Should You Use Retinol on Your Body?

It was only a matter of time before retinol became commonplace in one’s skin-care regimen—and the best retinol body lotions have been a natural evolution. Retinol, the vitamin A derivative lauded and loved for its ability to speed cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production, stands out for the name recognition to expand its popularity and, more distinctly, the clinical evidence to merit its spot on the shelf. And while its effects have long had a clear benefit for facial skin, retinol can offer a lot below the neck, too. “The body can also show signs of sun damage and aging,” says Aderonke Obayomi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York, NY. “Sun exposure on the chest and forearms, bumpy texture like keratosis pilaris, and stubborn dark marks all respond to a retinoid.”

Naturally, everyone now wants one, in part because people are also recognizing that preventative skincare can extend to the body. “I see more patients asking specifically about treating areas like the neck, chest, arms and knees, where they notice early changes in skin texture, crepiness, and pigmentation,” says Y. Claire Chang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “They are looking for products that do more than simply moisturize and are increasingly interested in ingredients backed by scientific evidence."

Moreover, formulas for the body have only gotten better in recent years. Earlier retinol products could be irritating, but “many of the newer retinol body lotions contain hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients to make them more tolerable and easier to use consistently,” says Dr. Chang. You can find retinol paired with niacinamide for extra brightening benefits, for instance. And many stay true to their inherent function as body lotions, harnessing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to smooth and soften skin. With so many to choose from, scroll on for dermatologist-backed options for every skin type, concern, and preference.

Yes, retinol can be powerful in a body-care product. “If you use a body lotion with retinol, you can count on it being one of the most powerful ingredients with its potential to change the appearance, tone, and texture of the skin,” Dr. Hartman says. It can help firm areas of the body prone to sagging, like around the knees and arms, and can help smooth skin and fade dark spots.

For the body, “a concentration between 0.5% and 1% retinol is typically effective and well tolerated,” says Dr. Arora. However, it’s possible to see concentrations as low as 0.01%, which is preferable for those with very sensitive skin or those just starting out.

Dr. Arora recommends seeking out hydrating ingredients, especially if you want it to do double-duty to nourish skin. Hyaluronic acid or ceramides can help counteract potential dryness, while “formulations that incorporate soothing agents such as aloe or chamomile can help calm the skin and minimize irritation,” he says.

A bonus of hydrating ingredients is that their effects tend to be immediate, whereas retinol can take a few weeks to reveal results, depending on the concentration and your frequency of application. “Adding hydration to the skin will also help smooth superficial fine lines by plumping the skin and evening out shallow lines,” says Dr. Hartman.

Next, consider occlusives. “Once you’ve added hydration to the skin, you want to make sure you are using an occlusive ingredient, like a mineral oil, to ‘seal’ the top layer of skin and help reduce water loss,” he says. “It will also help protect and restore the skin barrier, which ultimately leads to healthier skin.” You may need to find this in a separate formula, however, in which case a two-pronged body-care routine might be necessary.

The texture is primarily a matter of your own personal preference. Some might prefer a serum-like formulation that sinks into skin quickly, allowing you to get dressed or follow with a layer of body cream. Others might like the streamlined approach of a retinol-infused body lotion, which doubles as your moisturizer.

The right concentration depends on your skin’s tolerance, the type of retinoid, and whether you’ve used a retinol before. A lower concentration (below 0.5%) may be a good idea for beginners. “Higher concentrations might be too intense for larger body areas, so starting with a lower concentration is often recommended,” says Dr. Arora. Once you’re comfortable using it, you can work your way up to a higher concentration.

Anyone who wants to address signs of aging, sun damage, or textural irregularities, such as keratosis pilaris or body acne, can benefit from a retinol body lotion. However, retinoids—retinol included—aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so they may be best avoided in those cases.

As with the skin on your face, a gradual acclimation—in which you start using it once or twice a week and increase the frequency as your skin adjusts—may be helpful. “While the skin on the body is generally less sensitive than facial skin, it’s still important to gradually increase use to minimize potential irritation,” says Dr. Arora. “This approach helps the skin build tolerance and reduces the risk of dryness or redness.” While it may not be necessary if you’re using a product with a very low concentration, it can still help you avoid any unexpected discomfort.

Also, reserve retinol body lotions for evenings only. “Using retinol can increase sun sensitivity,” he says. “Many experts recommend using retinol at night to avoid this issue and to allow the product to work effectively without interference from sunlight.” On the same note, although using a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended no matter what for daytime, it’s especially important when using retinol for this reason.

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