Allow me to explain 🙂

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative known to slow down the body’s aging process. It’s also the #1 most searched skin care ingredient on Google and one the most recommended ingredients by dermatologists. Up until your 30s, your body is creating a fresh layer of skin every 28 days. Sound familiar? Just like your period cycle, your face apparently has one, too. Who knew?! During your mid-30s, that cell regeneration slows down causing dryness and wrinkles. Basically, me on every plane imaginable from the extremely dry air pulled in at high altitudes. So then what?

Cue retinol, specifically Olay Retinol24. I’ve been using the serum, moisturizer and eye cream (in that order) which includes vitamin B3 plus Olay’s Retinol Complex. The ingredients speed up that cell turnover to create the look of smoother, younger skin. And I get it – we ALL age. But there’s no harm in helping various things along as we do so!

Dos, Don’ts & Side Effects

Common problems with using retinol include irritation and redness. To avoid this, it’s *super* important to not use too much at once. Slowly start to integrate each new product into your skincare routine one at a time. I was entirely too eager and lathered it all on right after my long flight to Bali last month. Because I was in the tropics, and retinol made my skin extra sensitive to the sun, causing irritation. I woke up one more with a bit of swelling around one cheek. I knew to stop using the ingredient in my skincare and slowly start to integrate it again once my skin calmed down. To be honest, I’ve never felt a more hydrating moisturizer, so I was disappointed to break my routine even if for just a little bit.

Everyone’s skin is different. After I started using the moisturizer alone, my skin was better and silkier than ever. I always view it as the best present to my skin after a long day’s work. After all, this is our body’s first barrier to the harsh elements of the world so we must take care of it! I’m definitely seeing and feeling the retinol love that everyone is talking about. I also love how Olay Retinol24 is fragrance free with such an affordable price! It’s true – you don’t have to break the bank for good skincare.

Thanks Olay for partnering with me and giving me all the desperately needed hydration!