The I-T-G-I-R-L of skincare that needs little introduction, retinol has secured a spot in the skincare ingredient hall of fame for its ability to deliver on its promises. A derivative of vitamin A and widely known for its powerful anti-aging effects. It’s a hero ingredient in many skincare products because it helps to speed up cell turnover, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath.
From acne to dullness, the laundry list of retinol benefits is truly something to behold. Retinol is undoubtedly one of the heavy-lifters in the world of skincare. Whether you’re looking to brighten, tighten, repair or revive, you can almost guarantee that incorporating retinol into your skincare regimen will help you get there. Basically, unlike a lot of things in life, retinol is absolutely worth the hype. So if you are even vaguely interested in skincare, chances are you probably have at least one retinol product in your bathroom cabinet. But as with all good things in beauty, innovation never sleeps, and this is particularly true when it comes to Murad.
Enter, retinal. Yes, it sounds very similar, and yes, it is still a form of vitamin A, but with a twist. This is the next generation of retinols, if you will, and it is not just riding on retinol’s coattails. It is leading the change in advanced anti-ageing, particularly for those who want even firmer, even faster, and even more dramatic results. So if you haven’t had a chance to get your hands on a retinal product and you are interested in levelling up, here is everything you need to know.
Retinol vs retinal, what’s the difference?
Let’s get into the science for a hot minute. Retinol and retinal are both forms of vitamin A, but they do not work at the same speed or strength. When you apply retinol to your skin, your body has to convert it into retinal, and then convert that retinal into retinoic acid, which is the form your skin can actually use. If you are not following, don’t worry, the long and short of it is that it is a two-stage process. It also means that it takes a little longer to see the results (although they are still fantastic).
Retinal, on the other hand, only needs one conversion before it becomes retinoic acid. So you are essentially removing some of the hard work your skin has to do, and in many cases, this makes it faster and more effective. Studies have shown that retinal can deliver visible results more quickly than retinol, especially when it comes to tackling advanced signs of ageing like deep-set wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity.
So, if retinol is the overachiever in the skincare classroom, retinal is its even smarter and faster-acting sibling if you can believe it. The best part is that thanks to innovations in skincare technology, you can now get all the retinal benefits without the irritation that typically came along with it.
Why winter is vitamin A’s time to shine
Colder weather might wreak havoc on your social calendar and your will to leave the house, but it is actually excellent news when it comes to having vitamin A in your skincare routine. Retinoids, including retinol and retinal, can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. This is why it's best to use it in the evening, and even better to use it in the months when you are in the sunshine less and UV exposure is naturally lower. You are very unlikely to be lying out on the beach every weekend unless you are some kind of madman, and you are more likely to be layering on thicker moisturisers and barrier-boosting serums. This gives your skin the perfect setting to reap all the glow-giving benefits of these products, without the risk of sensitivity or adverse reactions.
If you are going to introduce a powerful new active into your skincare wardrobe, it makes sense to do it when your skin is best equipped to handle the transition. Plus, your winter skin is often crying out for the kind of support that a product with vitamin A can offer. Dryness, dullness, uneven skintone and flaky texture can all be more prominent when the temps start to drop, and these are all issues that retinal is equipped to address. So, if you are looking for the perfect time to introduce a new retinoid into the mix, now is the time.
Meet Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt range
In true Murad fashion, they did not just jump on the retinal bandwagon; they helped build the vehicle. Their Retinal ReSculpt range is next-level skincare innovations for those looking to serious up their anti-ageing anti. So if you’ve been looking to tackle deeper lines, improve elasticity, or just feel like your skin needs a reboot this winter, this is your moment.
Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
The Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment isn’t your average anti-ageing serum. It’s clinically proven, dermatologist-developed, and powered by a retinal molecule that’s been encapsulated in a pharmaceutical-like delivery system. Essentially, it works harder, faster, and deeper, and it won’t leave your skin feeling like sandpaper.
In just two weeks, users saw visible lifting of the neck and jowls and smoother, more resilient skin. In four weeks, elasticity was back, skin was firmer, and fine lines were significantly reduced. Basically, your jawline gets a little more ‘snatched’ and your skin starts acting like it’s got a time machine stashed in the bathroom cabinet.
There’s also kangaroo paw flower extract in the formula, yes, that is a real thing, which also helps to sculpt and tighten. Add in a calming blend of olive, oat, and alpha glucan to counter dryness, and you have basically got yourself the perfect potent little bottle of transformation. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Murad serum without having that luxurious texture we all know, love, and can’t wait to put on our face at the end of a long day.
Retinal ReScultpt Eye Treatment
Eyes not looking how they used to? Well, it might be time to invest in them, because if you are going to invest in retinal for your face, you may as well give your eyes the VIP treatment too. The Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment is Murad’s answer to sagging lids, fine lines and just general under-eye lack of vibrancy.
This one is specifically formulated for delicate skin around the eyes. It uses the same 2.5x effective encapsulated retinal but goes a step further with gentian root extract and oat sugar extract to visibly lift and firm sagging lids. Yes, we’re talking like real-life actual lifting, kind of like an eye-lift with zero downtime. It’s ophthalmologist-tested, gentle enough for nightly use, and delivers results that are visible but natural.
Will retinal cause irritation?
While retinoids do have a bit of a reputation when it comes to causing skin sensitivity, Murad’s encapsulation system does an excellent job at mitigating the risks in both their retinols and their retinals.
By wrapping the retinal molecule in a delivery system that mimics pharmaceutical-grade formulas, the active is released more slowly and more evenly into the skin. This means less irritation, less dryness, and less downtime, even though the formula is significantly stronger. This means that you can still experience all the same results, without your skin freaking out.
This being said, it’s always recommended to start slow when introducing the skin to a new product, retinoids especially. Try every second or third night, use a barrier-supporting moisturiser, and never ever skip SPF, of course.
Should I switch from retinol to retinal?
If you’re currently on the retinol train and it’s working for you, amazing. Keep riding that wave. But if you’re starting to feel like your skin has plateaued or you’re not seeing the same results anymore, it might be time to graduate to retinal. It’s pretty much like moving from your beginner reformer pilates class to your intermediate, if you feel like you might be ready, there is no harm in pushing for some more intensive results.
But if you are happy with how your skin is with your retinol products, then you can probably delay graduating for the meantime. Retinal is not just retinol’s flashier counterpart, but in saying that, it is a serious contender for the most effective form of over-the-counter vitamin A skincare available right now. With faster results, more targeted action, and less irritation involved, it is everything we know and love about retinol, just intensified.
So if you are experiencing a case of the winter blues, why not use this time to give your skin a good old glow-up? Winter is the perfect quiet moment to reset your skin, and you will definitely notice the transformation with Murad’s retinal range. Whether you’re looking to lift, firm, smooth, or get your glow back, this is your season, and these are your serums.