This Hydrating Retinal Treatment Made My Skin Noticeably Brighter and Firmer
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Anytime I get to chat to anyone about vitamin A I get excited.
I honestly want the majority of my clients on some form of it (unless of course, you are pregnant) as it can treat a multitude of concerns from fine lines, wrinkles as well as acne, skin texture, pigmentation and it can even help with pore size.
It's a great ingredient with a lot of science to back up its claims.
However, 'Vitamin A' is an umbrella term, and there are many derivatives that sit under it.
Which can be confusing for a lot of people so let’s break it down...
Because while you may have already heard of the derivative ‘retinol’ - which is insanely popular and generally well-tolerated by most, you may not be as familiar with ‘retinaldehyde… aka 'retinal’ which is another derivative of vitamin A and a little more effective at delivering results...
Difference Between Retinal and Retinol.
To keep things simple, there are two different groups of vitamin A: prescription and non-prescription.
The main difference is that prescriptions are already retinoic acids, while non-prescription versions contain derivatives that need to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin.
So retinol esters/retinol/retinaldehyde have more steps to convert into retinoic acid by the skin when compared to prescription which is already retinoic acid and retinoic acid = results.
You still with me?
Let’s make the conversions between retinol and retinaldehyde easier to understand:
Retinaldehyde = one conversion to retinoic acid.
Retinol = two conversions to retinoic acid.
Making sense? Hopefully.
Ok so now that we have that covered let’s chat about the new Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment - which, you guessed it, is formulated with retinaldehyde.
What Is the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment?
Fast facts:
- Formulated with encapsulated retin-al for advanced signs of ageing.
- Clinically proven to visibly lift and increase elasticity.
- Olive oat and alpha glucan supports resilience and boosts moisture.
- Kangaroo paw flower helps improve the look of sagging skin.
- Nourishing and skin supporting formula.
- Suitable for normal, combination, oily and dry skin types.
- It's so popular that it continues to sell out overseas!
My Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Review.
If you're looking for the best retinal for beginners, this is a great beginner-friendly retinal treatment.
My first thoughts when I first put it on the skin were: no scent, no residue, feels super nourishing, no irritation, tingling, tightness - ok, this is a simple product that shouldn’t cause issues (and isn’t that what we want with our vitamin A?).
I was honestly shocked at how hydrating and skin-friendly this formula felt.
My normal, combination skin could easily use this every night (although please start slow and work your way up).
As a Dermal Therapist I also personally love their encapsulated delivery system which I think definitely helps their targeted delivery of the ingredients - sans irritation.
My skin felt noticeably brighter sans dullness - and firmer (alongside the use of my other products and regular clinical treatments obviously).
I would think this formula would be great for many skins that inherently want to avoid dryness, irritation and flaking that can come with vitamin A use.
It's also very user-friendly and nourishing so it can work as a one and done PM serum which I am a huge fan of.
As with most vitamin A products it is best to apply at night post-cleansing and follow with a moisturiser.
The serum has a silky smooth texture which feels super nourishing and moisturising on the skin with barrier-supporting ingredients such as olive leaf extract, alpha glucan and oat lipids which work alongside the vitamin A to boost moisture and support the skin alongside the vitamin A.
Ideally, we do want to be using one as frequently as possible (unless we are pregnant obvs.)
So while higher strength formulas might be the way to go for a more experienced vitamin A user, the new Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment might be worth trying if you have either been using retinol for a while and are looking for a step up, or you’ve tried other higher strength formulas but are over the irritation and you just want to incorporate something into your routine more frequently that can help tackle the signs of ageing without having to stop and start.
Mini Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment Review.
As a Dermal Therapist, I will also always recommend a separate eye cream to your nightly serum.
Our skin is thinner in that area and eye products are designed and tested for use there.
If you love the Retinal Resculpt serum the matching eye cream will be your skin's BFF.
Again, the Murad Retinal ReScuplt Eye Treatment harnesses the power of retinal but encapsulated in a delivery system that's designed to enhance stability and better penetration whilst still being gentle enough to use every night. Making it great for so many skins.
It's also creamy, feels very bougie when you apply, and it's designed to leave your eye area firmer and more plump if age management is a concern.
If you are after an active eye cream, but have been worried about possible irritation or dryness, this formula minimises these reactions while delivering on results and is the one to try!
Final Thoughts...
Naturally, with all vitamin A products it's important to gauge your skin’s response to the product first so I will always recommend starting slowly 1-3 times a week to see how your skin reacts.
And while I didn’t experience any reactions, it doesn’t mean your skin is completely immune. Dryness, increased irritation and even acne can happen when starting on any vitamin A.
Mainly because we’re increasing the cell turnover in your skin quite quickly so it is still possible. However, if you’re concerned, this formula would be a great place to start.
P.S. When using vitamin A please *never* forget your SPF.
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