Is washing face necessary before applying sunscreen on the mornings after Retin-A/tretinoin?

Question

Dear Doctors, For 8 mos, I’ve slowly increased Retin-A to 3x/week on my face and neck with great results. Mineral sunscreen is my only option because I’m allergic to chemical SPF. Mineral sunscreen takes great effort to remove at night before applying Retin-A. In the morning, is it necessary to wash the face before applying sunscreen to head out for a run? Even good tap water in NYC has endocrine disrupters, much chlorine and I’d like to skip this step in the morning. Your advice, please?

Nadir Qazi, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's great to hear that you've had success using Retin-A for your skin and are taking precautions to protect your skin from the sun.
Mineral sunscreens can be a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies to chemical sunscreens, but they can be difficult to remove completely. It's important to thoroughly cleanse your skin at night to remove all traces of sunscreen, as well as any makeup or other products that may have accumulated on your skin throughout the day.
In the morning, it is generally recommended to wash your face before applying sunscreen, even if you're just heading out for a run. This will help to remove any oil, sweat, or other impurities that may have accumulated on your skin overnight.
However, if you prefer to skip this step, there are some alternatives you can consider. One option is to use a micellar water or gentle cleansing wipe to quickly cleanse your skin before applying sunscreen. This can be a quick and convenient way to remove any impurities without the need for a full wash.
Another option is to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer or primer with SPF instead of a traditional sunscreen. These products are designed to provide both hydration and sun protection, and can be easier to apply and remove than a separate sunscreen.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a routine that works for you and that you can stick to consistently. If you find that washing your face in the morning is too inconvenient or irritating, consider trying one of these alternatives or adjusting your routine in other ways to ensure that your skin is adequately protected from the sun.

Brooke Jeffy, MD · Answer

If you are not experiencing any breakouts, it is ok to skip the morning cleanse. But if you start to any milia or acne, resume the am wash.

Is washing face necessary before applying sunscreen on the mornings after Retin-A/tretinoin?

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Is washing face necessary before applying sunscreen on the mornings after Retin-A/tretinoin?

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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