What Happens If You Wear Retinol Without Sunscreen?

When googling about retinol, one of the most common questions is, "Do we really need to use sunscreen when using retinol?" Aiya, we live in Southeast Asia, where the sun is always on full blast, so why is this even a question, right? But, on a serious note, it’s actually a very important question to ask. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to skip sunscreen while using retinol, the answer might surprise you—because the two really need to work together to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. If not, you will immediately regret having this–you could have kicked yourself as your skin will be far from ideal.

So, let’s break it down and get to the heart of why retinol and sunscreen are a must-have duo for your skincare routine.

What the Sun is Doing to Your Skin

Let’s talk about the sun for a minute. As much as we love the warmth and glow, it’s not exactly doing your skin any favors. The sun is the number one cause of photoaging, which leads to wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. In fact, around 90% of visible skin aging comes from the sun. So, if you’re using retinol to fight these signs of aging, the sun is essentially your worst enemy.

But don’t worry—retinol and sunscreen are here to save the day. By pairing these two together, you can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects while still enjoying the benefits of retinol.

What Happens If You Skip Sunscreen after Retinol?

You Risk Getting Sunburned

  1. What happens when you skip sunscreen?
    • Without sunscreen, the new skin that retinol reveals is essentially sunbaked waiting to happen. Since retinol makes your skin more sensitive, the sun can do some serious damage. The fresh layer of skin has no defense against UV rays, and you end up with painful sunburns.
  2. What’s the worst-case scenario?
    • You’ll walk around looking like a lobster, and that’s not the kind of glow we’re after. Retinol sun damage from unprotected sun exposure can cause redness, peeling, and long-term damage.

Dark Spots May Get Worse

  1. How do dark spots form?
    • Sun exposure triggers melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots. While retinol works its magic to lighten those spots, skipping sunscreen makes it much easier for the sun to darken them again.
  2. What’s the solution?
    • Apply sunscreen daily to protect the progress you’re making with retinol. Otherwise, you’ll end up with darker spots, and your efforts will be for nothing. Retinol and sunscreen work together to keep your skin even-toned and radiant.

Collagen Gets Destroyed by UV Rays

  1. Why does this matter?
    • Retinol stimulates collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and youthful. But the sun? It’s like the villain in a superhero movie, breaking down all that good work. Without sunscreen, you’re undoing the anti-aging benefits of retinol by allowing UV rays to destroy collagen.
  2. How does this affect your skin?
    • You’ll notice sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines, and not the kind you want. Retinol and sunscreen should be your dynamic duo, fighting off aging together. Think of sunscreen as the bodyguard your retinol needs to survive.

Retinol's Effectiveness Can Be Reduced

  1. Does retinol lose its power in the sun?
    • Yes, it does. UV rays break down retinol, making it less effective. That’s why most dermatologists recommend using retinol at night—when it’s not exposed to sunlight. Skipping sunscreen means you might not get the full benefit of your retinol treatment.
  2. What’s the result of this?
    • Your skin won’t experience the full anti-aging effects of retinol. If you're investing time and money into retinol, don’t waste it by not pairing it with sunscreen. Retinol sun damage can seriously lower the impact of your skincare efforts.

Irritation Becomes More Likely

  1. What’s the deal with irritation?
    • Retinol can be harsh on the skin, especially when you first start using it. Dryness, redness, and flakiness are common side effects. But when combined with the sun, this irritation can get much worse.
  2. What happens if you don’t use sunscreen?
    • The irritation from retinol can become even more intense, leaving you with uncomfortable, inflamed skin. Sunscreen is your skin’s BFF when it comes to calming and protecting against irritation. Without it, your skin might look like it’s been to war and not in a good way.

You’re Setting Yourself Up for Photoaging

  1. What is photoaging?
    • Photoaging refers to the damage caused by UV rays, leading to premature aging signs like wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin. You can fight these signs of aging with retinol, but if you’re not wearing sunscreen, the sun’s harmful effects will cancel out all your hard work.
  2. How does this affect you?
    • Without sunscreen, the signs of aging will appear faster, and retinol sun damage will worsen over time.

Can You Use Retinol in the Summer?

Living in Southeast Asia, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to use retinol during the summer months when the sun is even more intense. The short answer: Yes, but with one big condition—always use sunscreen.

  1. What should you do?
    • Apply sunscreen every single day, even when it’s cloudy. This will keep your skin protected from retinol sun damage and let you enjoy the benefits of your retinol treatment without any worries.
  2. Can I still use retinol at night?
    • Absolutely! Retinol is most effective when used at night, away from UV light. So go ahead and apply it after your nighttime routine, just don’t forget the sunscreen in the morning.

How to Use Retinol and Sunscreen Together

If you’re ready to use retinol and sunscreen together, here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re getting it right:

  1. Start with sunscreen every morning

    Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Don’t skip this step, no matter the weather.

  2. Use retinol at night

    Apply retinol as part of your nighttime routine for maximum benefit without sun exposure.

  3. Reapply sunscreen

    Sunscreen wears off after a few hours, so make sure to reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re out in the sun.

  4. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreen

    Make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin safe from aging and burning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re using retinol without sunscreen, you’re setting yourself up for retinol sun damage. It’s like trying to make an omelette without eggs—it just doesn’t work. Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, allowing you to enjoy all the anti-aging benefits of retinol. Retinol and sunscreen are the ultimate skincare power couple—don’t leave home without them!