWIW, that 2009 paper was later confirmed in an even more comprehensive review published in November 2025, appropriately titled: “An Updated Review of Topical Tretinoin in Dermatology: From Acne and Photoaging to Skin Cancer” and that paper is based on evaluated data spanning from January 2000 to July 2025!
Wellll, it “made it’s way” and itis “fixed” in “some people’s minds” for the very reason you stated in the video. THE PACKAGE INSERT STATES THAT IT CAUSES PHOTOTOXICITY. The product itself has told us this … it’s not that we’re stupid or listening to internet gossip.
so a good myth