Your body needs retinol as much as your face does to keep it supple and healthy...
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While the face often steals the spotlight for targeted routines, it’s essential to remember that the rest of your body isn’t immune to the signs of ageing or acne either. Wrinkles, fine lines, a loss of skin elasticity, acne, texture and hyperpigmentation can affect your back, legs, and hands just as much as your face. If you’re keen on keeping multiple concerns at bay, it’s time to consider retinol—not just for your face, but for your entire body. This skincare powerhouse can work wonders beyond the face, helping you maintain smooth, firm skin from head to toe.
According to dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal, incorporating retinol into your body skincare routine can yield remarkable results. “Just like the face, the body can benefit greatly from retinol. It’s effective not only in treating body acne but also offers anti-ageing benefits, skin rejuvenation, and textural improvement,” she explains. However, Dr Agarwal advises caution when introducing retinol to your body skincare regimen.
“It’s essential to start with a lower concentration and frequency, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts,” she recommends. She also emphasizes the importance of consulting a dermatologist if you’re unsure about the proper method of using retinol and insists on a patch test before beginning any retinol treatment. “Always consult a dermatologist when in doubt, and never skip the patch test—it’s crucial to ensure your skin tolerates the retinol without adverse reactions,” she adds.
While retinol offers impressive benefits for the body, skin expert Dr Chytra Anand suggests a more robust approach for tackling thicker skin areas. “The skin on the body is naturally thicker than on the face, so it responds better to stronger formulations,” she explains. Instead of relying solely on retinol, Dr Chytra recommends starting with a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) along with urea.
“AHAs and BHAs work together to exfoliate the skin and enhance its texture, while urea helps with hydration and softening,” she says. For those seeking even more dramatic results, Dr Chytra advises following up with prescriptive Tretinoin. “Tretinoin is a more potent derivative of Vitamin A, offering deeper penetration and more significant improvements in skin rejuvenation and texture,” she adds. This powerful regimen is ideal for those aiming to address specific body skin concerns, providing a comprehensive approach to achieving smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to body skincare, choosing the right approach depends on your specific skin concerns and how your skin reacts to different treatments. Whether you opt for retinol, AHAs and BHAs, or prescriptive Tretinoin, it’s important to tailor your routine to what works best for you.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of dermatologist-recommended products that cater to various needs, ensuring your body gets the care it deserves.
Anushree Sardesai is a stylist and beauty editor, armed with an eye for style and a flair for creativity. When she is not curating the latest looks or experimenting with makeup, you'll find her exploring art galleries, sipping on iced latte’s, and dreaming about her next fashion-forward adventure. View Profile
