When it comes to summer skincare, we get it: you want glow, not grease. You want hydrated, healthy skin, not clogged pores or flaky texture. And if you’re on the tretinoin train (we love a clinical queen), you might be wondering: Can I even use this in the summer?
Spoiler alert: YES. You can. You just have to pair it with the right skinBe-approved rituals.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Hydration = Your Summer Skin Superpower
The sun’s out, the AC is cranking, and your skin barrier is feeling the heat. Summer dehydration is real and it doesn’t just make skin feel tight or look dull. It can also amplify fine lines and trigger inflammation.
Pro tip: Layer hydration like you layer your summer outfits. Start with a hydrating serum (like our Bedrenched hyaluronic serum and our queenBe elixir), follow with a lightweight moisturizer, and finish with a mist like glow getter spray to seal in dew throughout the day.
Want to take it next-level? Book a Liquid Gold IV drip or Glutathione booster in our dripBar for inside-out hydration that actually lasts.
Step 2: Yes, You Can Use Tretinoin in the Summer
This one’s a myth we’re happy to bust. Tretinoin does not make your skin more sensitive to the sun it makes your skin more vulnerable without proper protection.
So keep it in your routine! Tretinoin is still the gold standard for anti-aging, boosting cell turnover, softening fine lines, and clearing breakouts. Just be mindful:
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Apply at night only
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Keep skin moisturized to avoid dryness
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Always use SPF every morning (no exceptions)
If your skin feels a little sensitized or tight, try sandwiching your tretinoin between two layers of moisturizer or space out applications to every other night.
Step 3: SPF Is Your Glow Insurance
Let us say it louder for the people in the back: There is no glow without protection.
SPF isn’t optional…. it’s essential. Especially if you’re using exfoliants, tretinoin, or getting in-clinic treatments like CO2 Beglow or peels. We recommend:
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SPF every single day
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Reapplication every 2–3 hours (especially if you’re outside)
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A dewy, skin-loving formula like our mineral-based glowBe SPF—she’s glowy, sheer, and full of antioxidants.
Bonus: Skin-Loving Summer Rituals
Pair your skincare with lifestyle habits that amplify your results:
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Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily
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Eat water-rich fruits (hello, watermelon and cucumber)
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Skip harsh scrubs try dermaplaning or a gentle GlowBe Peel instead (check out our VIP Membership for the ultimate boost)
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Add NAD+ or Lipo-C boosters weekly to fuel your skin from within
The Bottom Line: Summer Skin Should Be Easy, Breezy, and Bright
Tretinoin + SPF + hydration = the glow trifecta. Whether you’re new to medical-grade skincare or a long-time skinBe glow-getter, the summer routine is all about balance. Protect, hydrate, and let your skin shine (without the sun damage).
Need help personalizing your regimen? Book your complimentary anti-aging and wellness assessment today and let our providers create a summer routine that’s all you… with real results.