Retinol and/or its derivatives are a hot topic right now. People have learnt that this is one of the key ingredients that actively slow down the signs of aging, and can actually make your skin look more youthful, with regular use.
I’m particularly keen on a new one in the market that was launched recently – the Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment.
While I’m evaluating it on myself, here’s a little preview of what it is, and what it can offer those of us who need something a little stronger than what is available on the market (or for us who need a little more help 😛 ).
Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment
Most of us have heard of ‘retinol’ or ‘retinoid’ by now. It is a form of Vitamin A that is proven across time to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and boost skin cell renewal. What this results in is smoother, firmer and skin that is more plumped, and is clearer and brighter.
Plump and firm skin are associated with youth, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles on skin similarly feed into this association.
If you look around the skincare market today, you will see retinol or retinoids used many brands from pharmacy or drugstore brands to luxury brands. The concentration and type of retinol used may differ from product to product, depending on its cost and who its target market is, and the purpose for which it is used.
Generally speaking, it is retinoic acid that acts on the skin to boost collagen production and skin cell renewal. It can be harsh but effects are generally quick. Retinoic acid can be found in tretinoin (Retin-A) which is often prescribed for treatment of acne.
Retinol or Retinal
Retinol, which is more commonly found in the market is a slightly milder form of retinoids, in that it needs to be converted to retinaldehyde (retinal) before being converted into retinoic acid, that can be processed by our bodies. What this means is that it delivers results, but you will need a little more time to see results. Murad has an existing Retinol product – the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, which would be targeted at someone younger, looking for maintenance or to slow down the signs of aging, and who wants something a little more gentle.
The new Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment however, contains retinal (retinaldehyde) which is a more potent form of retinoids, in that it only takes 1 step to convert into retinoic acid. What this means is that it will work more quickly and effectively to correct lines and wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin.
Murad says that the Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment works so well to firm and plump the skin that it even lifts sagging skin! And it does it in just 2 weeks! That is quite a claim! 😀
The retinal is encapsulated, which allows it to be more stable and to be more effective, and to be less irritating to the skin. Retinal, being a more effective and aggressive ingredient, can irritate skin which can result in redness or sensitivity. The encapsulation of retinal intends to address this.
It also contains kangaroo paw flower and olive leaf extracts to improve the appearance of saggy skin, smoothen wrinkles and make skin more resilient, and oat lipids and alpha glucan, to help replenish ceramides to increase moisture and restore the skin barrier. What this does is to make the formula less drying and irritating to the skin.
The Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment is targeted at the more mature skin crowd (Hi, that’s me! 😀 ), and promises results in just 2 weeks – I usually test for longer, so I won’t report back in 2 weeks, but in a slightly longer period, just to be sure of how I really feel about it.
But if you’ve used this already, let us know what you think of it! A new retinoid product always has me excited 😀
Paris B
PRICE: RM598 | US$105 | £105 for 30ml
WHERE TO BUY: Murad website, Murad on Lazada, Murad on Shopee, Sephora USA, Zalora
Beauty hors d’oeuvres serves up bite-sized nuggets of information about new beauty releases, store openings or events with quick, cursory thoughts on them. It is presented as an appetizer to whet your appetite for something meatier and designed to offer quick information. See other beauty nuggets here. For more meaty posts read the product reviews.
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