Can you keep using tretinoin in winter? Yes!
You do not need to stop when the temperature drops. The challenge is that cold air, wind and central heating reduce humidity and increase water loss from the skin. That can make any irritation feel worse.
With a few small tweaks, you can protect your barrier and keep results on track.
What Winter Does To Skin (and Why Tretinoin Can Feel Harsher)
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Lower humidity and indoor heating increase transepidermal water loss.
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Cold winds and temperature swings can trigger redness and sensitivity.
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Tretinoin already increases cell turnover. If the barrier is not supported, dryness and flaking are more likely in winter.
Your goal is simple: keep the barrier calm while you stay consistent with your prescription.
Your Winter Tretinoin Plan: Step By Step
1) Cleanse, but do not strip
Choose a gentle cleanser that removes sunscreen and make-up without acids or scrubs. Use lukewarm water, keep it brief, and pat skin dry.
2) Buffer and build tolerance
Apply tretinoin to fully dry skin.
If you are sensitive, use the sandwich method: moisturiser, then tretinoin, then a second thin layer of moisturiser. If winter flares up irritation, step back to every other night for a short period, then return to nightly use when comfortable.
Consistency over weeks and months is what delivers results.
3) Upgrade night moisturising methods
Cold weather increases water loss. Add a more moisture-sealing layer at night to keep hydration in and reduce tightness.
4) SPF every morning, even in winter
UVA penetrates cloud and glass, and it drives most visible ageing. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning and reapply when outdoors for extended periods.
5) Environmental helpers
A bedside humidifier, shorter lukewarm showers, and avoiding strong fragrance or extra exfoliants will all help your barrier cope with winter.
How To Build To Nightly Use In Winter (Sensitive Skin First)
If you have sensitive skin, start with the steps below and build up. The aim is steady tolerance that leads to consistent nightly use. Consistency is what delivers real, long-term results with tretinoin.
Weeks 1 to 2
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Apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin 2 to 3 nights per week.
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Use the sandwich method if needed: moisturiser → tretinoin → moisturiser.
Weeks 3 to 4
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Increase to every other night if skin is calm.
Week 5 and beyond
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Move to nightly use when comfortable. If irritation appears, drop back to every other night for a week, then try again.
Keep the rest simple
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Cleanser: gentle, non-stripping, no acids or scrubs.
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Night: finish with an occlusive layer to reduce water loss.
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Morning: SPF 50, every day.
Signs to pause and reset
Stinging that lasts, hot tightness, or persistent flaking. Ease off for a few days, focus on moisturiser and SPF, then restart at the previous tolerable schedule.
Common Winter Skin Problems and How to Fix Them
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Flaking or tightness
Reduce frequency for 7 to 10 days, add an occlusive at night, and use the sandwich method. -
Stinging on application
Make sure skin is completely dry after cleansing. Buffer with moisturiser. Avoid layering other actives. -
Red patches
Pause tretinoin for 2 to 3 nights. Protect with moisturiser and SPF. Restart slowly.
Who Should Take Extra Care
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Rosacea-prone or very sensitive skin
Go slower, keep buffering, and avoid separate exfoliants. -
New to tretinoin
Winter is not the time to jump strengths. Build tolerance first. -
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Do not use tretinoin. Focus on gentle skincare and daily SPF.
Simple Winter Routine Examples
Evening (tretinoin night)
Gentle cleanse → dry skin → optional thin layer of moisturiser → pea-sized tretinoin → Basically Brilliant Night Moisturiser.
Evening (non-tretinoin night if cycling)
Gentle cleanse → hydrating moisturiser → Basically Brilliant Night Moisturiser.
Morning
Gentle cleanse if you want or rinse → Basically Brilliant SPF 50.
FAQs
Can I use tretinoin every night in winter?
Yes, if your skin is comfortable. If irritation appears, move to every other night for a short time, then build back to nightly.
Should I switch to a lower strength in cold months?
Only if irritation persists after you reduce frequency and add buffering. Strength is less important than steady, sustainable use.
Why do I peel more in winter and how do I stop it?
Lower humidity increases water loss. Support your barrier with a gentle cleanser, an occlusive at night, and consider the sandwich method.
Do I still need SPF if it is cloudy and cold?
Yes. UVA penetrates cloud and glass, and daily SPF is essential for results and safety.
Which products should I avoid while on tretinoin in winter?
Daily acid toners, gritty scrubs, and “tingly” or fragrance-heavy formulas. Keep things calm and simple.
Final Thoughts
You can use tretinoin all winter without derailing your results. Focus on barrier care, hydration, and daily SPF. Make small adjustments when the weather demands it, and keep your routine simple so you can stay consistent.
Explore Personalised Skincare
Shop the routine helpers: Basically Brilliant Cleanser, Basically Brilliant Night Moisturiser, Basically Brilliant SPF 50.
