Stop ruining your skin barrier

[Arpita]

I don't get why people keep skipping sunscreen when they start using retinols. Retinols speed up cell turnover and exfoliate the outer layer, so the fresh, thinner skin is left exposed. That makes your skin even more prone to UV damage because the protective barrier isn't built up yet. If you're on retinols, the best sunscreen to use is usually a dewy, hydrating one.

[Farhan]

But I've heard that sunscreen and retinol shouldn't be applied together.

[Gayatri]

Using retinol without sunscreen is just crazy. It makes you more susceptible to harsh UV sunlight and your skin becomes sensitive, which can completely cancel out the benefits of retinol.

[Amrita]

Didn't know that, thanks!

[Vijay]

Do I still need sunscreen if I apply tretinoin at night and never step out into the sun?

[Harshit]

Can you recommend a barrier‑repair moisturizer to use with tretinoin and azelaic acid?

[Namrata]

I don't use SPF because I stay indoors all day with the curtains closed.

[Deepika]

Sunscreen is the most basic part of skincare, I don't understand why people avoid it. Can anyone suggest a good value-for-money sunscreen that you've researched?

[Advik]

What happens if someone who never goes out in the sun uses retinol and then skips sunscreen the next day?

[Douglas]

- Stop doing things that damage your barrier in the first place.
- Stay away from strong actives for a while.
- You might want to use petrolatum for slugging; it helped me a lot.