Want Youthful-Looking Body Skin? This TikTok Trend Isn't The Answer

TikTok has become the hub for beauty tips, some safe and expert-backed and others, well, not so much. One buzzy trend that may not be worth your time: mixing your retinoid with your body lotion. While some may think this is the answer to maintaining youthful body skin, that's not necessarily the case. Countless derms have weighed in on this trend—here's what they have to say. 

A few skin care experts, including board-certified dermatologists Angelo Landriscina, M.D., FAAD, and Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., FAAD, have deemed the trend unnecessary and ineffective. Yes, you should always moisturize when using a retinoid, but this may not be the best way to do so. "When you're doing this, you're playing cosmetic chemist at home," Zubritsky explains, which isn't such a smart idea.

Instead, Zubritsky explains, apply the tretinoin first (read: Leave it in the container it came in), and then follow up with a hydrating body lotion or cream. You can also invest in a retinol body lotion specifically formulated for this purpose. But if you're using prescription-grade products, it's best to consult your dermatologist before deciding to apply the retinoid to your body in the first place. 

Surprise, surprise—not every skin care hack on TikTok is worth your time and money. By emptying the contents of your retinoid into a tub of body lotion, you're exposing it to air and light, making the product unstable. This means your retinoid may now be less effective and more harmful to the skin. Instead, apply the retinoid first and follow up with a moisturizer. Still c