Why You Need to Start Using Retinol Now

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that “holy grail” skincare product. One look at my crowded vanity gives away the fact that I’ve searched for YEARS for that magic potion that brightens, plumps, evens out my skin tone and if you’re lucky, curbs breakouts. I have found that with Olay’s Retinol24 line.

My Skin Story

During my teens and early 20s, I suffered with terrible acne. My wedding was coming up and I wanted to look and feel beautiful in those pictures, not ashamed of my terrible skin. Off to a dermatologist I went, and was prescribed a medication to control my acne. While it worked, the side effects were very harsh (extremely dry skin and eyes, stomach issues, you name it).

These days, I want to control the breakouts in a less drastic way. In the winter, my skin gets a bit sallow and dull too. Well, my skincare dreams were realized when I partnered up with Olay to spread the word about their game-changing Retinol24 line that is really working well for just
about anyone who has tried it.

Retinol products have soared in popularity in recent years, but many people are stumped on how to use them. So, I’m providing you with a handy guide to help you get your best skin possible.

What Is A Retinol?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that encourages skin cells to regenerate more quickly than normal, clearing the way for new, and bright skin. It is added to skincare creams and serums to boost the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps skin, therefore helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it improves your skin tone and reduces the look of mottled, uneven skin.

Many retinols are harsh though, causing irritation, redness, peeling, flaking and dryness. In the past, I suffered with all of these issues using a retinol that was too harsh for my skin, despite me only using it twice a week.

Common Questions And Myths

I have black skin. Will retinol cause hyperpigmentation?

NO! Retinol is particularly great for black skin because it effectively clears up hyperpigmentation (excess melanin) left from pimples. It also reduces scarring and evens out skin tone. This is particularly great as hyperpigmentation caused by acne is more pronounced in dark skin and takes longer to clear up.

Is it true that I can only use retinol at night?

Yes – that is true. Retinol is “photo-sensitive” and breaks down when exposed to sunlight. You will reap the full benefits of the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream if you incorporate it into your nighttime skincare routine.

Retinol is too harsh to use on a daily basis.

Not completely true. It really depends on the type of retinol used and how it’s formulated. Some retinols are indeed too harsh for the average person to use on a daily basis – at first. When I started using prescription retinols, I was advised by my doctor to use only twice a week, and then work up to every other day. Eventually, you can use standard retinols everyday once your skin adjusts.

Olay Retinol24 is so gentle, it can be used nightly right off the bat. It has been formulated with Vitamin B3, a retinol complex and amino peptides making it very gentle. In my experience, it hasn’t irritated my skin!

You shouldn’t use retinol in the summer or during a beach vacation.

WRONG! Use your retinol to your heart’s delight, just be sure to use it at night and wear SPF every day and reapply as necessary if you are enjoying some swim time. 

Don’t use retinol around the sensitive eye area.

Myth! Retinols can be used on the delicate skin around the eyes as this is where wrinkles usually first show up!

Retinol will diminish fine lines and plump skin further reducing the look of wrinkles. I have been using the Olay Retinol24 Eye Cream to great results (no more raccoon eyes).

Where does a retinol product fit in my current skincare routine?

It can be added to your nighttime routine, after you wash your face. I have been using the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream which serves as the last step of my nightly skincare routine.

Should I use a retinol serum or moisturizer…or both??

Currently, retinol is available in all forms from creams, serums, eye creams – you name it. Feel free to use whatever format you like. If you are new to skincare, I would recommend using a retinol moisturizer at night.

If you are a skincare aficionado, try out a retinol serum to boost your already stellar routine. You can double up on both, but it’s up to you, your history with retinol and the type of retinol product you’re using. 

Retinol is only for old people.

Hey now…easy. Retinol is NOT only for *mature skin* – thank you. It does so much more than improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It brightens skin, helps reduce acne scars and dark marks. While it smooths out your skin’s texture, it does double duty by also evening out your skin tone. Get a head start on amazing skin by starting your retinol regime in your mid-twenties. It’s much easier to get started early than trying to fix issues later on.

How long does retinol take to work?

Let’s say you start using either the Olay Retinol24 Night Serum or Night Cream now, and stick to your nightly regime, you’ll see an improvement in your skin quality within 28 days.

Results don’t happen overnight, but stick with it to see the impending skincare magic.

In Conclusion…

Since I’ve started using this line, I feel that my skin has “turned a corner”.  Breakouts are now a distant memory. My morning makeup routine has been cut in half due to me using less and less makeup. I can honestly say that I have never, ever seen my skin this even before. In fact, I thought that my uneven skin tone was “normal”. I’m blown away by the results!

Try the new Olay Retinol24 line for yourself. I’m pretty confident that you’ll be pumped at the results too! Want more info? Check out http://bit.ly/OlayRetinol24Dominique.

*Post sponsored by Olay, but all opinions are my own…and I am LIVING for my new, beautiful skin!