Fine Lines & Dull Skin Are No Match For This Overnight Body Serum

I didn't start to develop my skin care routine until the end of my 20s, and I recently discovered it was still missing a huge element: body care. My lineup of toners, serums, moisturizers, and creams (and even my beloved red light masks) focused solely on my face. 

Ergo, everything below my neck has been sorely neglected, and it's beginning to show up with fine lines and duller-looking skin everywhere but my face.

The ingredients

After discovering the power of retinol-infused hand cream, I was super excited to find that the same brand, Soft Services, was launching this body serum.

Much like the hand cream (which now has a permanent spot on my nightstand), the serum is made with clean, skin-preserving ingredients.

Per the serum's name, its star ingredient is retinol—and a high concentration of it at that. The serum is made with 0.25% pure retinol, compared to most other body treatments I've seen with 0.1% retinol.

Briefly, retinol is a compound derived from vitamin A with science-backed benefits, such as promoting collagen production1, enhancing cell turnover, minimizing and preventing acne breakouts2, and evening out hyperpigmentation3. 

As a dedicated retinol user for years on my face, I've seen these benefits firsthand (fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles; a more even tone; and brighter, plumper skin)—but it's important to note that retinol can cause skin purging and increased photosensitivity4, which is why experts recommend starting slow, using retinol at night and always protecting your skin with a moisturizer and SPF.

The packaging

I was immediately impressed by the serum's sleek, minimalistic design. Hoarding skin care is a byproduct of my job, but this is one of the few bottles that I actually want to display.

Most importantly, the bottle and pump are entirely recyclable (as is the packaging in which they arrive). 

Before testing the serum, I sought out a little advice from our beauty team about using retinol on the body. 

Our beauty director advised me to use a serum formulated with a hydrating base (check), a clean formula (check). She also stressed the importance of not overdoing it, being mindful of sensitivity, and applying sunscreen (!!!!).

Our beauty editor echoed this and added a suggestion not to use body retinol on the neck but instead to use face retinol since it's more gentle and the neck skin is thin.

Feeling empowered and excited to show my body the same TLC I've been giving my skin for years, I set out to test the serum. For the past five months, I've been using the serum three times per week on my chest, arms, legs, butt, hips, and stomach.

TL;DR? This stuff works. Again, I started seeing results after just one week—and they've gotten even better with time. I love how thin and lightweight the formula is too; my skin soaks it up quickly, and it doesn't leave a tight or greasy feeling. 

I should note that the fact that I'm using retinol has made me way more diligent with body lotion, which could be contributing to the instant gratification—but I do believe this serum is at the crux of my skin's improvement.

The skin on my stomach and legs specifically feels softer to the touch, and the skin on my whole body looks a brighter and bouncier. 

Skin regeneration slows with age, but retinol can help speed things up—and I'm officially wowed by my results from the Software Update Retinol Serum.