Retinol is a form of vitamin A known for improving acne, aging, and sun damage. While commonly used for facial skincare, retinol is also highly effective when applied to other areas of the body. By increasing collagen and elastin production in the skin, retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and evens out skin tone. When incorporated into a body care routine, retinol can provide significant benefits for areas such as the neck, chest, hands, and above the knees.

DEEPER DIVE: Read all the Ranking Arizona Top 10 lists for 2025 here

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

What is Retinol and How Does it Work?

Retinol is a powerful ingredient utilized to improve the overall appearance of your skin. It encourages cellular turnover, helping to shed dead skin cells and encourage the growth of fresh, healthy skin. This process enhances skin radiance and glow while improving texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and smoothing crepey skin.

In addition to its anti-aging benefits, retinol softens pigmentation, leading to a more even complexion. It also helps balance oily skin and can improve mild acne and breakouts. With consistent use, retinol can significantly enhance skin health, leaving you with a smoother, more youthful, and clearer complexion.

Areas of the Body That Benefit from Retinol

While retinol is widely used on the face, it can also benefit several other areas of the body, particularly those prone to signs of aging or sun damage. At Derma Health Skin & Laser, the body parts that we recommend using retinol include:

  • Neck and Chest: The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and more delicate, which makes it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can help smooth out the texture of the skin in these areas and improve elasticity, reducing the appearance of age spots and lines. It also helps even out skin tone, making the neck and chest look more youthful.
  • Hands: The hands are often one of the first places to show signs of aging due to frequent sun exposure. Retinol can be used on the hands to reduce fine lines, smooth texture, and fade age spots. The increase in collagen production helps restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, making the hands appear more youthful.
  • Above the Knees: The skin above the knees can become loose and crepey over time. Retinol can help improve the appearance of this area by stimulating collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use Retinol

When incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, it is important to start slow and introduce it gradually. Retinol is powerful, and overuse can lead to irritation and dryness. It is recommended to start by using retinol twice a week, then gradually increase the frequency as the skin builds tolerance. Many people can eventually use retinol every other night or even nightly, but this varies depending on skin type and sensitivity.

For best results, retinol should be applied after cleansing the skin. It is important to allow the skin to dry before applying the product to avoid irritation. A thin layer of retinol can be applied to the target areas—whether on the face, neck, chest, hands, or above the knees. Following the application of retinol, it is imperative to use a moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation.

Sun Protection is Essential

Retinols are photosensitive, making the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Because of this, it is essential to apply sunscreen during the day to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. This is especially important when using retinol on the face, neck, chest, or any other exposed areas of the body. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used daily to prevent sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and further skin damage.

Potential Side Effects of Retinol

While retinol offers numerous benefits, it can cause some side effects, especially when first introduced into the skincare routine. These may include:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Sensitivity to sunlight and aesthetic treatments such as lasers

These side effects are common as the skin adjusts to the retinol. To minimize irritation, it is recommended to start with a low frequency of use and gradually increase as the skin becomes more accustomed to the ingredient. Additionally, it is important to apply a moisturizer and ensure adequate sun protection when using retinol.

Retinol is a versatile and powerful ingredient that can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, both on the face and throughout the body. By promoting collagen, retinol helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and evens out skin tone. When used consistently, retinol can target a variety of skin concerns, including sagging skin, pigmentation, and acne. To get the most out of retinol, it is important to use it gradually, apply it at night, and protect the skin with sunscreen during the day. With proper use, retinol can significantly enhance the appearance and texture of the skin on the face, neck, chest, hands, and other areas of the body.

Author: Vennessa Ngon is an aesthetician and laser clinician at Derma Health Skin & Laser.