This post is about my personal review of Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment.
Disclosure: I receive a small commission for purchases made via affiliate links.
Paula’s Choice Skin Smoothening Retinol Body Treatment is my new favorite retinol body lotion for so many reasons. We all know the drill, right? We’re diligently taking care of our faces, slathering on that retinol to keep things looking youthful and fresh.
But let’s be honest, how many of us remember to extend that same love to our neck, hands, legs and even our entire body care?
These areas are just as exposed and susceptible to the signs of aging, and they absolutely need that retinol goodness too. It’s truly high time we started incorporating a dedicated retinol body lotion into our skincare routines.
And trust me, I’m not new to this oversight. I’m just as guilty. I started using retinol on my face way before I even considered it for the rest of my body. So, when I finally decided it was time to step up my body care game, I went on a mission to find the perfect retinol body lotion.
I’ve tried a lot of options, and after extensive searching and testing, I’ve finally picked out the perfect one for you guys! Let’s dive right into it.
But first things first, what does retinol do?
What is a retinol body lotion?
Think of it this way, as we get a little older, say after our mid-twenties, our skin naturally starts to produce less collagen, which can lead to visible signs of aging. That’s where retinol comes. encouraging it to produce more of the collagen.
This not only helps with preventing premature aging, but it also works wonders on things like dark spots and uneven skin tone by speeding up your skin’s turn over. It’s truly a powerhouse ingredient, and a must-have for anyone serious about healthy skin.
Hydrating body lotion vs retinol body lotion
I’ve personally used countless body lotion over the years, mostly just the standard hydrating kind and tested tons of them. But this was actually the first time I tried a retinol body lotion.
Now that I’ve added it to my routine, I still keep using both: my regular hydrating lotion and the retinol one. Sometimes I alternate between them, either night by night or day by day, and other times I just layer them together.
Paula’s Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
The first-ever retinol body lotion I got my hands on was Paula’s Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment. It’s basically a moisturizing body lotion that also has retinol in it, so it’s kind of a two-in-one. If your skin isn’t super dry, you could honestly skip a separate hydrating lotion and just use this.
But personally, I’d still recommend keeping a regular body lotion on hand too since retinol can sometimes be a little drying, especially if you’re using it often.
How to Use Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment
I use it right after my shower, and honestly, one of my favorite things to do post-shower is to apply lotion or body oil on damp skin. So as usual, I squeezed out some of the Paula’s Choice lotion and it felt really hydrating right away.
It had a creamy texture, just the kind you expect from a good body lotion. I took a generous amount and applied it on my damp skin, and it spread really easily, which I loved.
Always follow with Spf during the day
One thing to keep in mind, this does contain retinol, so you have to use SPF during the day. That part is non-negotiable. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and you want to protect all the benefits you’re getting from it.
My results
After using it consistently for about a month, I can confidently say this product is legendary. I use it daily on my body, basically any area that’s exposed or might be more prone to future sagging. It’s become a staple in my routine.
What I love is that it’s not just a retinol treatment that it actually feels like a really good moisturizer too. That said, since I have very dry skin, I still pair it with a rich hydrating body lotion. For me, that combo works best: the retinol for smoothing and firming, and the extra hydration to keep dryness in check.
Another thing I’ve noticed after using this retinol body treatment regularly is a big improvement in my pigmentation. They’ve definitely started fading. The results have been gradual but very real and I credit that to the consistent use.
This body lotion has a blend that really works as it contains retinol for smoothing and firming, shea butter for deep hydration, and vitamins C and E for added brightening and antioxidant benefits. So it’s not just anti-aging but it’s also nourishing and moisturizing at the same time, which is such a win.
Final takeaway
My final takeaway? If you’re someone dealing with stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, or just want to level up your anti-aging routine beyond your face, I would definitely recommend Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment. It’s a great product that really delivers, and honestly, it’s a fantastic way to extend the benefits of retinol to the rest of your body.
It’s on the pricier side, but it does contain a generous amount of retinol, so a little goes a long way. After using it consistently for a month, I’m still on my first bottle and have plenty of cream left.
My trick is to apply it on damp skin right after my shower. This helps the lotion spread easily without feeling heavy or sticky. While retinol usually works best on dry skin, I find applying it to slightly damp skin helps with better absorption and keeps things comfortable.
Honestly, it takes about a month to start seeing results and I think that’s true for any skincare cream or serum. You can’t just apply something once and expect major changes in a few days. But with consistent use and patience, Paula’s Choice does deliver visible results. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation and even stretch marks over time.
Choosing the right retinol percentage really depends on your skin type and experience with retinol. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a lower concentration—around 0.1% to 0.3%—to help your skin build tolerance without irritation. If your skin is more resilient or you’ve used retinol before, you might go for higher concentrations like 0.5% or even 1%.
GET PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN SMOOTHING RETINOL BODY TREATMENT HERE ON AMAZON