I know this will sound surprising, but I had clear skin my entire youth and didn’t experience acne as a teenager. That streak lasted until I turned 26. After starting fertility treatments in 2015, my skin changed dramatically. Over the following three years I dealt with persistent breakouts, visible dryness in certain areas, and uneven, splotchy patches. Juggling a toddler and a busy travel schedule only made it harder to maintain a consistent routine.
I’ve been working with doctors to determine what’s behind these changes, from hormonal shifts to dermatological concerns. Right in the middle of that process, Olay invited me to try their 28-Day Challenge. I decided not to mix too many new products while I was still troubleshooting, so I paused my experiments and committed to their regimen. I started using the 7-in-1 Moisturizer with SPF and the Deep Hydrating Eye Gel exclusively.
Within a week I noticed a real difference. One of my coworkers, Samantha—who’s very familiar with my skin struggles—walked into a meeting and said, “Wow, your skin looks so much better. What are you doing differently?” That moment convinced me the products were helping: the dry patches around my nose began to soften, and the overall texture and tone of my skin visibly improved.
After 28 days the changes were even clearer. My skin felt more hydrated and balanced, especially in the areas that had been flaky or tight. The splotchiness I’d been seeing looked more even, and the skin under my eyes felt firmer. The moisturizer applied smoothly, absorbed quickly, and didn’t interfere with how my makeup sat—something that likely contributed to the improved appearance. Previously, heavier or slower-absorbing moisturizers combined with makeup seemed to exacerbate texture issues. Having SPF built into the moisturizer was another important benefit, since consistent sun protection is essential for overall skin health.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
Skincare still feels like a learning process for me, and improving it is one of the things I want to tackle before I turn 30. I recognize there are hormonal issues I still need to address to resolve the last remaining concerns, but I’m genuinely pleased with the progress from this 28-day routine. If you’re curious about trying the challenge, Olay’s Skin Advisor can help suggest products tailored to your needs. For me, committing to a simple, consistent routine made a noticeable difference—so consider this my accountability check-in to keep up the effort over the coming year.
This post reflects my own experience and opinions about the products I used during the 28-Day Challenge.