Retinol Isn't Just For Your Face - Here's Where Else To Use It

Retinol has been one of the biggest game-changers in the skincare industry as many people swear by the positive effects they've had using it. Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is often added as an active ingredient in skincare products such as serums and creams. Not only are there hundreds of over-the-counter retinol products readily available, there are also more potent ones that can be prescribed. Not only is retinol an anti-aging product, but it's also known to be an effective treatment for acne.

So, what does it do for your exactly? Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, which allows the skin to exfoliate itself naturally, it helps clear clogged pores which prevents future breakouts, and it even aids in increasing the amount of collagen the skin produces. So, to sum it up, it's a powerhouse ingredient for your skin that you definitely want to use.

Already using retinol in your regimen? That's great! But, are you using it in all the possible places? Retinol doesn't just have to be limited to use for the face. It can be used in so many other parts of the body that can benefit from the magical ingredient. So, let's take a look at where else you should be using retinol.

The first signs of aging don't just appear on the face. Bad habits, like forgetting to apply sunscreen, can cause signs of aging to appear on your hands, especially as they have the thinnest layer of skin. While many are obsessed with maintaining a top-notch skincare regimen for the face, it's easy to neglect the most delicate part of our bodies, the hands. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman shared with Martha Stewart that the hands "are often just as exposed to the sun and environmental aggressors as our faces, but we don't protect them as diligently with SPF, makeup, and other blockers."

If you're on top of your hand care game and even use retinol in your routine, then that's awesome! Keep up the good work. However, let's be honest, many of us are guilty of neglecting them as keeping up with a facial regimen is overwhelming in itself. But, that changes today! Retinol has the power to rejuvenate your hands and age them backwards, so why aren't we taking advantage of it? The Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream from Skincare L de L Cosmetics has rave reviews with people saying they saw a difference in their hands in just a few days of using the hand cream. And, make sure to start applying sunscreen to the back of your hands as well, if you don't already! 

No matter your skin tone, darkened skin can happen to anyone. Although, there's a higher chance that people with medium to dark skin may have darkened knees and elbows from all the melanin production. Hyperpigmentation on body parts like knees and elbows can happen for all kinds of reasons, but the most common are sun exposure, the buildup of dead skin, dryness, friction, and even skin conditions like eczema.

And, unless the skin in those areas become flaky or itchy, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little extra melanin. With that said, many just might not find those darkened areas of skin very pleasant come summer and it's time to bring out the shorts and tank tops. Well, we have an answer for you–perhaps even a holy grail, and it's retinol. Along with ingredients like Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants, retinol can help reduce hyperpigmentation in those areas. Retinol will help with regulating the amount of melanin produced, which will help lighten those areas. It doesn't stop there. As mentioned above, retinol helps speed up skin cell turnover, which will replace the old, pigmented skin and replace them with a more evened-out complexion. One of the best products with retinol for the body might be The Body Retinol from Necessaire. Not only does it contain 0.1% pure retinol, but also has 10% AHA, so you should definitely be adding this to your post-shower body care routine.