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If you’re a skincare enthusiast like me, you’re probably well-acquainted with the superstar ingredient that needs no introduction: retinol. It’s the not-so-secret weapon that holds a special place in my heart and permanent place in my skincare routine. But it’s not just for your face, you can (and probably should) use retinol on your whole body. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the benefits of body retinol together with the help of Cincinnati-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Mislankar.Retinol belongs to a category of vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids. Under the retinoid umbrella, you’ll also find ingredients like retinaldehyde (or retinal), adapalene, tretinoin, and more. No matter where you apply them, retinoids are incredibly versatile and address a multitude of skin concerns that include acne, discoloration, uneven skin texture, sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. “In terms of its use for body, [retinoids help] produce more collagen, therefore not only preventing fine lines and wrinkles, but also preventing crepey and saggy skin that can occur as we naturally age,” explains Dr. Mislankar.While incorporating retinoids like retinol into your body care routine can give you great results, Dr. Mislankar says they can also be potentially drying and irritating to the skin. So having a good body moisturizer in your routine is essential. And to protect all that hard work you put into your skin, don’t forget sun protection. “Remember to wear sunscreen and opt for UPF clothing [to protect your skin],” says Dr. Mislankar.Now that we know the benefits of adding a retinoid to our body skincare routines, where is a good place to start? Dr. Mislankar says prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin are the gold standard when it comes to results. That said, if tretinoin isn’t accessible to you or your skin just can’t tolerate it, there are plenty of effective over-the-counter options to try like the ones below.
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