Can You Use Retinol in Summer? The Expert Guide to a Year-Round Glow

Summer might make you think it’s time to put down your retinol and give your skin a rest – but that’s not necessarily the case. With the right approach, you can continue enjoying the benefits of your retinol all summer long.

While some people associate retinol with redness or irritation in summer, it’s all about knowing how to manage it so you can keep your complexion clear, smooth, and radiant.

If retinol plays an essential role in your routine – whether for tackling acne, improving texture, or boosting glow – here’s how to keep it in your summer skincare line-up without the unwanted side effects.

Simplify Your Skincare

There’s no need for a 10-step routine in summer. While multi-step routines can work for some, overcomplicating things during warmer months can increase the risk of irritation. Instead, stick to the essentials:

1. Cleanse

2. Treat – with your Crème Du Loch Age-Defying Moisturiser

3. Moisturise – yes, even if your skin feels oily in summer

4. Protect – always finish with SPF

   
   

Keeping your skincare streamlined helps avoid ingredient clashes and keeps your skin balanced.

The Two-Finger Rule for SPF – And Reapply!

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially if you’re using a retinol cream such as Crème Du Loch Age-Defying Moisturiser. The retinol it contains works to resurface and renew your skin, which can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

Follow the two-finger rule for application (two strips of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers) and reapply every two hours. Without SPF, you risk undoing the benefits of your night-time retinol routine and increasing the chance of irritation.

Go Easy on Other Actives

Retinol already places your skin in a more delicate state, so pairing it with strong acids like AHAs or BHAs in the same routine is a recipe for redness and irritation – particularly in summer. Instead, keep it simple: one active per routine. Let your Retinol cream be the hero of your evening, and save other exfoliating treatments for separate days.

Consider a Gentler Concentration

Crème Du Loch Age-Defying Moisturiser contains an expertly balanced retinol level – ideal for daily use without overwhelming the skin. This makes it perfect if you have sensitive skin or are travelling somewhere sunny, where skin is naturally more vulnerable.

By choosing a gentler concentration, you still enjoy the anti-ageing and skin-refining benefits of retinol, but with a reduced risk of irritation.

Reduce Weekly Retinol Use if Needed

If your skin feels increasingly sensitive, it might be because you’re not giving it enough time to recover between uses. Overuse of retinol can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness and redness. Try alternating your Retinol moisturiser with a deeply hydrating, barrier-supporting product on non-retinol days. You could also set dedicated “retinol days” – for example, Tuesday and Thursday – to ensure balance between treatment and recovery.

Conclusion

With the right routine tweaks, Crème Du Loch Age-Defying Moisturiser can remain a core part of your summer skincare. Its ideal retinol content means you can enjoy smoother, fresher, more radiant skin all year round – SPF at the ready.