Debunking Skincare Myths with Retinol Eye Cream

Skincare is a journey, not a destination and it really was a journey learning how to like my skin, and it came hand in hand with learning how to care for my skin. I was a full-on adult woman before I bought and consistently used face wash, knew what toner even was or realized I could use a moisturizer on my face and now break out. There were so many lies I believed and misinformation I never questioned. But Google is free and there are no excuses for not educating oneself about the options we all have based on our skin type and skincare needs. To help you better own your own skincare journey, here are some skincare misinformation and myths that helped me during my journey to healthy and vibrant skin during all my ages.

MYTH 1: Retinol will irritate your skin, doesn’t provide results and is too expensive anyway.

One of my friends noted she had a bad experience with retinol in high school over a decade ago. But it sounded like the issue stemmed from misuse or overuse. I didn’t know anything about retinol until I was received Olay’s Retinol24 eye cream to try. I did a little varied research and found out retinol is derived from topical vitamin A–based product called retinoids—the most used and most studied anti-aging compounds— may reduce fine lines and wrinkles. “Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color.” [Source] 

After research built my confidence, I tested it the first night on my neck to see if I was among a small population that would experience irritation and when I noticed none, I used consistently for a few weeks in the evening as part of my nighttime skincare routine. My under eyes were less dry, there was some reduction of dark circles and my wrinkles seemed a little smoother to me. I’ll honestly admit that I was pleased with the initial results after just three weeks in regular rotation.

Why Olay Retinol24 eye cream? Olay’s proprietary blend of vitamin B3 and Retinol complex has no additional fillers, fragrances or dyes. Your skin gets 24 hours of hydration on top of a potent product that will brighten skin, smooth some fine lines, and improve the tone of your skin. It’s multi-purpose skincare, the return on investment is strong. Your precious coins are truly well spent on any Olay Retinol24 product, especially the eye cream. 

MYTH 2: Using hot water opens up your pores

Learn from my mistakes. Don’t spend years washing with scalding hot water for the sake of pore cleansing. Pores are simply tiny openings in your skin. Pores don’t have muscles, which means they can’t open or close. Hot water won’t actually change the size of your pores though it might loosen all of the dark spots that are clogging up them up. I hate to tell you this, but you might just be steaming your face just for fun of it. If you want to make your pores less noticeable, washing your face regularly, especially after a sweaty workout, and exfoliation is a better strategy. [Source]

MYTH 3: You should always use the same skincare products for day and night

Your skin is on the defensive during the day, naturally working to protect itself from the sun and the environment, we should help but using products with sun protection and products. The evening is a time that your skin can rest from defending itself from pollution is light, so evening products should tend to be more regenerative and include more restorative ingredients such as vitamins and peptides. 

“There are some elements of skincare which should only be applied at night, such as retinol, as it encourages skin cell turnover and makes the skin delicate, meaning it should not be exposed to the sun.” [Dr. Anjali Mahto, dermatologist]

Myth 4: You don’t need to use anti-aging products until you’re in your thirties or later

When I was in my later twenties my husband sent me to a spa for my birthday (he went all out and sent a limo to pick me up from my downtown office), that day I sat across from what I assumed was a mother and daughter while waiting for my message. Turns out it was a grandmother and granddaughter. Grandma had incredibly vibrant skin and she told me her secrets: starting in her early twenties while she was in her home country of Venezuela, she started a consistent skincare routine that included quality anti-aging products. That week I bought my first stand-alone moisturizer (I was using body soap), toner, anti-aging moisturizer and never looked back. I like to think this conversation changed the trajectory of my skin health and will hopefully combat premature aging.

Sis, skincare is a journey, not a destination. Educate yourself and find the products that work for you. For me, a good cleanser, a balancing toner, and an amazing moisturizer was a game-changer. Add a good serum or an eye cream like Retinol24 and you’ll find yourself ahead of the game. 

This is a sponsored post by Olay. Any reviews or opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.