If you’re seeing roughness, crepiness, or otherwise textured skin below the neck, you’re in luck: The best ingredients to firm and smooth the body can make a noticeable difference. While much of the attention has long been focused on the face, more and more brands are now applying time-tested actives, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, to body-care formulas. These days, retinol body lotions abound, as do body serums that aim to resurface and renew skin on the arms and legs. And they all share the common goal of delivering and maintaining supple, soft skin from head to toe. In fact, “you can often combine treatment and moisturization in the same step,” says board-certified dermatologist Sarah Sung, MD. “Ingredients such as lactic acid and urea are great examples because they can help loosen rough, built-up skin while also improving hydration.”
Vogue’s Favorite Skin Firming and Smoothing Picks
That’s noteworthy, since skin on the body is very different from skin on the face. “The face generally has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, while areas such as the arms and legs tend to produce less oil and can therefore be more prone to dryness,” says board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD. “Furthermore, neck, chest, skin folds, and recently shaved areas can actually be quite sensitive.” That drier, possibly more sensitive skin means that a moisturizing base isn’t optional.
Keep in mind that topical treatments can only do so much, especially if you’re seeing sagging or very lax skin. “Creams improve texture and mild crepiness, but they won’t lift truly loose skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Michael Tassavor, MD. “And none of it works without daily sunscreen on exposed areas like the chest, arms, and hands.” Only an in-office procedure can truly lift or tighten skin. But even so, topical creams and lotions may still merit a spot on your shelf, even if you see your dermatologist regularly. “You can do all the in-office treatments you want, but if you ignore what you do to your skin every day, you can undermine those results,” says Sung. All to say: Skin care still matters—there’s just a limit on what it can do alone, she adds. With that in mind, scroll ahead for the best ingredients to firm and smooth the body.
