Fatal skincare mistake: Why retinol and acids might backfire on your skin
Do you need to ditch retinol in spring? (photo: Freepik)
In spring, many people reassess their beauty routines as sun exposure increases and skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays. A common question during this period is whether you should stop using retinol and acids.
Ukrainian dermatologist Olha Tarnavska shared her advice.
Should you stop using retinol?
According to the dermatologist, it’s not necessary to completely give up retinol in spring. This ingredient remains one of the most effective in skincare. It promotes cell renewal, helps fight breakouts, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
However, there is one important condition: retinol use requires strict sun protection.
If someone regularly applies sunscreen and re-applies SPF every 2–3 hours, retinol can stay in their routine. But for those who often forget sunscreen, experts recommend being cautious.
In such cases, it’s better to:
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Gradually reduce the concentration of retinol.
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Or switch to gentler alternatives.
Bakuchiol – a gentler retinol alternative
One option is bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient often called a natural alternative to retinol.
It helps improve skin texture, stimulates renewal, and less often causes irritation. Bakuchiol also increases photosensitivity less than retinol, making it ideal for spring and summer use.
Dermatologists note that this substitution is especially useful for people with sensitive skin or those just starting to use active ingredients.
Which acids are safer in spring
Spring is also a good time to reassess the use of acidic peels. Aggressive treatments can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of irritation or pigmentation.
Experts recommend replacing strong acids with gentler alternatives.
For example, PHA acids such as gluconolactone:
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Gently exfoliate the skin;
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Don’t increase photosensitivity;
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Help hydrate the skin;
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Irritate less often;
These components are suitable even for sensitive skin and can be safely used during sunny months.
How to adjust your skincare for warmer seasons
Experts emphasize that the key rule for spring skincare is not to abandon effective ingredients but to adapt their use properly.
Key recommendations include:
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Regularly using SPF protection;
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Reducing the concentration of active ingredients;
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Choosing gentler formulas.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
