Can the skin on your body benefit from retinol? Yes — just as much as your face. It’s well known that retinoids (and their milder version, retinol) are the gold standard when it comes to your skin. Found in top-of-the-line skin care products, these Vitamin A derivatives stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover and get rid of dead skin cells. For these reasons, retinoids are used for anti-aging as well as acne. Long-term regular use of retinoids can keep your skin looking younger, longer.
But what about your body skin? Since retinoids like Retin-A are available only by prescription and in smaller packages—which can get pricey—your best bet for body skin is retinol.
Retinol benefits the skin on your body in a variety of ways. Over time, it smoothes the skin (minimizing “chicken skin” on the backs of upper arms and legs), firms skin due to collagen stimulation, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (like the ones you find on your chest and around your knees). As an added bonus, some claim retinol’s firming effects can help reduce the look of cellulite. Do you need additional reasons to try retinol on your body? We didn’t think so. So use it from neck down to rejuvenate all of your skin.
Though not many skin care companies make retinol body lotions, we found a few trusted retinol body creams to check out.
Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Dr. Jeannette Graft, M.D. Rejuvenation Retinol Body Butter
Vaseline Healthy White Perfect AHA Vitamin B3 Pro-Retinol Body Lotion
Puritan’s Pride Retinol Body Lotion