‘I used retinol capsules on my chest and was amazed when they improved my sun damage in 7 days’

I don’t know about you, but every time the first real bit of spring sunshine appears, I suddenly notice all the ways my skin has paid the price for summers past. After months under jumpers and coats, it’s easy to forget about the damage that’s built up – but one afternoon in a strappy top and I was immediately zooming in on the sun spots, rough texture and fine lines across my chest that looked way more obvious than they did last year.

I’ve used retinol on my face before – for many years, in fact – but I’d never really thought about using it on my chest until recently. After listening to experts talk about how neglected chest skin can make you look way older than you feel, I decided it was time to give it a go properly.

I picked up the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum because I liked the idea of pre-measured capsules – no faffing around worrying about how much to use – and because it combines retinol with skin-soothing ceramides, which I hoped would mean less chance of that dreaded retinol flakiness. Now, I must mention that these capsules aren’t specifically marketed for chest use – there are dedicated neck and decolletage retinols available – but I had them handy, so I thought, why not give it a whirl?

If they’re gentle enough for my sensitive facial skin, they’re surely suitable for the tougher skin on my chest. And oh, am I glad I did! Just one week in, and the transformation is great. Every night, I’ve been massaging the contents of one capsule into my chest area, and by day two, my skin was already feeling significantly softer. It used to be rough, almost crepe-like, but now it’s incredibly smooth.

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Left, the chest before using the retinol capsules right, after seven days of use
(Image: OK!)

Zoe has been using Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum on her face and chest
(Image: Elizabeth Arden)

Those pesky fine lines that I’d wake up with – those subtle yet irritating creases from sleeping on my side – are already less noticeable when I rise in the morning, and they even seem to remain softer and less pronounced throughout the day. What really blew me away, though, was the improvement in my sun-damaged skin. Those slightly darker, uneven patches that used to stand out like a sore thumb are definitely less pigmented and are beginning to blend in better with the rest of my skin tone.

It’s not completely flawless yet (let’s be realistic, that would take more than a week), but for just seven days, it’s far more progress than I anticipated. I also have very freckly skin, which is largely genetic, but also indicates that I’ve had a fair amount of UV exposure that could lead to sunspots in the future.

I’ve not experienced any dryness or redness so far. I’ve been diligent in applying SPF50 to my face, neck, and chest (where I’m using the retinol), as vitamin A products can increase sensitivity and risk of burning. I’m also making an effort to keep my chest covered and out of the sun as much as possible to prevent further damage.

If you’re quick off the mark, you can grab these Elizabeth Arden capsules for a discounted £37.10 at Debenhams, instead of their usual price tag of £53 for 30. But if you’re after a more budget-friendly option, The Inkey List Retinol Serum is a fantastic choice – it’s a straightforward formula that’s lightweight yet highly effective for smoothing and evening out skin tone.

Another product I highly recommend is Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment – priced at £35 for a generous tub, it’s gentle enough for beginners and specifically designed for body use. While I’ll definitely be sticking with the Elizabeth Arden capsules for now (I’m loving the results!), it’s reassuring to know there are great alternatives available for everyone.

The takeaway? Don’t forget skincare isn’t just for your face!

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