‘I Am 59 Years Old, But I Feel Like My Skin Looks 40’ Thanks To This $18 Retinol Cream
Serious skin care doesn't have to cost serious prices. Case in point: Rosen Apothecary's anti-aging retinol body lotion designed to smooth and brighten skin — for under $20. This " Holy Grail of lotion " is currently 28% off, making it under $18. Reviewers love how soft and light the cream is, saying it glides on " like water, " absorbs quickly and offers a light mango scent that's perfect for summer. Though it's mainly loved for how effective it is, with reviewers reporting softer, smoother, brighter skin just days after using it.
Made in the U.S.A. with retinol and caffeine, this nourishing cream will have you saying " Goodbye crepey skin " and, "Hello youthful softness!
It's an all-over body cream. Amazon
Designed for use on your body, this powerful cream works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while keeping your skin supple and soft. The brand says the retinol boosts collagen production to keep your skin plump and smooth (a process dermatologists have confirmed in previous HuffPost reporting ), while the caffeine brightens and tightens (another expert-confirmed process you can read previous HuffPost reporting about ).
"This is the most amazing body lotion I've ever used," shopper S. Melissa Reaves writes. "I lotion in the morning and before bed and I can see such a difference in my skin. I am 59 years old, but I feel like my skin looks 40. That's a big deal. HIGHLY recommend."
Reviewers say the cream has helped smooth crepey skin on their arms, "they look so much better using this," one wrote, with others calling it the " perfect body lotion ." "I've been using this for 6 weeks," one shopper said. "I've noticed less crepe in my legs, neck, arms and face." Others say the cream has worked wonders on fine lines and wrinkles, even tone and texture and generally "makes my skin look younger and healthy. " "I have only used it three days and I have noticed a difference in my skin," Ann-Marie wrote. "It made my skin soft already!"
Plus, fans say the argan oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil and collagen amino acids keep their skin superiorly hydrated and nourished — even in the summer.
"I live in South Georgia and it gets HOT! I needed a lotion that would not be greasy, be lightweight, absorb FAST and help with the look of aging," shopper Jessica wrote. "..It checks ALL the boxes! After putting this one I can put on bug spray and sunscreen without worrying that it's all going to get gross." (Editor's note: experts have told us that retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sun , so using an SPF with this is a must.)
Shoppers appreciate how creamy and silky the lotion is, without feeling heavy or greasy, but still keeping their skin nourished. "I find that my arms look nicer when I use this product," one wrote, "I like how my arms look hydrated instead of dry."
Shopper Tara says the cream has a "velvety-smoothness" similar to hair conditioner, that's not sticky on the skin. "This actually gets absorbed but also continues to work for so long," they said, noting the cream "keeps my skin hydrated & [smelling] great all day." "I love it. Great price for the size of the bottle. The smell is very light & "summer-ish"🙂🖤."
Reviewers are swooning over this smoothing retinol body lotion . Read more 5-star reviews and grab some for under $20.
" Goodbye Crepey Skin―Hello Youthful Softness!This is the most amazing body lotion I've ever used. I even bought two more bottles to just have because I KNOW I will use them.I lotion in the morning and before bed and I can see such a difference in my skin. I am 59 years old, but I feel like my skin looks 40.That's a big deal. HIGHLY recommend" — S. Melissa Reaves
" Holy grail of lotion. I live in South Georgia and it gets HOT!I needed a lotion that would not be greasy, be lightweight, absorb FAST and help with the look of aging. I don't do a ton of reviews, usually just when something really catches my attention...I should probably change that lol but this lotion...it checks ALL the boxes! After putting this one I can put on bug spray and sunscreen without worrying that it's all going to get gross.I am 35 years old and a woman at the store today thought I was 25! I know I don't look old but this stuff took away what little lines I was getting and it's only been a month.Just ordered my second bottle....oh and I use it on my face too and I have super sensitive skin. Everything makes me break out but this doesn't!" — Jessica
"Great delivery. Thislotion works great for my old lady skin." — Verna J.
"I've been using this for 6 weeks. I love that it is an all over body cream. I've noticed less crepe in my legs, neck, arms and face." — Amazon customer
" This stuff works and fast. I noticed a difference in Just 2 days. I'll keep using it. My skin is softer and I've seen dark patches of skin getting less noticeable.I'll keep working on wrinkles, but it's helped and I've used it for just a week." — K M
As a dermatologist previously told HuffPost , "if you're not using sunscreen, don't spend your money on retinol." To ensure your skin stays protected, check out these three dermatologist-recommended sunscreens, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.
Dermstore
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD , board-certified dermatologist, says that "the best SPF for daily use is one that you'll actually wear — lightweight, invisible and comfortable under makeup."
She recommends a mineral SPF with low irritation potential, like this cult-fave SPF that is beloved by both HuffPost readers and editors alike. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize skin while the inclusion of lactic acid lightly exfoliates skin and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and shine. It's a great option for people like me with sensitive and acne-prone skin. I turn to it anytime I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, or when I'm post-procedure and want to protect my skin without irritating it.
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60
Having earned The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, this La Roche-Posay is Dr. Alexander Witkowski , MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and Melanoma Research Alliance Dermatology Advisor's personal favorite and "go-to" sunscreen, both for daily use and for days with extended sun exposure. It's also what he uses on his 4-year-old child on beach days, bike rides or hikes. He noted that this oil-free SPF is very popular among dermatologists and is formulated with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage. He also noted it contains senna alata, "a tropical leaf extract known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and support the prevention of premature skin aging." You can't go wrong with this non-comedogenic, water-resistant formula that is also well-suited for sensitive skin.
Sephora
Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50
The cult-fave Australian brand Ultra Violette i s finally available in the U.S. at Sephora ! If anyone knows how to protect their skin from harmful rays, it's Southern Hemisphere-dwelling Australians. I stock up on their sunscreens and lip balms every time I'm Down Under, and this development is a real thrill for skincare lovers. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Chicago's Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness told HuffPost that this must-have SPF is "packed with mineral blockers to protect from the harsh Aussie sun, but feels silky and lightweight."
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through "fake" hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there's an exception, we'll tell you why.)
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