Brown Spots and Uneven Skin Tone: Olay Definity & the Fight Against Aging
First, I wanted to know how the Olay Definity line works, so I checked out their website. From what I learned, the Definity line, "Helps reverse past damage", and, "Eight weeks later, your skin looks highly defined, luminous, more flawless." Reading into Olay's site more thoroughly, I found that, "Definity's exclusive Essential Glucosamine Complex hydrates intensely" using the main ingredients N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide. The site is actually excellent in that it gets into the science of how Definity can improve skin. One section of the site talks about brown spot breakthrough and how, "Definity reduces the appearance of age spots by 78 percent." While this sounded wonderful, yet again, there was fine print that read, "Vs. base moisturizer." Therefore, my preliminary conclusion is that while Olay truly may help decrease the appearance of age spots and uneven tone, it has not been tested against other products offering the same claims, and instead only your basic moisturizer. Armed with knowing the prized ingredients in Olay's Definity line, I conducted a search of my own on its main ingredients.
N-acetyl glucosamine & Niacinamide
While Olay's Definity commercial may contain some fine print that initially made me a bit wary, there is no denying the researched effectiveness of this more stable form of glucosamine. Medical News Today reported that at an International Consensus on Glucosamine Skin Benefits in 2006, it was discussed that based on data, "glucosamine...reduced the amount of melanin in skin cells; meaning there was less pigment in the skin to cause age spots. Additionally...N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide, a vitamin-B derivative, significantly reduced the amount and appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven melanin distribution." The benefits of glucosamine were even proven in tissue studies presented at a 2006 American Academy of Dermatology meeting. Additionally, in a study supervised by Dr. Alexa Kimball, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, a glucosamine and niacinamide combination showed a clear improvement over the use of moisturizer and sunscreen in a study of 200 subjects with facial hyperpigmentation. "Three double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical studies...showed improvement in hyperpigmentation and skin tone and a decrease in the size of age spots." (Medical News Today, 2007).While the effectiveness of glucosamine and niacinamide on hyperpigmentation were visual to the naked eye, the benefits were also demonstrated using a non-invasive skin imaging system called the SIAscope.
Just what is this 'glucosamine'?
First and foremost, glucosamine is a natural, amino sugar that is extracted from the tissues of crab, shrimp, and lobster, and comes in many forms. The N-acetyl glucosamine form, as discussed above, shows promising results in treating hyperpigmentation and possibly even UV ray damage, while other forms are used in aiding the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. While one study by H. Murad and M.P. Tabibian demonstrate that oral glucosamine helps improves the look of aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, oral glucosamine did not help to hydrate the skin in the way that Olay Definity, containing these ingredients, can.
Can I afford Olay Definity?
The Olay Definity line includes the Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer, Deep Penetrating Foaming UV Moisturizer, Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15, Intense Hydrating Cream, Illuminating Cream Cleanser, and the Pore Redefining Scrub. While each product can be purchased separately and can fight the signs of aging, Olay of course recommends use of the entire line together for the best benefits. Each product separately costs around $25.00, depending on where you buy it, but my final conclusion is that it may be worth it to remedy discoloration and other signs of aging, based upon the incredibly positive research.
Published by Dina Hollerbach
Highly opinionated student whose mouth, or words, sometimes get her in trouble. View profile
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- Olay Definity's main ingredients are N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide, which have proven effectiveness against skin discoloration and signs of aging
- Glucosamine is made from the tissues of shellfish, while niacinamide is a B-vitamin derivative
- Products like Olay Definity may also be helpful for hyperpigmentation caused by UV sun damage
20 Comments
Post a CommentI have been using Olay Definitly color recapture for a year now and I love it. I can see an improvement in my skin. It's tinted so I sometimes wear it alone or I wear it under my foundation. Of course, some people may have a bad or allergic reaction. That can happen with any product you put on your face, but it doesn't mean the product is not bad, just not right for you. It's a little pricey, but it goes a long way!
Got Olay Definity deep penetrating foaming UV moisturizer for a Christmas present from my son. The first time I tried it, it went on smooth, but when I tried to put makeup on over it, it started to flake up and it looked like my skin was peeling. Grant you I am 55 years old but my skin is not that dry. Still trying to use it but not getting any better. My skin is dry all day. Very Disappointed.
I have used Origins skin products for years. Have been fighting occasional redness for the past few years. Switched to Clinique - my redness got much worse. Have been using Olay definity night cream for the past 2 months. My face is glowing, my brown spots are hardly noticable and people are amazed that I am 69 yrs. old.
I started using this about a year ago and really like it. It's the first product I've used where I've actually SEEN and FELT the improvement in my skin! I'm in my early 40's but my skin looks better than it did 5 years ago. I use Illuminating Eye Treatment, Self Repair Serum, and Night Restorative Sleep Cream. As with any product that is new to you, you should try just a small dab in an inconspicuous spot (like under your chin). Don't smear it all over your face until you're sure that YOUR skin won't react to the ingredients.
I had a bad reaction too to the definity tinted moisturizer. I have always used olay products and have never had skin sensitivity anywhere. After three weeks of using this product, I stepped up the amount used and ended up with a horrific rash on my face and neck. BTW, I am 6 months pregnant, totally freaked me out. I am hopng to get my money back. Don't buy this product until after you try it a few times.
i have had a really bad allergic reaction to the definity range of products, i used at night and woke up with a face like a tomato, red and swollen my eyes look so small as my face is so swollen, i have contacted procter and gamble and they are sending me a envelope to send the products back, i want my money back and dont want to purchase any of their products ever AGAIN!
I began using Definity pore redefining face wash and quickly noticed a change. . .eight weeks later I began using the night moisturizer. . .I keep getting complemented on my skin. Definitly worth it. My skin has never looked and felt this good.
I use it and it has made my skin glow.
I knew it couldn't just be me, I went to the Olay site to find an e-mail address but it seems they make it a little hard to actually SEND the message. So I went to the consultation page and sent my message live, they called me within 5 minutes. I am disapointed in the way I was treated, she asked what I planned to do, when I asked what she meant, she said "well I think I would stop using the product" well no kidding!!! Then she went on to say they would send me coupons for some of their other products. I have pictures documenting the damage caused by this product and today I am meeting with an attorney. ;-(
the same thing happened to me terry! I just used Olay Definity Color recapture foundation and by 6-8hrs later people were asking if i was sunburned because my face looked red... i went to the bathroom and it was starting to get red and blotchy - by the next morning, i had a dry red bumpy rash all over my face and throat where I had applied the product! It's the 4th day now and it's still awful!!! (only slightly better) - i know that this stuff has niacin in it which is used in anti aging products quite often. Niacin is actually something that causes irritation to make you feel like the product is working...it has no real benefit other than causing a slight redness and tingle feeling. They also put it in indoor tanning products to cause a "tingle" and temp. redness that goes away in a few hrs. some people are overly sensitive to it and I guess that's me... I will NEVER use any of these products ever again my face is a complete mess!