When you’re a skincare fanatic like me, you’re in all probability well-acquainted with the celebrity ingredient that wants no introduction: retinol. It is the not-so-secret weapon that holds a particular place in my coronary heart and everlasting place in my skincare routine. But it surely’s not simply in your face, you possibly can (and doubtless ought to) use retinol in your entire physique. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the advantages of physique retinol along with the assistance of Cincinnati-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Mislankar.Retinol belongs to a class of vitamin A derivatives generally known as retinoids. Underneath the retinoid umbrella, you’ll additionally discover substances like retinaldehyde (or retinal), adapalene, tretinoin, and extra. Regardless of the place you apply them, retinoids are extremely versatile and tackle a large number of pores and skin considerations that embody zits, discoloration, uneven pores and skin texture, sagging pores and skin, positive strains, and wrinkles. “By way of its use for physique, [retinoids help] produce extra collagen, subsequently not solely stopping positive strains and wrinkles, but in addition stopping crepey and saggy pores and skin that may happen as we naturally age,” explains Dr. Mislankar.Whereas incorporating retinoids like retinol into your physique care routine may give you nice outcomes, Dr. Mislankar says they can be doubtlessly drying and worsening to the pores and skin. So having physique moisturizer in your routine is important. And to guard all that tough work you place into your pores and skin, don’t overlook solar safety. “Bear in mind to put on sunscreen and go for UPF clothes [to protect your skin],” says Dr. Mislankar.Now that we all know the advantages of including a retinoid to our physique skincare routines, the place is an effective place to begin? Dr. Mislankar says prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin are the gold commonplace with regards to outcomes. That mentioned, if tretinoin isn’t accessible to you or your pores and skin simply can’t tolerate it, there are many efficient over-the-counter choices to attempt like those under.