I was kindly gifted Murads new Retinal Re Sculpt Overnight Treatment, back when it launched in June. I chose to hold off trying the treatment til the end of the summer, because of the risk of sun damage associated with usiing Retinoids and as a fairy have sun sensitive skin at the best of times. As summer seems to be passing us by in the UK I thought I should start testing the product. I am highly sensitive and quite old – Haha! so a good skin to test on.
Update on what I say now re: product testing please scroll down
I have been in the beauty game for many years and also studied and worked in nutrition. So if I find the whole Vit A, Retinol, Retinal, Retinoid thing confusing I guess I am probably not alone. So before I talk about the product (scroll down) I thought I would give some basic info on this subject – Here goes:
Vitamin A
There are two forms of Vitamin A, Preformed Vit A and Carotenoids both Preformed vitamin A and Carotenoids play essential roles in the body, but they differ in terms of their sources and biological activities.
Importance in the Body:
Both preformed vitamin A and carotenoids are vital for overall health and well-being. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cellular differentiation. Carotenoids, including provitamin A carotenoids, contribute to antioxidant defense, eye health, skin health, and immune system support. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods rich in both preformed vitamin A and carotenoids is important to ensure proper functioning of these biological processes.
Difference of Retinol Retinal and Retinoid
“Retinoids”,”Retinol”and “Retinal” are terms related to vitamin A and its various forms. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
Retinoids:
- “Retinoids” is a broad term that encompasses all compounds related to vitamin A. This includes both natural and synthetic forms of vitamin A and its derivatives. Retinoids can be divided into two main categories:
- Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid): These are the active forms of vitamin A that the body can use directly. They are primarily found in animal sources and are essential for various physiological functions, including vision, immune system support, and cell differentiation.
- Provitamin A Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that can be converted by the body into active vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the most well-known provitamin A carotenoid, and it can be converted to retinal and then retinol in the body.
Retinol:
- Retinol is one of the active forms of vitamin A. It is found in animal-derived foods and is involved in several biological processes, including vision and maintaining healthy skin. Retinol can also be converted into other active forms of vitamin A, such as retinal and retinoic acid.
Retinal (Retinaldehyde):
- Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is another active form of vitamin A. It plays a crucial role in vision and skin health.
Retinoic Acid:
- Retinoic acid is another active form of vitamin A, but it serves a different role from retinol and retinal. Retinoic acid is involved in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation. It plays a crucial role in processes such as embryonic development, growth, and tissue maintenance. Unlike retinol and retinal, retinoic acid is not typically found in appreciable amounts in foods but is rather produced in the body from other retinoid compounds.
In summary, “retinoids” is a term that encompasses all forms of vitamin A-related compounds. “Retinol” and “retinal” are specific active forms of vitamin A that play important roles in vision and other physiological processes. “Retinoic acid” is another active form of vitamin A that is involved in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation.
Retinol is a widely recognized and studied ingredient in skincare, known for its potential benefits in addressing the signs of ageing. It is a derivative of vitamin A and falls under the category of retinoids.
Benefits of using Retinol skincare to help fight signs of ageing
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Collagen is a protein that provides structure and firmness to the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and a more youthful appearance.
- Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Retinol is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by increasing cell turnover, encouraging the shedding of older skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells.
- Improves Skin Texture: Regular use of retinol can lead to smoother skin texture. It can help minimize the appearance of roughness, uneven skin tone, and areas of hyperpigmentation.
- Enhances Skin Radiance: Retinol helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing the fresher, brighter skin underneath. This can result in a more radiant and youthful complexion.
- Treats Acne and Blemishes: Retinol has been shown to be effective in treating acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It can help control excess oil production and prevent the formation of new blemishes.
- Fades Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation: Retinol can help fade dark spots, sunspots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
- Improves Skin Tone and Evenness: Retinol can contribute to a more even skin tone by reducing the appearance of redness and blotchiness.
- Minimizes Pore Size: Regular use of retinol can lead to tighter and less noticeable pores. This is due to its ability to increase cell turnover and prevent the buildup of debris within pores.
- Prevents Premature Aging: By promoting healthy skin cell turnover and collagen production, retinol can help prevent the premature onset of aging signs, making it suitable for both treating existing concerns and preventing future ones.
Sounds amazing huh! However, it’s important to note that retinol can be potent and might cause skin sensitivity, dryness, redness, and peeling, especially when first introduced to a skincare routine. Gradually incorporating retinol and using it in conjunction with moisturizers and sunscreen is crucial to minimizing these potential side effects.
Why are there side affects when using Retinol topically?
- Cell Turnover Acceleration: Retinol speeds up the process of skin cell turnover, which means that older, damaged skin cells are shed more rapidly to make way for newer cells. While this can result in smoother and more radiant skin, it can also lead to increased sensitivity, redness, and peeling if the turnover process becomes too intense.
- Skin Barrier Disruption: The outermost layer of your skin acts as a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and defend against environmental irritants. Retinol can disrupt this barrier, leading to increased skin sensitivity, dryness, and even a compromised skin barrier. When the barrier is weakened, the skin becomes more prone to irritation and inflammation.
- Initial Adjustment Period: When introducing retinol into a skincare routine, there is often an adjustment period during which the skin needs time to acclimate to the ingredient. During this period, side effects like redness, dryness, and peeling may occur until the skin becomes accustomed to the retinol.
Why is retinol through food unharmful , but can be harmful when used topically?
Retinol, whether obtained through food or used topically in skincare products, is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, there are differences in how retinol is processed and applied when ingested as part of a diet versus when applied topically to the skin, which can influence its potential for harm.
- Metabolism and Delivery:
- Dietary Retinol: When you consume retinol as part of your diet, your body has a natural system for processing and utilizing it. Retinol from food is absorbed through the digestive system, converted into various active forms (such as retinal and retinoic acid) in the liver, and then distributed throughout the body for various physiological functions.
- Topical Retinol: When retinol is applied topically to the skin, it is absorbed directly through the skin’s outer layers. This localized delivery can result in a more concentrated and immediate effect on the skin, potentially leading to more noticeable side effects, particularly if used inappropriately or excessively.
- Concentration and Formulation:
- Dietary Retinol: The amount of retinol obtained from a typical diet is relatively low and generally not concentrated enough to cause adverse effects. Moreover, dietary retinol is typically bound within complex food matrices, which can slow down its absorption and reduce the risk of excessive exposure.
- Topical Retinol: in skincare products, retinol concentrations can vary widely. Some formulations contain relatively high levels of retinol, which can increase the risk of skin irritation, dryness, and other side effects if not used correctly.
- Skin Sensitivity:Topical Application: The skin on the face and other areas where retinol is commonly applied is more sensitive than the digestive system. This sensitivity can make the skin more prone to irritation and side effects when exposed to retinol, especially if it is used inappropriately or without precautions like sunscreen.
- Direct Impact on Skin:
- Topical Retinol: When applied topically, retinol directly interacts with the skin’s receptors, potentially causing more immediate and noticeable changes, both positive (such as improved skin texture) and negative (such as dryness and redness).
- Dietary Retinol: The effects of dietary retinol are more systemic and may not manifest as directly or immediately on the skin. It primarily supports overall health, including the health of the skin.
- It’s important to note that while topical retinol can have side effects like skin irritation and sensitivity, these effects are typically mild and can be managed by following recommended usage guidelines, such as gradually introducing retinol into your skincare routine and using sunscreen during the day.
- Overall, both dietary retinol and topical retinol can provide benefits to the skin and body, but the potential for harm with topical application is often related to the concentration and method of delivery. When used responsibly and as directed, topical retinol can be a valuable tool for addressing various skin concerns. If you have concerns about using retinol, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for personalized guidance.
Remember that the best way to get Vitamin A is through your diet and it is important to have a balanced diet to aide good skin.
Murad
Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment
They Say:
Our next-gen serum features retinal—one of the most efficacious forms of vitamin A—encapsulated in a delivery system that’s adapted from technology used in pharmaceutical applications. With enhanced stability and targeted delivery deep within skin’s surface, this new treatment can create transformative results by lifting neck/jowl sagging (2 weeks), smoothing deep-set wrinkles/crepey skin (2 weeks) and increasing skin elasticity (4 weeks)—all in a nourishing formula that leaves the skin supple, soft and feeling moisturised.
And perhaps best of all, we have a retinoid for anyone who wants to tackle or slow signs of ageing: For visible improvement on mild-to-moderate signs of ageing, trust our cult-classic Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. To amp up results and corrective benefits for advanced signs of ageing, reach for Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment.
Our retinal—one of the most efficacious forms of vitamin A—is encapsulated in an exclusive delivery system for enhanced stability and targeted delivery deep within skin’s surface, allowing for 2.5x more effectiveness (vs. free retinal)—while still being gentle on skin
I say:
I have been using Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment for a couple of weeks now which is probably not long enough to give a measured critique, but I will come back when I have completed this initial treatment. I am always nervous with any new cream because I do react and I do usually react quickly. With all the possible side effects with Retinoids I held back, but here goes.
Firstly I checked that the Retinol is not sourced from animal product then I started with caution just applying to areas I feel will really show a difference. I intend to apply to my whole face and neck if all goes well. I make sure I use a SPF 50 during the day rain or shine.
So far I have not had a reaction and I have to say when you first apply the cream to an area there is an immediate smoothing of the skin. This lasts temporarily, but I am encouraged and hoping over time this will have a lasting effect. Excitedly though I have had no adverse reaction – marvellous! So I will keep testing and at £105.00 a pot if I continue to use – You know its working!! Ha Ha!
What I say now:
I have been using the product for about 5 weeks now and have seen a slight improvement to fine lines. I have been using it cautiously in the areas I feel most need it. On my neck, which I hate. The right side of my face, which has started to line ahead of the left (weird!) I think it is the side I sleep on. Now just started to use on the fine lines on my top lip. It has definitely made more of a difference than anything I have used before. The most significant improvement is a small patch of dark pigment that is slightly raised on the side of my face I had shown the dr previously who assured me it was fine, so thought I would see if the cream helped and it has, woohoo! The area has lessened and lightened from using the treatment. Small improvements thast probs noone else would notice, but I do.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muradskincareuk/
Thanks Murad.
Graceful Disgraceful Make up Experience
Celebrates Women in midlife and beyond. Spend a couple of hours indulging in a full face experience with relaxation, tips and advice.
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Sunday 1st October 2023 Shaftesbury Art Centre – Booking Now
Excited to announce a new venue coming in November
New Venue at Riverside Hotel Salisbury- Garden Room. Beautiful bright room with views of their wonderful garden that sweeps down to the river plus all the advantages of being in a hotel with great facilities and ample free parking.
Sunday 26th November 2023 Riverside Hotel Salisbury – Booking Now
