Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1537409
Protection. Education. Connection. There's an app for that at ascpskincare.com/app 39 INGREDIENT DECK AS ESTHETICIANS, WE'VE LONG WALKED the line between results and tolerance—balancing powerful actives like retinol with the unique needs of each client's skin. As the seasons change, so do our skin needs—and summer brings its own set of challenges. Increased sun exposure, higher temperatures, and more time spent outdoors can infl uence how our skin reacts to certain ingredients. One of the most debated summer skin care topics: whether it's safe or wise to use retinol during the sunniest time of the year. While traditional retinol remains a gold standard in correcting signs of aging, it also comes with familiar frustrations: redness, peeling, and the seasonal dilemma of sun sensitivity. And if you're not using retinol, what alternatives actually work? This is where CycloRetin (an ingredient formulated and trademarked by chemical company Clariant) steps in—not just as a "gentler alternative" but as a scientifi cally sound, bioactive ingredient that may reshape how we approach vitamin A pathways altogether. But is it safe (and smart) to use in the summer? GETTY IMAGES CycloRetin: The Summer-Safe Retinol Alternative by Ella Cressman CycloRetin: The Summer-Safe Retinol Alternative THE PROBLEM WITH RETINOL IN SUMMER Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is a tried and true powerhouse for stimulating cell turnover, boosting collagen, and targeting signs of aging and acne. However, it comes with a list of side eff ects that are exacerbated by sun exposure. If you're already cycling retinol out of your clients' routines during the sunnier months, you're not alone. While eff ective, retinol is notoriously photosensitizing, temporarily thinning the stratum corneum and increasing the risk of sunburn, infl ammation, and pigmentation. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, the risk of irritation and infl ammation can escalate, making traditional retinoids a less-than-ideal choice this time of year. That's why many professionals recommend pausing or buff ering retinoids in the summer or when barrier health is compromised. This seasonal caution has led many to seek out retinol alternatives that are gentler and nonsensitizing but deliver visible results— ideally without the risks of summer fl are-ups. But what if we didn't have to compromise? What if there was a way to support the skin's natural retinoid pathway without overloading it or making it more vulnerable?