The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
If there’s one skin care ingredient most dermatologists will say is essential for improving the look and feel of aging skin, it’s retinol. While this ingredient typically comes in the form of creams or serums, there’s an in-shower body conditioner by Olay takes a unique approach to retinol application, and it’s making a real difference for some users of this nourishing, lush formula.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcuspreviously explained to HuffPost that retinol, a form of vitamin A, increases the skin’s cellular turnover rate, a process that naturally declines as we age. Improved cellular turnover means stimulated collagen production and smoother skin texture. The ingredient is also not without its faults — it’s notorious for causing irritation, especially for more mature skin, which Marcus said is more delicate.
Luckily, the Olay Nighttime body conditioner is a rinse-off in-shower formula, that Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates, said might be a way around that irritating potential.
“A cleansing-and-treatment combination offers some benefits of retinol for those who may not tolerate the long-contact formulas,” Spearman said. These could be individuals who are new to retinol use or have very sensitive skin.
This hydrating, deeply nourishing and concentrated shower cream is also packed with other skin care ingredients that may also improve the overall health of the skin, according to Spearman.
“Niacinamide [vitamin B3] reduces redness and irritation (which one can see with retinol), has a brightening effect, decreases the appearance of pore size and improves skin texture,” she said.
The lightly fragranced formula additionally features dimethicone, a hydrator and skin barrier protector that Spearman said won’t clog pores and might soothe dry, rough skin.
And if you’re unsure how one would use a body conditioner, it’s just like how you would use a conditioner for your hair post-wash. While you’re still in the shower and your skin is still damp (damp skin absorbs product better because it’s more permeable) massage this cream into your nightly skin, then rinse off and and pat dry as usual. One reviewer even said that they’ll leave it on their skin and use it as a shaving cream to get double use out of it.
It’s a small step of added luxury to your beauty routine that some reviewers attest is worth the extra few minutes a night. “This hydrates my skin like nothing else. My skin feels juicy and so so soft,” one reviewer wrote, while also claiming that some stretch marks have appeared more faded.
Read on for more promising reviews or, grab yourself the Olay retinol body conditioner from Amazon, the only online retailer that we could find that currently sells this product.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“As I age, I’m finding that like a lot of women and men, I’m willing to spend more than ever before on products that purport to reduce signs of aging hair & skin. GOOD NEWS! With this new Olay Nighttime Rinse-Off Body cleanser with Retinol, I didnt have to spend a lot to get a product that actually works! I’ve only used it a couple of times but am amazed at the immediate effects. I have very dry skin & was surprised to feel layers of dead skin rubbing off in the shower after applying the Olay. The scent is clean & pleasant but not overpowering. After drying off (I didn’t apply lotion as I usually do because I wanted to observe effects of the Olay with Retinol) my skin feels & looks smoother & appearance of tiny wrinkles are much reduced. I probably shouldn’t rave about this product as it may lead to shortages but I believe in sharing the good news when I find an economical & effective body-beneficial product.” — Randi C.
“Wow! This is amazing!! This hydrates my skin like nothing else. My skin feels juicy and so so soft. Combined with the soap, my skin tone is much more even. Some stretch marks have faded. Totally recommended, Just bought another set.” — WIWI
“I really like Olay’s products so I thought I would try this in shower body lotion. I can’t say enough good things about it!! Very easy to slather on while still in the shower. Makes my skin feel so soft and smooth. I thought about buying a different brand name to save a little money, but when I read the reviews most everybody compared it to this product and said this product is so much better. Doesn’t go on greasy, and I could tell my skin was feeling better in a matter of a few weeks. Now I stock up!!!!” — Lori
“I could not believe how effective this product is. It is so moisturizing. There is no greasiness, plus it’s such a value for your money due to the time it saves you. After washing in the shower apply this, rinse off, get out, and you feel so silky smooth yet still lightweight. This product makes life that much easier.” — JayKay