There are several reasons your skin may get drier with age, from hormonal changes to using a GLP-1. Along with hot flashes and insomnia, no perimenopausal symptom has hit me quite as hard as dry, flaky skin from my head to my toes. I’ve been on a quest to find body care products that actually soothe and moisturize, and I’m pleased to report that an under-the-radar celebrity beauty brand has come out on top. The term “body butter” gets thrown around a lot in the beauty world, but nothing I’ve ever tried comes close to the luscious, buttery, silky feel of this Stripes Beauty cream.
I’ve been a beauty reporter for over a decade and can confidently say I will never purchase another body lotion again. Stripes Beauty is the brainchild of actor Naomi Watts, who has written and spoken extensively about her experience with early menopause and how it inspired her to start a skin care brand.
Rich & Tight is Stripes Beauty’s hydrating and firming body lotion, specially formulated for dry, thinning and crepey skin, which can be caused by hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. It uses powerful humectants and plant-derived active ingredients to support overall skin health, returning it to it’s supple, soft state.
Peptides, ceramides, squalane and actoine work with acmella flower extract and glycoin, a naturally derived sugar, to help strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and drench the skin in velvety softness that penetrates deep into your pores. It has an incredibly silky finish that doesn’t feel sticky or goopy, and gives the skin a beautiful glow.
The cream has a light floral scent that I personally enjoy, but the brand recently debuted a non-scented version as well for people who are sensitive to fragrance.
I am on my second jar after using my first one to the very last drop. I keep it on my bedside table so I can use it on my legs, feet and arms before bed. It has a decadent consistency that melts right into my skin, and since a little goes a long way the jar lasts a long time, making it a great investment. I never thought I’d be so devoted to such an expensive body cream, but it is worth every penny.
I’ve noticed that the crepey skin at my knees and elbows has improved, along with the look of my saggy, postpartum tummy. But it has most noticeably transformed my dry, scaly legs and feet. The moisture is truly unmatched by any other body lotion, including ones specially formulated for ultra-dry, cracked skin. I also love that it is a little luxury to enjoy every day. (If you’ve ever been both postpartum and perimenopausal, you know those moments come few and far between!)
I can’t stop singing the praises of Stripes Beauty’s Rich & Tight cream, and neither can other shoppers, for myriad reasons. Rapid weight loss and dehydration can cause crepey skin, both of which are common side effects of being on GLP-1s.
One reviewer shared, “I had lost a lot of weight and it resulted in having loose and somewhat dehydrated skin. I have always taken very good care of my skin and the changes were scary. Even after the first time that I used both, my skin felt like a baby’s bottom. I’ve been using it for several months and there is visible change in my skin has never felt better.”
See what other people who have purchased and tried this wonder cream have to say then pick up a jar for yourself, just in time for the dry winter season. Your skin will thank you.
Promising reviews:
“Love the scent. I use it on my crepe skin on my arms and they have really improved. Pretty happy with this purchase!” — Patricia
“I’m a perimenopausal 44 year old with perpetually dry skin. Especially my legs. I have tried so many different creams, lotions, balms, body butters and oils and can say with certainty that this is the best one I’ve ever found to combat my dry skin. I don’t know what magic is in this but it works. I love that they came out with a fragrance free one, but I love the scent of the original. It sinks in, gives my skin the nicest glow, and makes my limbs look a big younger. I occasionally use the oil on top to seal this cream in, but oftentimes this alone works great. I look forward to slathering it on after baths and showers. It also works really well for my hands, especially when paired with a small pump of the oil. Please never discontinue this!” — Alison
“My skin has literally never been better at retaining moisture…the smell is amazing. I can’t say enough about this body cream…” — Stephanie
“Get both and really use them til they’re empty. I love the combo because my skin feels youthful and so soft. The smell is amazing!” — Hilary C.
“Magic in a bottle and jar. I have been wanting to leave a review. I have tried MANY creams and potions that promise visible changes and the best hydration. I saw this on a morning show and bought both The Full Monty & Rich & tight! I had lost a lot of weight and it resulted in having loose and somewhat dehydrated skin. I have always taken very good care of my skin and the changes were scary. Even after the first time that I used both, my skin felt like a baby’s bottom. I’ve been using it for several months and there is visible change in my skin has never felt better. Of course it did not erase my sagging skin however it has definitely minimized the wrinkles, to the point where I feel comfortable putting on a short dress. Oh and let’s not forget the wonderful wonderful, subtle scent. Would love if you offered a subscription so I don’t go a day without it. 🫶🫶🫶” — Laura N.
“Caution: This is addictive. I love this product..the scent is extraordinary and the texture sublime… like nothing I’ve ever used.” — Karren B.
“Love it! I’m so glad I tried Rich & Tight. It completely changed the texture of my tired, summer skin! My body immediately felt smoother, longer than before. Adding the body oil took it to the next level of softness. I’ll be ordering these on repeat!” — Kay H.
“It’s absolutely amazing!!!!! I’m 58 and it has made my skin look amazing and stay hydrated💕💕” — Elizabeth
Looking to stock up on more body care items? Take a look at these must-have body creams with retinol from previous HuffPost reporting.
A skin-smoothing body lotion with encapsulated retinol
This non-greasy, lightweight lotion by Versed contains 0.10% encapsulated retinol, a more stable delivery method of the ingredient, to brighten skin and improve elasticity. It’s also formulated with a blend of cocoa butter and vitamin E, which can help protect skin from environmental damage at a cellular level.
An argan oil body butter with a gentle pro-retinol and antioxidants
Illyas explained that argan oil, which is rich in triglycerides, has hydrating, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties and has even shown evidence of improving skin’s elasticity. For this reason, she recommends products like this whipped body butter by Josie Maran, which contains a heavy dose of argan oil, powerful antioxidants to promote youthful skin and a pro-retinol in the form of pink algae extract.
A fragile skin cream that helps address thinning and crepey skin
This nourishing cream by DerMend was specifically intended to help address the most common signs of aging skin, such as thinning, loss of elasticity, and fragility. It is notably formulated with hyaluronic acid, however, it also contains retinol, glycolic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide for a holistic approach to caring for the skin.