Ready, set, glow

Of course, we are all for flawless skin, anti-aging miracles, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles without subjecting yourself to the unpleasantness of the knife or the needle pain from Botox injections.

Who needs invasive procedures when there is Olay Total Effects? Since the launch of the moisturizer last year, there was indeed hope in a jar. Now, there is a full range of products for women’s ever-changing skin needs. Bid adieu to the seven signs of skin aging: fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, uneven skin tone, dullness, visible pores, blotches and age spots and dryness.

Olay Total Effects’ patented VitaNiacin technology has three ingredients that are clinically proven to provide the benefits of seven anti-aging treatments in one jar. There is Pro-Vitamin B5 to enhance the skin’s moisturization, antioxidants to soothe and condition the skin and Niacinamide or vitamin B3 to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

“Treatments can be very effective at treating the signs of aging, but they are often expensive and time-consuming. Now you can get the benefit of seven anti-aging treatments in one jar,” says David Khoo, scientist and scientific communications manager for research and development of Procter & Gamble.

Khoo explains, “The new Olay Total Effects has become better. It has 75 percent more vitamin B3 to increase the skin renewal rate, collagen levels, moisture barrier and skin energy levels, four times more stable form of vitamin C and more antioxidants to protect against skin-damaging free radicals.”

So, expect a regimen that will guide you on the path to youthful-looking skin. Here are the exciting products from the new and improved Olay Total Effects.

Cleansers

Washing the face is the first step to younger-looking skin. After all, a clean face absorbs the anti-aging ingredients better. Choose from the Foaming Cleanser that cleanses without over drying, Cream Cleanser that cleanses with a hydrating effect and the Anti-Blemish Cream cleanser that cleans the face while reducing blemishes as well.

Boosters

The next step is targeted specifically for the sensitive areas around the eyes and focuses on the nighttime ritual. There is finally an Olay Total Effects Night Cream, to get seven age-fighting treatments while you sleep with more intense moisturization. Plus, there is also an Eye Cream to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. For that extra age-fighting power, try the OTE Serum so you will wake up to refreshed skin.

Moisturizers

Some women break out when they use Olay Total Effects. Fear no more! From Normal, Normal +UV, Gentle, Gentle + UV and Blemish-prone skin (oil-free and with salicylic acid), Olay Total Effects has the products for your every skincare need. Whether you just need a little lift, a shot of UV protection, sensitive skin formulation, a tad more moisture and clearer-looking skin, Olay Total Effects’ range of moisturizers is the painless way to look gorgeous. Plus, it is definitely more affordable than cosmetic surgery.

During a sneak preview of the new Olay Total Effects, Khoo introduced the SIAscope, a revolutionary new skin analysis tool that helps women look beneath the surface to understand skin aging. Watch out for it in Landmark and SM Makati this October.

He explained, “Melanin, collagen and haemoglobin are found beneath the surface of the skin and influence skin appearance. These proteins are affected by the aging process. The SIAscope shows how these proteins have been affected and helps women understand how Olay Total Effects can help.”

At first, I was a bit hesitant to try the SIAscope because it might reveal too much about my aging skin. But then, it was an opportunity I could not miss because I needed  know what really is going on beneath my skin.

Khoo started by using the SIAscope on my forearm to see how the skin should really look — flawless like a baby. Then, he made me remove makeup on my cheek so the tool captured the real deal of my skin. Compared to my forearm, my face has a few age spots. Nothing shocked me more than to see that my collagen levels had a few dark spots.

Perhaps the great thing about the SIAscope is the software that comes with it, which will help you select the Olay Total Effects range perfect for you. In the end, I chose the Cream Cleanser, Eye Cream, Normal + UV moisturizer and Night Cream. Yes, I am that serious about repairing my skin damage without going through cosmetic procedures. 

Miracle? It’s more of good science. The new Olay Total Effects formula is as close to magic in a bottle as you’re going to get.

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The new Olay Total Effects range will be available in September at Watson’s, Mecury Drug Stores and all leading department stores nationwide. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/beccacrodriguez.