The Skincare Routine You Can Do In Your Sleep

Retinol is a much-discussed skincare ingredient, but with a huge choice of products on the market, how do you know which one’s for you? If you’re just getting started on your retinol journey, fear not…we’re here to take some of the guesswork out of retinols for you.

First, a quick rundown on what it is and how it works. In skincare terms, retinol is known as an ‘active’ ingredient. It is a form of vitamin A which helps to boost skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, which in turn brightens the appearance of dull skin, helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces the appearance of pores and dark spots.

Experts recommend retinol products are best used at night, so they work to resurface and renew your skin while you sleep. If your skin is looking lacklustre or dull, has a loss of firmness, fine lines or pigmentation, retinol can be a simple and worthwhile addition to your nightly routine.

How do you choose a retinol?

So, where to start? Do you choose a retinol product from a well-known brand? One that’s backed by scientific research. Or a number one best-seller? And should you choose a cream or a serum?

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 collection is all of the above, and it’s specifically designed to renew and resurface your skin while you sleep. The range delivers 24-hour hydration and visible improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, improved smoothness and tone and diminishes pores and dark spots. In a recent consumer study, 94 per cent of triallists said Olay Retinol24 Moisturiser left their skin feeling renewed^~, with 95 per cent saying their skin felt healthy^~ and 86 per cent saying their skin was left with a glow^~. Glowing praise, indeed.

Retinol24 Moisturiser, $59.99. – The fragrance-free facial moisturiser absorbs quickly and hydrates skin for 24 hours by penetrating deep into the skin’s surface layers for an improved overall complexion. It’s also Australia’s number one retinol cream, and you only need to read the reviews to find out how much love there is for this product.

Retinol24 Serum, $59.99. If you prefer to get your retinol in a serum rather than a moisturiser, this fragrance-free Retinol Facial Serum penetrates 10 layers deep^{^^} into the skin to renew and resurface your skin. It readily absorbs into the skin to deliver visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots and pores, without causing irritation. And an impressive 87 per cent of triallists said they noticed smoother skin texture^~.

Retinol24 Eye Cream, $59.99. – The light, silky cream helps you wake up every morning to younger-looking^**, brighter and more radiant eyes. Apply around your eyes nightly for 24-hour hydration and to reduce dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines.

Tips for getting started on retinol

Retinol is best used at night and experts recommend easing into it, to minimise the chance of sensitivity. For the first week, use the product once or twice only, then gradually increase use in weeks two and three. If your skin becomes sensitive or a little dry, ease off and take it slowly until your skin becomes accustomed to the new active ingredients. It is also recommended that you use a sunscreen every day when using retinols (but we know you would never leave the house without SPF anyway).

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum, Night Moisturiser and Night Eye Cream feature a bioavailable formula combining Pure Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Amino Peptides in a highly stablised form of retinol that is more concentrated and less irritating.

It’s literally the skincare routine you can do in your sleep.

^{^^}Epidermis layer. ^**With regular use. ^Data sourced from IRI MarketEdge based on data definitions provided by Procter & Gamble. *Based on level of hydrating ingredients. ~Consumer study (US180ZNU) with 156 women using the Retinol Face Cream for 28 days.