Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair for Best Mature Skin

As I age, I’m not looking for perfection, but I’m resolving to have the best mature skin I can have. The problem is when I look at all the anti-aging creams on the store shelf,  I don’t know what I need. There are thousands of creams with all kinds of official-sounding ingredients like vitamin C, Retin-A, retinol, and hyaluronic acid in every combination you can imagine. It’s so overwhelming; I usually walk away.

So when Neutrogena offered me the chance to try their latest anti-aging cream, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair®, and fire off a few questions to Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Lisa Chipps, I jumped at the chance. I think you’re all familiar with Neutrogena.

They’ve been a leader in the field of skincare for as long as I can remember. I’ve used their products before, including their famous glycerin facial cleansing bar. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® is guaranteed to smooth skin and reduce wrinkles in just one week, in 100% of cases. 

One week? 100% of cases? That’s a pretty substantial claim. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to test it out, but not before I learned more about what was in it and how it worked. Here’s what dermatologist Dr. Chipps told me.

Deborah: First of all, Dr. Chipps, Retin-A, retinol, it’s all very confusing. What’s the difference between the two, and what can they do for aging skin?  

Dr. Chipps:  Retin A is simply one brand name for a prescription-strength medication called tretinoin. The gentler, over-the-counter version is retinol. Both are considered topical retinoids and have several benefits. Retinoids stimulate collagen in the deep layers of the skin to reduce wrinkles. Retinoids also turn over the top layer of skin cells more quickly, thus reducing brown spots.

Deborah: So it sounds like retinoids are the key to a mature skin regime. I’m looking at the Rapid Wrinkle Repair® box here, and it does say it contains retinol, but there are many products out there with retinol. What makes Rapid Wrinkle Repair® any different?

Dr. Chipps:  Topical retinol varies in strength and tolerability. Rapid Wrinkle Repair® contains the highest concentration of Accelerated Retinol SA. Also, some retinol can irritate the skin, causing redness and dry skin. The retinol formulation in this product is one of the most well-tolerated formulas with minimal irritation and maximal benefits.

Deborah: I’m always hearing that hyaluronic acid can plump up aging skin. I see Rapid Wrinkle Repair® has hyaluronic acid with a  glucose complex. How do these work with the retinol in this formula?

Dr. Chipps: Hyaluronic Acid is a natural moisturizer in our skin. It’s added to Rapid Wrinkle Repair® to make the cream more moisturizing with an elegant, non-greasy feel. The glucose complex and hyaluronic acid together in this product work to deliver the retinol to the layers of the skin without irritation.

Deb:  It sounds very gentle, which means you can use it more often, which leads to faster results. O.K., final question…When and how do you apply it?

Dr. Chipps:  Most patients can use a retinol cream every night, but if your skin is especially sensitive, you may choose to use it 2-3 times a week and increase as tolerated. You should apply topical retinoids at bedtime to clean, dry skin. Wash off in the morning and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to maximize anti-aging benefits.

So by now, you’re all probably wondering, how did I make out with my one-week trial?

First of all, let me say, miracle cream? No, I don’t think any cream can wipe out wrinkles, and to be fair, that wasn’t the promise anyway. Did I have a reduction in wrinkles? – I’m not sure about that, maybe some softening of lines, although no one has commented.

As for smooth skin- Yes! My skin looks so soft; it’s a little shiny. That must be the exfoliation at work. I like this result! I also must say that it’s true; I had no redness or irritation. In my case, my skin tolerated the retinol perfectly. All in all, I’d say my skin is looking more radiant. Also, my make-up is sliding on nicely, which encourages me to keep testing Rapid Wrinkle Repair® further.

I hope my little experiment has helped you understand what retinol can do for you and how it might help you with your aging skin.

*This is a sponsored post. Product/compensation was provided to write this post. All opinions are 100% mine.