Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Can you really rub away wrinkles in under a week with Retinol-enhanced creams?
Not Your Grandma’s Wrinkle Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair face cream is at the head of the brand’s newest line of products, each touting the incomparable benefits of the newly discovered vitamin A derivative, Retinol. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair works unbelievably fast, with every participant in their testing seeing results after just 1 week of sustained application. Keep in mind, however, that these results are coming directly from in-house testing bought and paid for by Neutrogena; so there is a potential for bias.
We decided to take a look for ourselves at the self-proclaimed anti-aging miracle cream, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, which touts utilizing the highest concentration of Retinol available on the market. But what exactly is Retinol, and is it safe to use in the battle against aging skin? In this article, we investigate both the benefits and potential pitfalls of Neutrogena’s newest product line and the skin-care industry’s fascinating ‘It’ ingredient, Retinol.
A Quick Fix With A Catch?
The primary use of Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair is right there in the name; it repairs wrinkles, and fast. In studies conducted by Neutrogena, each of their participants saw results of smoother skin within 1 week of continuous, daily use. The product is able to accomplish this miraculous feat by encouraging skin cells to rapidly divide, which creates new cells to fill in any gaps or wrinkles nearby. The filled wrinkles give the skin a renewed, youthful smoothness.
However, it is important to note that dermatologists say the path to softer, younger skin is not so simple. Scientific study shows that skin cells which are grown at a faster than usual rate often do not have time to build up the full amount of necessary lipid content to create and sustain an effective barrier against our environment. This means that the newly regenerated skin can be more sensitive to the rays of the sun. Therefore, some people who utilize products that create these rapidly grown cells may experience an overall decreased natural protection from the sun’s harmful rays after continual daily use.
Daily use of products including the Retinol in Neutragena’s Regenerating Cream is what could lead wrinkle-reduction seekers down this road. Reduced use, naturally, would lead to less side-effects, and could prove to be perfectly safe. No extended studies have been done thus far, but Neutrogena may be conducting them as soon as right now.
Regenerating Cream Positives
- Proven to be effective at smoothing skin
- Works fast; almost all users see results in 1 week
- Contains a popular antioxidant
- Includes additional SPF in active ingredients
Regenerating Cream Negatives
- Some users noted experiencing peeling, dryness, or irritation
- There is no long-term research regarding Retinol-enhanced products
- Contains an ingredient known to be an immune system suppressant
Regenerating Cream Key Ingredients:
Retinol is the star active ingredient in Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, and studies show it does visibly smooth the skin, and fast. However, the method by which it accomplishes this feat comes at a cost. It and other ingredients have alternative effects, some of which could be problematic to more sensitive skinned users. Ingredients include compounds and chemicals such as: Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Avobenzone, and an otherwise undescribed “Fragrance”.
Retinol
Retinol is the new “It” ingredient on the skin-care market. It is derived from vitamin A and is a natural antioxidant. Upon contact with the skin, Retinol breaks down into retinoic acid, which destroys harmful free radicals, enhances collagen production, and encourages rapid skin cell growth. Most dermatologists agree that the short-term results show incomparably smoother skin, however, there have yet to be studies conducted on long-term use and potential side-effects associated with daily applications.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol acts as a germicide as well as an insect repellent. It is used to extend shelf-life of many skin-care products, as well as in Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair. Recent research has shown it can suppress the nervous system and potentially lead to fertility troubles in some women, specifically those attempting to get pregnant.
Avobenzone
Avobenzone is a popular additive to sunscreen due to its efficacy at absorbing the entire spectrum of potentially harmful UVA rays, along with many UVB rays. In high concentrations, it might become toxic to the user, or provoke an allergic reaction. However, in normal doses, it is perfectly safe and a common ingredient in many daily used products. It cannot reverse damage done to the skin’s natural defenses; only act as a temporary substitute.
“Fragrance”
A proprietary ingredient- or blend of ingredients- that the company is legally permitted not to disclose. Any addition which provides ‘scent’ to the product can be included here, and is not required to be listed anywhere else on the product or packaging, regardless of potential side effects. ‘Fragrance’ is the mystery meat of the beauty industry. Neutrogena is far from the only company with this ingredient on their list, as it is in almost every beauty product on the market nowadays. It appears to be mostly harmless, but users can never be fully certain of the potential effects.
Easy to Apply
Best used on a freshly cleansed face and neck. Wash skin with a mild soap and pat dry. Spread a dime-sized dollop across desired area of skin in slow, short strokes. Can be utilized under makeup, and ideally in conjunction with additional SPF. On first use, do a small patch test on non-facial skin to test for redness, irritation, or allergic reaction.
All In A Name
Neutrogena’s newest line of anti-wrinkle products is definitely true to the name. It tackles wrinkles rapidly, far more than most of its competitors. Sensitive-skinned users should be aware of the potential for side effects, but in every case they studied, Neutrogena found participants experienced smoother skin and a reduced appearance of wrinkles within 1 week with minimal negatives. They did not include any notes about a further study on the long-term effects of their new product. It is too new to have any studies spanning years, but they could be in progress now.
For more information on all variety of health and skin-care products, look no further than our other reviews.
OUR BEST RATED PRODUCTS
- #1 recommended to support younger-looking skin.
- Clinically shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Rescues and protects skin from damage.
- Deeply moisturizes to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- All-in-one, full spectrum anti-aging serum
- Repairs and fights damage to keep skin healthy and youthful
- Contains Ritapro 165, a next-gen moisturizer
- Helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
