Is it okay to use tretinoin/Retin A, etc if I live in a sunny climate and am driving a lot?

Dr. Irwin
September 6, 2010
Hi Dr Irwin,You are a very kind person to answer questions on your blog because I\'m sure you are a very busy person. I can\'t personally visit your country to make an appointment with you but I do buy products through your links so I hope that helps. My question is regarding tretenion. I live in a very hot dry climate and I am exposed to the sunlight many days that shines into my vehicle as my job involves driving. I want to use tretenion but I read that you don\'t use it in summer. Could I be doing more damage to my skin by using it considering my climate with my particular job. I am very diligent with sunscreen and I reapply every few hours.

Thank you!  Sorry it took me so long to get to your question since it’s a good one.   Car window glass does not block all UV rays as you pointed out.  Window glass usually blocks UVB but not UVA.  So….. using sunscreens that block UVA well becomes even more important if you are in a car a lot.  Make sure your sunscreen has a very high percentage of zinc like the Dermaquest Zinclear (18%).  Using a mineral powder makeup over that like the Jane Iredale (SPF 20) wouldn’t hurt.

As for your question on tretinoin in your particular situation, there is really no data on that but as long as your suncreen blocks UVA well and you reapply, you should be fine using it.  And it’s fine to use tretinoin in the summer, if you’re not outdoors a lot.  I have 3 teenage children and I like to swim in a nearby lake so I use the tretinoin a lot less in the summer.   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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