REVIEW: Olay Professional ProX Anti-Aging Skincare Line

New Olay Professional Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of skin care products created by an inspired partnership of P&G Beauty scientists and renowned dermatologists. We gave you the scoop about it's launch this past December. Since then, Pro-X has been flying off the shelves, and with good reason!


Allow me to share some information as well as my experience with the Olay Pro-X Starter Kit. The Starter Kit is a skincare set containing key ProX products, introducing women to a three-part daily professional regimen. The kit was designed by the Olay Professional Alliance for Skin Care Innovation, a group of renowned dermatologists and Olay scientists and was subject to rigorous development and clinical testing. This is a huge coup for Olay - it's been a huge project for them and their efforts are seriously paying off.



WHAT IT DOES:

Olay Professional Pro-X Starter Protocol (the kit) is a scientifically advanced line of potent, proven, professional products that resignals skin by increasing surface turnover and hydrating to repair the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin's epidermis). The anti-aging ingredients in patented formulas are designed to make skin more like younger skin by increasing surface turnover and repairing the moisture barrier.



THE FORMULA: (and products you'll find in this kit)

• Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream - contains the Olay Pro wrinkle-fighting ingredient combination of Pal-KT and Pal-KTTKS Palmitoyl-peptides and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which hydrate to smooth uneven skin texture, strengthen skin's stratum corneum and improve elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF30 - contains the Olay pro wrinkle-fighting ingredients plus a combination of UVB and UVA sunscreens that are formulated to achieve broad spectrum UV protection. This lotion also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Carnosine, antioxidants naturally found in the body that can help boost the intioxidant power of the skin's surface.
• Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex - contains the Olay Pro wrinkle-fighting ingredients plus caffeine, which hydrates the skin's surface to reduce dryness in delicate eye areas.

REVIEW:
I am thrilled with the results I've achieved using this kit. For years, I've searched, tested, and subjected my skin to an array of products for the specific purpose of diminishing forehead lines and those little "11" lines that appear between the eyes. The combination of these products has successfully significantly reduced these lines and wrinkles. I only wish I would have taken before and after photos to show the comparisons. (note to self: important to do for blog reviews - lol).

Not only are the products results driven, they feel amazing on the skin. And each has a particular feel all its own. I've been using the products in the kit for two weeks. The Age Repair Lotion with SPF30 firms skin and is easily absorbed. I've been using it as my day moisturizer and sun protection. Elasticity has certainly improved as has skin tone; I notice a brighter and more even tone since using. The sun protection factor speaks for itself; that it is broad spectrum is even better. The eye cream feel like silk on skin. This product is also readily absorbed; there's no greasy feeling and skin is hydrated with less puffiness around the eyes. I've used this both in the morning and at night before bed with great results. The faint lines around my eyes have diminished as well. The super-power of the trio, in my opinion, is the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream. I've been using it as my night cream and am thrilled with the results. I've noticed significant difference in the depth of my forehead lines/wrinkles and even the little "11" lines seem to be fading away. I want to re-emphasize that although I've had the great fortune to use phenomenol skincare products, some of which I'll not relinquish, nothing has been as effective at ridding that "11" spot in between my eyes and forehead wrinkles to the degree that these Olay Pro-X products have. The Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is a bit denser than the lotion (as you'd expect). My skin feels younger and definitely has a radiance and glowiness to it. I'm enjoying the results immensely and definitely highly recommend it to anyone wanting to truly make a difference in the youthfulness of their skin and reduce lines and wrinkles.

What I miss?
There are some important-to-me elements that I miss while using the products. The products for the most part are unscented, so I miss the lovely fragrance that comes along with using skincare inclusive of botanicals, essential oils, etc. I also miss the organic ingredients element, as that has become very important to me. I'll continue to use the Olay ProX products, as nothing has been as effective at getting the results I've received since starting the regimen, but I'll still supplement with my other tried and true organic favorites as well.

The price point of the ProX items and the kit, while a little high than other lines of Olay skincare , is very reasonable. Consider that you're getting professional-strength products that actually work! The Olay ProX Starter Kit retails for $68 and is available at most drugstore and mass merchandise dealers (while they can stock it - it goes fast). You can get it a lot cheaper than that by purchasing it through drugstore.com, and right now they have a coupon offer reducing the price even further. Check it out!

One more note: I've added another product over the last week that has increased the results I'm getting through my Olay ProX even further. I look forward to sharing my review with you. I've seen this product do things for my skin I didn't think (even imagine) were possible.

Olay Pro-X Skincare Is Available but Selling Out Fast

Introducing Pro-X.

A new line of potent, clinically proven and professional products from Olay Professional. Word is this is a highly effective, innovative and truly results-driven line of skincare and I am chomping at the bit to try it!

Pre-Release of Pro-X sold out in just 17 minutes. New Olay Professional Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of skincare that is designed to give you younger-acting, younger-looking skin in 28 days. Guaranteed. It works by resignaling your skin to repair the moisture barrier and boost the surface-cell turnover rate.

It's only available right now in very limited online releases. Olay is offering a Starter Protocol Kit, which includes their Pro-X Age Repair Lotion (1.0 oz / 28 g), Wrinkle Smoothing Cream (1.0 oz/28 g) and Eye Restoration Complex (0.3 oz/8.4 g).

You may order the Olay Pro-X Starter Protocol Kit for $61.50 or other Olay Pro-X products at heavily discounted introductory prices at Drugstore.com now and get free shipping on your order of $25 or more (click here for an additional Drugstore.com deal!). You'll be one of the very first to try this revolutionary skincare and enjoy fabulous pricing to boot. A win-win - love when that happens! I'll be posting more on Pro-X in the coming weeks.

Olay Pro-X Skincare is available now only online and is scheduled to hit stores sometime in January.

Get $20 Back on Olay Pro-X Skincare

So you all know how wonderful I think the Olay Professional Pro-X line of anti-aging skincare is.  Olay Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of professional skin care products created by an inspired partnership of Proctor & Gamble Beauty scientists and renowned dermatologists. We gave you the scoop about it's launch this past December. Since then, Pro-X has been flying off the shelves, and with good reason. Quite simply - it works!

Get $20 back when you spend $50 or more on Olay Pro-X skin care products at drugstore.com. Offer ends 04/09/10, but you have until 4/23/10 to postmark your rebate request.

Click link for $20 off $50 on Olay Pro-X at drugstore.com

REVIEW: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration

Olay has delivered ingenius products in skincare advancement over the past few years, and it doesn't look like they plan to stop anytime soon.

Remember when Olay meant a jar of cold cream on your mother's vanity?  No more, my friends.  Now, we can still get that multi-purpose bottle of original Olay moisturizer, but we have many alternative choices as well. I've written numerous posts about my appreciation and adoration for Olay's Pro-X line (which I still use and love), but allow me to introduce you to another little product perfect for summertime wear.

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration is perfect for application after a long day in the sun.  This is not a day time cream to be used BEFORE you go outside; it's intended to be used after as it has no SPF (sure wish it did!).  Here's the skinny on this little beaute.

It's an oil-free daily moisturizer that provides 7 anti aging benefits in 1 lightweight formula— complete with vitamins, minerals and cooling mint extract for an invigorating burst of freshness. Oil-free means even those with oily to combination skin type can use it without worry, and it is non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores.

Here's the 7

• 
  
  Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
• 
  
  Cooling Moisturization: Soothes dry skin with refreshment
• 
  
  Energizes Appearance: Gives skin healthy radiance
• 
  
  Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture
• 
  
  Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of pores
• 
  
  Free Radical Defense: Helps prevent damage to skin's surface    
• 
  
  Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance

The cream, an opaque white, absorbs very quickly into skin providing a subtle cooling, refreshing sensation (which makes it perfect for coming in out of the sun application), leaving skin hydrated and smooth to the touch.  I have combination normal-oily skin and this leaves my skin freshly matte and not at all greasy in appearance.  The scent is fresh with a slight cucumber aroma.  The pump bottle is particularly solid in its packaging construction providing just the right amount of product (1 or 2 pumps will do ya).  The one complaint I have about this moisturizer is that I soooo wish it had SPF in its formula.  As it doesn't, one is either stuck having to apply a sunscreen plus the moisturizer or use it as an after-sun, indoor hydration.  Although the cream does provide a whole lot of anti-aging power in its punch, the $23 (approx retail) pricing is just a tad high when you consider the intention of this moisturizer (can't wear it in the sun without adding in an SPF product).

Do I love it as a little luxury for my face after a hot day outside? Sure do! Will it replace my day time or night time moisturizer? No. 

Olay Total Effects 7-in1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration is available at drugstores and mass merchandisers.  It is also available at a discounted price (currently 20% off) at drugstore.com.

Tried this yourself or thinking about it?  Tell us what you think in comments below. xo 

ELLE BEAUTY REPORT: New Skincare Trend - Focus on Targeting Genes

Completely intrigued with the new focus on skincare - genetics - I wanted to share with you a piece from Elle magazine's report on the new trend. DNA-decoding chips, gene-targeting creams, and a cutting edge chemical that may turn old skin young again: Genetics are beauty's new fronter. What follows has been excerpted from Elle: The Gene Genies, March 2009 issue.


It’s funny that genes have been linked to whether or not we’ll end up being neurotic (on top of whether we’ll have blond hair, Olympic-level musculature, or an increased risk of breast cancer) since, beauty-wise, genes seem to be the latest thing worth getting neurotic about. Turns out the genes of skin cells, being relatively accessible, are also surprisingly mutable. Consider this: Even the tiny dose of UV light you encounter on a sunny morning commute can cause DNA damage, leading to a cascade effect of aging—spots, lines, even skin cancer. (Are you reaching for the sunscreen yet?) Or this: Last year, by manipulating DNA, a Stanford scientist pulled off the lab-rat equivalent of turning Betty White into Scarlett Johansson—he made the skin of old mice young again in a mere two weeks.



“Until now, we’ve focused on freeradical scavenging, sunscreen, premature aging—that’s what we know,” says a visibly excited Daniel Maes, PhD, the senior vice president of research and development at Estée Lauder. “Now we’ve entered the era of genetic aging.” At the moment, beauty companies are diving into genetargeting territory with incredible optimism, not to mention speed—and they’re beating big pharma to the checkout line. “Beauty companies are able to get products on the market early because they’re not regulated by the FDA,” says MIT biologist and leading genetics researcher Leonard Guarente, PhD. “In a way, they’re the vanguard.”



The Miami Valley Innovation Center— a sprawling Procter & Gamble think tank outside of Cincinnati—aims to lead the charge. Here a team of “gene jockeys” analyzes hundreds of people’s genetic fingerprints via a NASA-worthy technology called GeneChips. Every cell in our bodies contains the same two interlocking strands of DNA— nearly 34,000 genes. But not every gene is active in every cell; the ones that are active determine the cell’s identity and function, be it muscle, skin, liver, or even cancer. More than 20,000 are in play in skin, some more than others. Like everything else, genes weaken with age. They can slow down or get stuck in the “on” or “off” position—hence genetic aging. GeneChips measure skin’s levels of RNA, the messenger molecules through which DNA dispatches its orders, telling cells to replicate, pump out collagen, or even die. Analyzing GeneChips is “like looking at 54,000 dimmer switches,” Tiesman says. “Are they saying MAKE COLLAGEN or make collagen?”



The company’s most surprising GeneChip discovery has been not so much what happens when we age (sagging, wrinkles, dehydration—genetics affect all of these little marvels), but which gene- influenced factors seem to be doing the most damage. The two main culprits are 1) inflammation and 2) an impaired moisture barrier. “The barrier is skin’s first line of defense. It keeps good stuff in and bad stuff—bacteria, fungus, harsh chemicals, allergens, pollution, cigarette smoke—out,” says Rosemarie Osborne, a P&G Beauty principal scientist. “When the barrier is compromised, skin focuses entirely on restoring it, which slows down everything else.”



What does P&G propose to do about it? The new Olay Professional Pro-X line was cooked up to compensate for these changes. Hexamidine, one of its star ingredients, jump-starts the enzymes that produce barrier-friendly lipids. (Hexamidine also exemplifies P&G’s wacky but brilliant tendency to cross-pollinate: Giving new meaning to the phrase “softer than a baby’s bottom,” the compound was originally developed to stabilize skin conditioners in Pampers.) As for the daily oxidative assault on our DNA, chances are your skin-care regimen is already providing some assistance: antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea, and pomegranate help disarm renegade free radicals.



Some scientists are targeting specific age-regulating genes—which brings us back to those young-again miracle mice. “A lot of people have the idea that aging is the accumulation of wear and tear on the body, and that’s certainly true,” says Howard Chang, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. “But besides accumulated damage, there’s also the separate idea that some genes might actually be controlling the overall life span of an organism by coordinating the rate of aging.” When Chang’s team applied a topical chemical to block NF-kappaB (a signal that turns on with age and controls the activity of hundreds of genes), the mice’s skin looked and behaved like that of newborns: thicker, with more cell division and the same active genes seen in young mice.



Before you book your flight to Palo Alto, bear in mind that Chang’s mice were genetically engineered to respond to the chemical. (It wouldn’t work on normal mice, let alone humans.) And the consequences of blocking this process are still unclear. Nonetheless, the takeaway is breathtaking: “Aging is surprisingly plastic,” Chang says. “Tissue can revert back to its youthful state.”



NF-kappaB may be a long way from becoming a household word, but another genetic age-determiner is not: sirtuins. This family of seven “longevity genes” (plus the proteins they encode for) regulates DNA repair, recombination, and aging, and could be the key to aging-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.



In 2000, Guarente led a landmark study in which a Spartan diet of 1,000 to 1,500 daily calories—believed for decades to extend life span—was shown to work, at least in part, by activating sirtuins. Starvation sets off an alarm in the cell, forcing it to work economically and slowing down cellular division. In 2003, Harvard Medical School associate professor of pathology David Sinclair, PhD (a former Guarente mentee), discovered the sirtuin-activating powers of resveratrol, the polyphenol found in red wine. Resveratrol extends the life span of mice by 24 percent and that of other animals, including flies and worms, by as much as 59 percent. At press time, a phase two clinical trial of an oral resveratrol supplement for humans was nearing completion; as of now, though, we’d have to quaff roughly 1,500 bottles of vino per day—too much, even for me—to get comparable results.


So far, skin-care companies are focused on SIRT1, the sirtuin that, like a cautious governess, reins in excessive cellular proliferation to allow cells to complete their repair cycle. Dior, Avon, and London’s Ren Clean Bio Active Skincare all offer various sirtuin-stimulating products, but Estée Lauder has made these still-mysterious proteins its primary antiaging target. “We’ve found a gold mine, and we’re exploring it to the end,” Maes says.



Sirtuins, in fact, are the perfect skin solution for Maes, who seems to support the “tortoise and the hare” model of cellular rejuvenation. In a world of retinoids, acid peels, and microdermabrasion—all intended to speed cell turnover in order to reveal a spanking-new, unblemished surface—he wants to do the opposite: slow it down, giving cells extra time to repair their own DNA damage before replication. Yes, you read right—this would mean that high-strength retinoids, every dermatologist’s best friend, may be causing aging in the long run. “We know that cells are programmed to reproduce a very specific number of times,” Maes says. “Speeding them up uses up your potential for cellular division so that, when you get older, your skin will be worn out.”



Last year, Estee Lauder introduced Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme, a $250 wondersalve packed with a proprietary version of resveratrol. The brand’s new Time Zone (at $58, significantly more wallet-friendly) does the trick with a patented rice extract; in vitro tests showed a 200 percent increase in collagen synthesis and 79 percent fewer cell deaths after UV exposure.


Meanwhile, back in the lab, even resveratrol is aging out. The new kid on the block has a wonky name (SRT1720) but major muscle. In a study published in November, mice who ate a high-fat, high-calorie meal plan for 15 weeks—plus regular doses of SRT1720—emerged with the traits of younger, healthier rodents: lower cholesterol, less obesity-related disease, and better insulin sensitivity. If it can do that on the inside, imagine what it could do for your face.

~ excepted from Elle, March 2009, by Maggie Bullock

Skincare brands and their products focusing on the genetics bandwagon: Olay ProX, Lancome Genifique, Clinique Youth Surge, Avon Anew Ultimate Elixir Premium, Estee Lauder Time Zone. I'm confident more brands will be coming forth with their versions soon. Keep posted.



I shared my experience with Olay ProX in a post earlier this week. It's surprisingly effective and I'm continuing to use it with much success. I've added another product to my regimen with increased results - Lancome's Genifique Serum - loving it! I'll be posting a review of Genifique within the next few days!