WHAT IS RETINOL AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

Always wanted to try retinol, but worried about skin irritation? Or have you heard lots about retinol and want to know more? Read on to discover more about retinol, its benefits and how to use it.

WHAT IS RETINOL AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

Retinol is arguably the beauty ingredient of the decade – it’s one of the most potent anti-ageing forms of Vitamin A. Not to be confused with retinoids, which is the umbrella term for all the Vitamin A compounds and derivatives — including retinoic acid and retinol.

HOW DOES RETINOL WORK?

Retinol helps rejuvenate your skin by stimulating natural collagen production. It also speeds up skin cell turnover to reveal newer, brighter skin. It’s an ingredient that helps make your skin glow and reveals skin that is visibly younger-looking. Retinol also delivers visible improvements in dark spots, pores and wrinkles. Read on to find out how retinol can help you with specific skin concerns in the next section.

Some people think that these benefits come at a cost because they associate retinol with skin peeling, burning, irritation and redness. These side effects could indicate that you’re not using the right retinol product for your skin. By using Olay’s Retinoid Complex formula, you can experience the benefits of retinol, in a formula suitable for daily usage.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT OLAY’S RETINOID COMPLEX FORMULA?

Through the craft of formulation and years of research and testing, Olay has created a ground-breaking formula that’s suitable for all skin types. We have spent decades carefully developing a proprietary formula with a unique combination of Retinoid Complex and Vitamin B3, which penetrates up to 10 surface layers deep, ensuring 24 hours of hydration.

BENEFITS OF OUR RETINOID COMPLEX

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Helps visibly reduce dark spots and the appearance of pores

• Makes skin look brighter and smoother

• Hydrates skin for 24 hours

RETINOL FOR COMMON SKIN CONCERNS

DOES RETINOL HELP REFINE PORES?

Yes, it does! If you use it regularly, retinol visibly evens your skin’s texture while minimising the appearance of pores.

CAN RETINOL REDUCE WRINKLES?

Yes. Retinol stimulates the natural collagen production of the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

CAN YOU USE RETINOL FOR DARK SPOTS?

Of course! Olay’s proprietary Retinoid Complex formula with VitaminB3 in our Retinol24 Collection was designed to deliver anti-ageing ingredients 10 layers deep into the skin’s surface. Apply it in the evening regularly and wake up to a visible improvement in dark spots, as well as smoother, glowing skin.

HOW TO USE RETINOL

Your skin is most receptive at night, as that’s when your skin naturally repairs itself. That is why the Olay Retinol24 collection has been designed specifically for night time usage, with a Night Cream, Night Serum and Night Eye Cream.

Use Olay Retinol24 daily for 28 days. See true skin appearance transformation.

Here’s an example regimen to help you get the most out of retinol:

STEP 1

CLEANSE your skin to remove all impurities like dirt, oil and make-up so that any skin treatment you apply afterwards can have maximum effect.

STEP 2

APPLY our Retinol24 Eye Cream which has been specifically developed for the delicate skin around your eyes. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and unleashes your skin’s glow.

STEP 3

HYDRATE your skin with our fast-absorbing Retinol24 Night Cream or our Night Serum – making sure to avoid layering over the Retinol24 Eye Cream. Both penetrate the skin up to 10 surface layers deep while you sleep, instantly hydrate it for 24 hours, and help to optimise surface cell renewal. You’ll wake up to glowing, younger-looking skin. Please note, we do not recommend using both the Retinol24 Night Cream and the Retinol24 Night Serum in the same application. Retinol24 Night serum works perfectly when teamed up with Regenerist 3pt Night Cream. If you choose the Retinol24 night cream, try layering Collagen24 serum before.

STEP 4

MOISTURISE every morning with a day moisturiser with an SPF for greater skin protection, like Regenerist SPF30 or Collagen24 SPF30. This is important because retinol can make your skin sensitive to direct sunlight.

Every consumer’s skin reacts differently to a new routine and a patch testing prior to incorporating any new product into your routine is advised. Patch tests are a helpful way to understand if you will have a negative initial reaction to a new product. You can apply a small amount of product behind your ear or wrists and leave for 24 hours, if no changes in the skin, continue to use the product as recommended.

WHAT IF I AM NEW TO RETINOL?

If this is your first time using our Retinol range, start by running a patch test. If there is no change to your skin after 24 hours, start applying a thin layer of Retinol24 Night Cream or the Retinol24 Serum three times per week, then gradually increase the frequency as your skin adapts to use. Follow with a day moisturiser with an SPF for greater skin protection, like Regenerist SPF30 or Collagen24 SPF30.

It is helpful to remember that some change in skin feel is normal when first starting to use any Retinol Products like mild stinging or increased sensitivity and this should reduce after use. However, if any burning, flaking, or severe itching occurs, please discontinue immediately.

If you’re new to retinol and trying to decide what Olay product is best for you, we recommend starting with the Retinol24 range and then moving onto our Retinol Max range once your skin has adapted to retinol use. The Retinol Max range is stronger in retinol but also has more moisturisers.