How To Use Retinol During Summer

With a hit and miss summer so far consisting of mini heatwaves followed by torrential rain, you can be forgiven for thinking summer has just about passed us by! However, during the summer months, I always get patients asking me about the use of retinols and whether or not they should stop. So I wanted to clear up a few points on this incredible skincare ingredient. Read on to find out more

We all know by now that retinol, when used correctly, is a fantastic age management ingredient and its benefits are well documented, including

• Textural improvements to skin
• A reduction of lines & wrinkles
• Help with controlling pigmentation
• Help with controlling acne & seborrhoea
• Normalisation & repair of skin

For many patients, removing retinol from their daily skincare routine could be disastrous, particularly when using it to control acne or hormonal pigmentation such as melasma. After all, when it comes to skincare - consistency is key.That said, retinol should always be used cautiously over the summer months and I often recommend a reduction in strength or switching to alternate night use rather than every night. A high strength, broad-spectrum sunblock is always recommended with retinol use, but this is particularly important in summer when UVA and UVB rays hit peak levels.For those clients who don't have a diagnosed skin disorder and are interested in using retinol for age management, it can be useful to change to a growth factor product over the summer. Growth Factor products are gaining credibility as clinical papers start to show encouraging results. My personal favourite is the Endocare range of growth factor products.The key ingredient is Endocare's SCA Biorepair Technology, a clinically proven complex of snail-derived growth factors, glycosaminoclycans and antioxidants produced through a patented technological process. When applied daily Endocare products have been clinically proven to significantly:

• Reduce lines & wrinkles
• Increase elasticity & tightness
• Enhance texture, tone & luminosity

Growth Factors are a great alternative for those clients nervous of using retinols in the summer or those enjoying frequent holidays abroad. Switching products and changing things up for short periods of time can also help to achieve positive results and take the stress out of using products with potential side effects.Not sure where to start with your skincare routine during summer? Book a FREE consultation by calling the clinic on 0113 282 3300 or book online.Written for you by: Kate, Face the FutureImage source: freepik.com