To date, this line is my favorite for taking care of my rosacea skin. It is affordable and yet very, very effective. I was initially drawn to it because it contains a beta hydroxy complex, which is supposed to be "renewing" without the irritating effects of AHAs. Since this was available at the drugstore, I figured it would be an inexpensive way to try out these BHAs. I initially picked up every product in the line.

Age Defying Protective Renewal Lotion ($8.99, 4 ounces)
This product was attractive to me because it contains not only the beta hydroxy complex, but also a sunscreen. The SPF 15 eliminates the need for a separate sun block. This is especially nice because with all the care my skin now needs, it can feel like product overkill - cleanser, then Metrocream, then moisturizer, then sun block, then the occasional dollop of mattifier and I'm just getting to the makeup. Whew! This lotion has a smooth, creamy texture and glides right on. It smells absolutely wonderful - light and refreshing without being too heavy. (Those who are sensitive to fragrance should therefore be cautious). Few products that I have tried have absorbed this well. My face just drinks this stuff up. With regular use, I find that my skin is smoother and softer than I've seen it in a long time. And the best part? No stinging, no burning, no aggravation of my rosacea. It is very calming and effective. I'm hooked!

Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream ($8.99, 2 ounces)
Since my skin is basically dry, I also picked this up to use at night. It is creamier and contains no sunscreen, which I like for a nighttime moisturizer, since I read somewhere that overuse of sunscreen can cause irritation with time. This cream has the same magical absorption as the lotion, leaving my skin soft, smooth, and not the least bit greasy (as these thicker creams sometimes do). It also has the same heavenly scent - very soothing right before bed! I am as impressed with this as I am with the lotion. I use it daily and my skin is looking the best I've seen it in a long time! Two ounces may not sound like much, but since a little bit goes a long way, a single jar of this cream lasts for quite a long time.

Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel ($8.99, 0.5 ounces)
As I inch closer to 30, I worry more about fine lines around the eyes. But, I am very cautious about putting any product near my eyes, which are very dry and sensitive (another rosacea side effect - terrific.). I picked this up with the rest of the line because I liked that it was a clear gel - no colors or fragrances in it to potentially irritate. Like the other products, this gel absorbs quickly and leaves the eye area feeling very soft, hydrated and smooth. I could also swear that I feel a bit of tightening of the skin around the eyes when I apply this. I don't know if this firming effect is immediately visible, but I like it! Perhaps more importantly, it has caused no irritation or stinging at all, so this too has become a "regular" for me. This small 0.5 ounce jar lasts forever because very little is needed. I've been using mine twice a day for 2 months now and have barely made a dent in the amount of product in there!

Age Defying Daily Renewal Cleanser ($4.99, 6.78 ounces)
I would normally report on the cleanser first, but I really do love this line and didn't want to start out on a negative note. This is the only product that I just didn't like and cannot use. It comes in a great pump dispenser (which I like), but has microbead action that was just too abrasive. It stung my cheeks and caused redness, which is a major problem for us rosacea sufferers who absolutely must avoid reddening our skin further! The initial texture seemed promising - it was very creamy and the microbeads were quite small, but on my face it felt like sandpaper and hurt no matter how gently I rubbed. It is also heavily perfumed and not as pleasantly scented as the lotions. For gentle exfoliation and cleansing, the best I've found is still St. Ives Ultra Gentle Apricot Scrub (and it costs less too. . . Bonus!) The bottom line is that rosacea sufferers and sensitive skin types in general may not be big fans of this cleanser.

All in all, I love this product line (and this is coming from a die-hard high-end skin care user!) It has been the most effective I have found to take care of my increasingly sensitive face. My skin is happy. People are shocked to learn I have rosacea. And if I'm fighting the signs of aging as I go? All the better.

Olay products are available at drugstores and retail outlets, or online at at drugstore.com, ULTA.com or olay.com.