I’ll admit to experiencing some healthy skepticism when Nécessaire hinted at the launch of Hand Retinol. And if I’m being completely honest, I was a bit torn. I believe in and am fiercely loyal to retinoids’ efficacy in face care. I also know that when someone isn’t able to use a Vitamin A derivative, it’s often because they can be drying. My sole purpose in using a hand cream is to address dry skin. So, wouldn’t the addition of Retinol to said hand cream make my efforts counterproductive? My logic isn’t wrong, technically. However, I’ve learned over many years of using this trusted anti-ager that not all Retinol products are created equal. At the end of the day, formula is king.
Why Hand Retinol?
The hands are first to show signs of aging. They are the most active and exposed parts of our bodies. Between sun exposure, constant washing, and non-stop movement, it only makes sense for us to include hands in our skincare regimen. If you read my Nécessaire brand overview post, you may remember that their Hand Cream ranks high among my favorites.
The new Hand Retinol is slightly more lightweight in texture than its moisturizing counterpart, but it delivers significantly more robust anti-aging benefits. It is still an effective moisturizer and does a great job at softening dry, scaly patches on its own. There are some additional perks. What makes this new launch unique is the safe and effective dose of Retinol. This combination makes it highly effective at targeting areas of concern such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, age spots caused by sun damage, and loss of hydration. It will also strengthen thin, crepey skin by boosting the production of collagen and elastin.
What is in Hand Retinol?
Nécessaire uses .025% pure Retinol in the new hand cream. It is precisely a quarter of the amount included in their Body Retinol. Amplifying the regenerative efforts, it also contains a blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in 5% concentration (mostly Glycolic and Mandelic with a touch of Phytic) to gently assist the cellular turnover process. If you’re starting to wonder how this combo is not the slightest bit drying, keep in mind that the silky moisturizing base is composed of Glycerin, Rose Water, Sea Buckthorn Oil, and super nourishing Vitamins E and B5. Did I mention peptides? Because there are five of those to help the skin on your hands look firmer and more youthful.
User experience, scent, etc
Nécessaire perfected the sensorial experience in self-care and Hand Retinol is no exception. Described as serum-in-balm, it is indeed on the lighter side and feels more like emulsion-to-lotion on my skin. There is a light yellow hue to it, which is a signature look of any Retinol-laced formula, but it will not rub off or stain your clothing (or sheets). It actually absorbs in record time and feels completely non-greasy. Fans of the brand will also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free.
Tips on using Hand Retinol
Whether you’re a novice or more experienced Retinol user, there are some rules to consider when attempting to achieve desired results. Start with a patch test. Next, slowly introduce Hand Retinol every other night. For those with chronically dry hands, I recommend that you use follow with a richer moisturizer. Even I am guilty of not using broad-spectrum sunscreen on my hands (with the exception of pool days in the summer) but it’s best to protect your skin from the risk of increased photosensitivity. Lastly–be patient. Visible results from using Retinol do not happen overnight. You should be using this hand cream consistently for at least six weeks before noticing any improvement in tone, texture, level of firmness, etc. If you’ve been wanting to extend your Retinol efforts below your neck, this launch should be on your radar.
$35 (65ml) at necessaire.com where you can also snag a duo of Hand Retinol and Hand Cream for $50 (2 x 65ml)
