All about: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Oil

I swear in my life I have tried about every single ‘hope in a jar’ out there, spending god knows how much on eye creams, serums and whatnot as I (fruitlessly for the most part) battle the creeping signs of ageing. There’s certainly no way to escape them, but a little softening here and there is more than welcome, and if I can find a product that gives my skin that extra boost then bring it on.

In the skincare world there is one thing that we know absolutely delivers the goods however, and that’s retinol. Some are so potent that can completely change your skin overnight, but not all are created equal. There are a lot of misconceptions about retinol too, with good reason. Also there is the fact that there are ‘Retin-A’ products, and ‘retinol’ products… and both are ‘retinoids’. It’s all vitamin A, but the first kind is pretty heavy duty (i.e. you need a prescription) and the second type you can buy over the counter. Unlike standard exfoliators, retinoids work at the cellular level to increase collagen, smooth-out annoying fine lines and even-out the tone, all of which are on my shopping list thank-you-very-much.

Skincare giant Neutrogena have recently released a very user-friendly option of the anti-ageing powerhouse for the retinol-shy, that aims to “dramatically reduce the appearance of stubborn fine lines and even deep wrinkles”. Called Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, it’s  powerful overnight treatment that works throughout the night to intensely nourish and replenish dry skin, delivering that elusive glow as soon as a week after you start using it.

The secret to the new Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil is Retinol SA, which provides a sustained action that works to continuously renew the look of the skin throughout the night. The fact that the lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol oil is enriched with retinol SA means there is more nourishment and wrinkle fighting power in every drop, diminishing the look of dark, age spots and reducing the look of deep, stubborn wrinkles. Who doesn’t want that? And the fact that the formula is an oil means that it is easier to tolerate if your skin is on the sensitive side, unlike many retinols out there.

The brand says that for twice the “wrinkle-fighting power”, pair this new oil with their Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, but I recommend starting with the oil for at least a month first before taking a more heavy-handed approach.

To use this little lightweight-yet-powerful marvel, apply 4-5 drops onto the palm of hand and use your fingertips to gently massage the oil onto face in a circular motion. Use every evening, after cleansing and before your chosen moisturiser.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil is in store now, with an RRP of $39.99 for a 30ml bottle. It comes highly recommended.