Hey, everyone! This is a blog I've been so excited to share. I actually waited and let my skin indulge in Niacinamide and AHA for two months before posting this review about the not-so-new Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum and Moisturiser.
When I first saw it in an ad, there's just a part of me that said to just give it a go. I'd say it was a perfect timing at that moment, considering I just ran out of my previous moisturizer. I'm not sure which one to review first but will just do based on order of usage.
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum 30ml (₱1,499)
Claims: OLAY Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum, reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep^, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Fast absorbing and non-greasy. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without^^: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils.
Directions to Use: Use twice a day after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. Apply evenly on face until the serum is absorbed. Use with a UV product in the daytime.
How to use the auto-dropper: (1) Twist and turn the cap to automatically draw out the serum and; (2) Press and hold the pump to dispense on palm or fingers.
I actually wanted to tell you that I appreciate the packaging. It may look minimalist overall, but it actually has that high-end/luxury feel when you actually touch it. The bottle has a weight to it, the plastic silver cap has a great contribution in the overall aesthetic as well. The picture doesn't do much justice but the bottle has some iridescent shimmers which I think is just plain chic.
It may seem complicated to use - but all you have to do is simply twist it open and use the pump to dispense the product on clean hands.
All the information you need or want to know about the product is found on the box. They also have virtual displays which is a breath of fresh air from wordy descriptions. :D
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I am sure you've heard about how special Niacinamide is in skincare. It can do a lot of things when used regularly and in high concentration. Some of its benefits include pore-refining and treating stubborn spots and discolorations caused by acne and pimple breakouts and sun damage. It can also helps renew the surface of the skin for that clearer, more glowing complexion.
When combined with actives like AHA, it can be more powerful in exfoliating and treating several skin conditions. Olay Luminous has AHA in the form of Lactic Acid. I remember way back in grade school when I had skin rashes all over my body. My mother had me used a product enriched with Lactic Acid and they were completely healed in no time. From then on, I know it's an active that I could trust.
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum is also packed with Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) which enhances skin healing process and does more, and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which is another powerful ingredient that targets dark spots and brightens dull complexion.
The serum has a citrus scent and actually reminds me of grapefruit. Both the serum and moisturizer have similar scents, but that of the serum's a bit stronger. It smells nice, at least for me. It has a thin, runny consistency and spreads effortlessly and evenly on the skin. It gets absorbed easily too without any tackiness. On its own, it dries to a semi-matte finish, while leaving the skin feeling and looking hydrated.
I like to use a drop of this after applying my Collagen by Watsons Collume + Peptides Booster Essence or mixing them both in 1:1 ratio. Since the serum has Vitamin C, I think they work great together as it boosts Collagen synthesis.
I'd like to do essence-serum-moisturizer combination but I just find them overly moisturizing and heavy so what I do is skip the moisturizer part during night time. So here's how my daytime routine goes: cleanser, moisturizer (Olay Luminous Niacinamide Moisturiser), and sunblock (only when necessary). And then for night time: cleanser, exfoliator or scrub (once or twice a week), essence and serum (Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum).
I know I am skipping a lot of steps and this may not be for the best, but it works for me. Using less products works better in controlling breakouts and it's a lot more comfortable too. It makes me think and feel like my skin is breathing better. I rarely go out and see the light anyway (LOL!). Later on, I'll show you pictures of the result.
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Moisturiser 50g (₱1,499)
Claims: Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Face Cream Moisturiser reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils. 96% Noticed.
Directions to Use: Smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and night. Use with a UV product in the daytime.
Product comes in typical Olay moisturizer tubs and doesn't come with any spatula or applicator. As always, you have to make your hands are clean and well-sanitized to avoid product contamination.
The actives are similar in both products. The main difference would be the consistency. Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Moisturiser has a very smooth and light consistency. For someone like me who has oily skin, this doesn't dry out completely matte. It leaves a sheen on the skin but still feels a lot lightweight compared to other moisturizers. This is definitely suitable for all skin types.
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For me, a small amount is enough to moisturize my skin for the entire day. You can still layer on sunblock and foundation without feeling heaviness or clogging. I'm using it for two months now, and still about half-full. Both products seem to be kind of steep at ₱1,499 each, but I think they're worth it.
Now, I would like to share with you my before and after photos. The left photos were taken March 17 (2nd day of using both) and then the right ones were taken May 09. Barely 2 months, but look at the difference.
Please do note that since April 24, I incorporated retinol in my skin care. It takes time getting used to retinols so I only apply a very small amount at least twice a week. I don't think my skin would drastically change in 15 days, so I'd still give the most credit to Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum and Moisturiser.
Taken March 17 vs. Taken May 09
Above photos are me in my bare skin, zero makeup, just moisturizer. You can definitely see how some of the spots, redness and discolorations were reduced, especially on the cheeks, jaw and side nose area. The texture of the skin is comparably smoother and pores seem to be a bit more refined. Above all that, my skin looks a lot healthier and plumper.
Olay claims that using these is 78% more effective in reducing spots than using niacinamide alone. I would definitely agree on this. My skin isn't completely spotless, nowhere near perfect, but I'm hoping that sometime in the next few months, the appearance of my skin will continue to improve. Patience and consistency is the key. Yes, I definitely recommend this duo and will surely repurchase.
What do you think of Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum and Moisturiser? Have you given them a try already? How did it go? I'm excited to know! If you want me to post an update by the next few months, just let me know in the comment section down below! Until next time!
