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Tanning After Retin-A

asked 3 years ago by sweetSmiles in usa
Latest answer by Gary Goldenberg, MD
Question viewed 12,495 times
Tags: tanning

How long after I stop using Retin-A can I tan in the sun or tanning bed?

15 answers to Tanning After Retin-A

+4

Tanning and Retin-A are opposing forces

There is no safe time to tan. This question is akin to: "How long after taking off my seatbelt can I begin to drive 100 mph and text my friends?" Unfortunately, tanning naturally or in a bed will reverse all the positive effects you've been trying to achieve with Retin-A. Tanning will lead to DNA damage, which appears as photoaging (spots, wrinkles, and discolored skin), and skin cancer. Skip the beds and keep the Retin-A going... try a spray on tan instead.
Chad L. Prather, MD

Baton Rouge Dermatologist
+1

Sun exposure after retin-a

You shouldn't be tanning. Period. Sun exposure deactivates retin-a. I recommend SPF 50 sunscreen if you plan to be outside after using retin-a.
Gary Goldenberg, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Do not tan

Tanning is only damaging your skin, You should always use an SPF when planning on having any sun exposure. I would NOT recommend tanning!!!
Hannah Vargas, MD

Kansas City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tanning after Retin-A

Never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sun exposure after Retin-A

Retin-A and other topical retinoids cause desquamation or flaking of the outer layers of the epidermis.  These outer layers do provide some sun protection, so the skin of a person using retinoids is more sun-sensitive.  This flaking, however, is associated with increased skin cell turnover, providing a more youthful, glowing complexion.  Of the topicals available, retinoids are the best anti-aging products on the market. I would suggest that if you are using retinoids... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Aging is Sun Exposure in Disguise

Retin-A is a great way to improve the color and texture of your skin and it does so by reversing sun damage.  You might prefer to stay on the retin-a indefinitely and protect your skin from the sun- that way, your anti-aging regimen will be twice as powerful!  In fact, you might want to consider daily use of a sunblock moisturizer for your face and just cover that lighter, but healthier, skin with a darker foundation than your actual skin color.
Victoria W. Serralta, MD

Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Tretinion and sun exposure

First of all, you should not be going to the tanning bed or laying out in the sun. Tretinoin or Retin A exfoliates the skin (can help get rid of sundamaged/precancerous cells) and makes those that use it more susceptable to ultraviolet radiation damage and can increase the risk of burning. Self tanners would be recommended and continued use of the tretinion in your case.
Purvisha Patel, MD

Germantown Dermatologist
+1

Please Stop Tanning!!!

Please Stop Tanning!!!!!  As a dermatologist this is all I can say to you.  If you feel you need to look tan, spray tans and self tanners are safe and look natural.  Save Your Skin!!!!
Lisa Kates, MD

Annapolis Dermatologist
+1

Tanning after Retin A

If you are using Retin A properly you should have been instructed not to be exposed to excess sun.  The use of Retin A is typically done over a period of time, this results in thinning of the protective keratin layer as well as reduction of the pigment cells.  Both these facts will leave you more vulnerable to the UV radiation.  Not only you should not tan, but you should protect your skin with a complete sunblock to avoid damaging your skin permanently.   If you... more
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tanning and Retin A

Your question exemplifies why doctors age faster than their patients. - The blue faced man gasping oxygen piped to his nose from a tank on his motorized wheel chair who takes the oxygen off to smoke yet another oh so beneficial cigarette. - The 280 pound diabetic woman who while eating at Burger King still dreams about having a Medicare covered cure it all non-invasive liposuction.- The smoking, sun worshipper (see "Magda" Cameron Diaz's neighbor in There's Something About Mary)... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

No tanning bed, period!

Irregardless of your Retin-A use, do yourself a favor, stop doing tanning bed! I was quoted by my published article, along with scores of other peer-reviewed articles that have demonstrated a link between skin cancers including melanoma and usage of tanning bed. See my quotes from February 9 2010 issue of BusinessWeek (http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635508.html). With usage of Retin-A, sun sensitivity is really not an issue as long as you wear sunscreen daily as you... more
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Waiting time for tanning after Retin A

If you must tan, which we would strongly suggest against, then 7 days off Retin A should be sufficient. Retin A thins the stratum corneum, which is the surface dead skin cell layer. Stopping Retin A causes a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface which offers very little but some additional protection from UV rays. Don't tan, but if you do, go off your Retin A at least 7 days before.
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tanning after Retin A makes no sense

Why bother using Retin A if you are bent on damaging your skin with a sun tanning bed? Makes no sense to me. Save your money. You either want to preserve your collagen and look young or it is just not that important to you. If you are using Retin A for acne, then make sure you use it at night. Sunlight degrades it and it will lose some of its efficacy.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Use sunless tanning spray instead

Never. No dermatologist can ethically tell you that you can tan!!! Use a sunless tanning spray if you need the color but you are exposing yourself to radiation (ultraviolet) damage which will make you look much older eventually and increase your risk of skin cancer considerably! Sorry.  
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

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