Why dermatologists recommend adding a retinol night cream after summer

Every September, the same skincare question returns: how should retinol be brought back after the summer? Months of sun, heat and disrupted routines can leave skin drier, tighter or more reactive, especially mature skin.

The article challenges the idea that retinol must always be abandoned during summer. The key, it says, is to adapt its use and maintain sun protection. Once regular routines resume, a night cream containing retinol can help renew the skin and improve its texture.

Dermatologists recommend restarting gradually rather than immediately returning to the previous frequency. After a pause, the skin may have lost some tolerance, so thorough moisturising should come first. Retinol should be applied at night, while broad-spectrum sunscreen remains essential in the morning. It should not be used on skin that is irritated or sunburned.

The article highlights products from RoC, Olay, Kleem Organics and Neutrogena. Their formulas combine retinol with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, antioxidants, collagen, vitamin E, aloe vera and green tea. They are marketed for concerns such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, dryness, blemishes and uneven texture.