Sure, Time Travel Isn’t a Thing, But This Product Can Turn Back the Clock for Aging Skin

Harper Rose5 days agoLast Updated: 12 November 2024

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Sure, Time Travel Isn't a Thing, But This Product Can Turn Back the Clock for Aging Skin

The proof is in the numbers—retinol skincare has miraculously maintained its popularity in on the ever-changing beauty industry landscape; staking its claim on our wallets and beauty cabinets. But did you know you can also use retinol-infused products to also supplement and further elevate a body care routine? I’m in my mid-twenties and have already started spotting a few obvious changes to my skin: hyperpigmentation around my mouth and eyes seemingly comes and goes, but its the stretch marks and uneven textures on my midsection and legs that really irk me.

So, to help curb early signs of aging, I began incorporating retinol lotions into my admittedly extensive product lineup. I could spot the differences within a couple weeks of slathering myself with lightweight formulas that restored suppleness, tightness, and smoothness to my skin. Historically speaking, using retinol products to support the health of my complexion has been a hit or miss for me, but using retinol lotions on my body have become quickly become a must.

In that vein, I reached out to a board-certified dermatologist for a deep dive into retinol; getting to the bottom of why the popular ingredient can be so effective in body care. With their help, I’ve identified the 12 best retinol body lotions that have improved my skin from the neck below.

What Is Retinol?

So, what is retinol and why has it earned the reputation of effectively being able to combat signs of aging? If you’ve been hesitant to add it to add it into your body care routine, you’re definitely not the only one. Luckily, we have an expert on call who can help break it down for us. According to Iris Rubin, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of SEEN; it is a derivative of vitamin A that’s celebrated for its ability to stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover. “This makes it effective for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne. When used correctly, retinol can leave skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant.”

However, it’s also important to take note of the more negative impacts using retinol may have on your delicate skin. “Retinol can also hinder skin health if overused or applied incorrectly,” Rubin adds. “It may cause dryness, redness, and irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types or when combined with harsh ingredients. To minimize side effects, she tells us its essential to begin with a low concentration of retinol before gradually increasing usage in addition to ensuring your skin receives proper hydration and sun protection. In other words, it may be a great option for addressing particular skin concerns (especially kicking signs of aging to the curb), but can also jumpstart other problems if you’re not careful.

Does Retinol Work for Everyone?

Retinol has also been clinically proven to clear up blemishes, the appearance of stretch marks, and prevent clogged pores. While there’s no specific time to begin using the ingredient, it can be especially helpful once the skin starts experiencing a loss of collagen and cell turnover (usually in your 30s). If you have normal skin, retinol can be applied once daily. For those with sensitive skin, its best to reserve retinol for use once or twice a week. Rubin tells us dry skin types may benefit by pairing retinol with nourishing, hydrating products to maintain the skin barrier.

“Not everyone needs retinol in their body care routine. It’s most beneficial for individuals with specific concerns like uneven texture, keratosis pilaris (KP), sun damage, or aging skin on the body,” Rubin says. Remember: your body’s skin doesn’t have the same amount of oil glands as your face, and retinol may irritate some areas more than others. If you’re not sure using retinol in your body care is right for you, consider consulting a dermatologist that can help tailor its use to your individual needs.

How Can Retinol Added To My Routine?

There are many ways one can start using retinol in their body care routine, and Rubin suggests using it with nourishing ingredients that help soothe and hydrate the skin such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, and glycerin. According to Rubin, niacinamide reduces inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier; making it less prone to irritation and hyaluronic acid is useful for hydration and tackling the drying effects of retinol. Ceramides maintain your skin’s natural barrier and combat moisture loss while aloe vera and glycerin offer even more soothing benefits.

Ready to discover which expert and beauty editor approved retinol-infused lotions could work for your specific concerns? Keep scrolling for our selection of the best products on the market backed by glowing reviews from happy customers across several major retailers (plus more of our retinol body care favorites from buzzy brands).