Retinoid Myth Busting

MYTH 01: You need to stop using retinoids in the summer.

FALSE

You can use retinoids year-round—it just comes down to smart sun protection. While retinoids can make your skin slightly more sun-sensitive, as long as you're using SPF daily (which you should be doing anyway), there’s no reason to hit pause during warmer months. In fact, consistency is key for seeing long-term results.

MYTH 02: Retinoids must be applied to completely dry skin.

IT DEPENDS.

This one isn’t black and white. The idea behind applying retinoids to dry skin is to reduce how quickly and deeply the product absorbs, which can help minimize irritation—especially if you're just starting out or have sensitive skin.

But here's the thing: damp skin absorbs products more effectively, which can actually boost your results once your skin has built up tolerance. So if you've been using your retinoid consistently with little to no irritation, applying it to slightly damp skin (post-toner or essence, for example) can help your skin get even more out of the ingredient.

Just remember—more absorption = more potency, so go slow and listen to your skin. If you’re dealing with redness or flaking, dial it back and stick to the dry skin rule for a bit longer.

MYTH 04: Retinoids should be avoided if you have sensitive skin.

FALSE.

Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean retinoids are off-limits—it just means you need the right product and the right approach.

Start with a gentle, well-tolerated option like retinaldehyde (think Ret+), which delivers powerful results with minimal irritation. Buffer it with a moisturizer—meaning, apply your moisturizer before your retinoid to create a protective barrier. Go slow with application (2–3 nights a week to start), and give your skin time to adjust.