Below is a rewritten example of a real SEO blog post I wrote for a global skincare brand.
The real piece was published as a guest post on an Australian skincare blog.
Since it was white-label work not published under my own name, I can't share the original without permission from the client’s marketing agency and the publishing blog. However, this rewritten version is based on the exact same brief and written in the same SEO-friendly style.
The following instructions are what I was given by the client’s marketing agency. At the end of the post, you'll find a list of the SEO tactics I used, along with the AI-detector result.
Instructions for the Example Blog Post
- 1,000 words (1,040 max.)
- Include keyword 'retinol eye cream' and link to client's product page
- Suitable topic and title for an Australian skincare blog
- Informational, not promoting the client's product
- Include an internal link to another relevant blog post on the site
- Include a high-authority (.gov) external link
I've removed the links but formatted the anchor text where they would've been.
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SEO Blog Post Example
Retinol Eye Cream Explained: Benefits and How To Use
Skincare ingredients are not always backed up by hard scientific facts, the kind obtained by large, well-designed studies. But there are some that have been extensively studied, like retinol. This is a derivative of vitamin A that has been used clinically in skincare for decades. You'll now find it in all kinds of cosmetic creams and serums, most notably retinol eye cream.
Below, you'll learn everything you need to know about this popular product. This includes what retinol does, the retinal vs retinol debate, how eye cream differs from retinol serum, and top tips for applying eye cream at home.
The Benefits of Retinol
Unlike other skincare products, which typically moisturise or brighten the skin, retinol products work by speeding up the natural process of skin renewal. It increases the turnover of skin cells, allowing older and more damaged cells to be replaced with ones that are new and healthy. These new cells are noticeably plumper and smoother, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and leading to a more even skin tone. Under the eyes, this can be especially beneficial.
The area under our eyes contains some of the most delicate skin on our bodies. That's why it gives us away when we're tired, stressed, or getting older. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins involved in the production of new skin cells, eye creams containing retinol can help reverse common under-eye issues. These include dark circles, sagging, and crow's feet.
Retinal vs Retinol: What's the Difference?
Retinal and retinol are both derivatives of vitamin A and are both commonly used in skincare products, including eye creams. However, despite their very similar names, they are not exactly the same. Their difference mostly lies in the speed with which they take effect. After it has been applied onto the skin, retinol is converted into retinal and then retinoic acid. Retinal, meanwhile, is already a step ahead, which makes it faster and more effective.
However, this doesn't mean that retinal products are the right choice for everyone. Their potency can cause a lot of irritation, especially in sensitive areas like under the eyes. Even if you plan to use retinal, it is recommended to use retinol products first, as these help build your skin's tolerance more gently.
Retinol Eye Cream or Retinol Serum
You can buy retinol over the counter in both creams and serums. But despite having the same active ingredient, retinol serum is not a good substitute for retinol eye cream. Serums are designed for use over the entire face and tend to contain a high concentration of retinol. This allows them to help with conditions like acne, which affect the whole face, but they can irritate delicate skin.
Under the eyes, serums could potentially lead to redness, dryness, or peeling. Eye creams, meanwhile, are balanced out by other ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin. This makes the cream a lot gentler but still allows the retinol to have an effect. Some people use a hybrid approach in their skincare routine, using cream around the eyes but a stronger serum in other areas.
How Long Do the Benefits Take to Show?
Although it is commonly applied at night, retinol will not result in an overnight change in appearance. Significant results will only come from consistent use over several months, although the first changes can usually be detected within a few weeks.
The reason retinol takes so long to have an effect is related to how it works. It stimulates the body's natural skin-replacement process, and natural processes like these generally take weeks or months. It's similar to when you want to lose weight or get fitter. The results aren't immediate, but if you are consistent for long enough, your efforts will pay off.
How to Add Retinol Eye Cream to Your Skincare Routine
Retinol is a powerful chemical with some unique properties, so it needs to be applied with care. Here are some top tips for adding a retinol eye cream into your skincare regimen.
Add It Slowly and Carefully
Everybody's skin differs in sensitivity, so the first rule for adding retinol to your skincare routine is to do it gradually. This minimises irritation while you're getting started, and it will help build up your skin's tolerance so that you can use stronger formulations later on. Start by applying your cream every two or three days for two weeks. If you tolerate it well, increase the frequency to every other day for two more weeks.
Reduce the frequency immediately if you notice any redness, peeling, or persistent itching. If you don't notice any negative symptoms over these trial periods, you should be able to start applying it daily.
Only Apply It at Night
When you apply a retinol eye cream matters just as much as how often you apply it, and it is strongly advised to use it at night. The reason for this is that retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to UV damage. Retinol's ability to repair your skin is no match for the sun's rays.
Don't Use Too Much Product
While creams deliver retinol in a gentler formulation, often combined with soothing agents, applying too much can still irritate the sensitive skin around your eyes. You only need to use a pea-sized amount. Dab it gently around the orbital bone first, then rub it in gently.
Combine It With Other Products Thoughtfully
Your eye cream can be used alongside other skincare and cosmetic products, but choose them wisely. Since retinol is a strong active ingredient, avoid other harsh products or exfoliants on the days you apply it. A good practice is to follow it up with a gentle, hydrating product. In the morning, be sure to put on some sunscreen to protect against UV rays.
Conclusion
Retinol eye cream is an effective but gentle remedy for common under-eye concerns. The active ingredient is backed by decades of research, and when applied consistently with care, it can lead to great results. The other ingredients will vary between products, so there is no single best cream for all skin types. The key is to introduce new products gradually and see which you tolerate the best.
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SEO Best Practices
✅ Keyword in title (first 10 characters), intro, subheading, and conclusion
✅ Keyword placed naturally throughout the text, but not overused (density 0.58%)
✅ Subheadings drawn from the keyword's related queries on Google Trends
✅ Links added more than 1/3 of the way through
✅ Title 9 words and 52 characters, well within recommended guidelines
✅ Average 58 words and 4 sentences per paragraph for readability
✅ New subheadings every ~100 words, skimmable
Guest Blog Post Responsible Practices
✅ Appropriate topic and title structure for the publishing blog
✅ Title scored 75/100 on Monster Insights' Headline Analyzer, indicating high clickability
✅ Client link added more than 1/3 through (keeps people on the blog and reading longer)
✅ Internal link added before high-authority link (also more likely to keep people on-site)
AI Detector Result
GEO & SEO Content Writing Service
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