In the world of anti-aging skin-care ingredients, retinol is king. Its benefits range from improving elasticity, texture and tone, to reducing inflammation, exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. Advantages aside, I’ve shied away from using retinol daily and have instead relied on other forms of vitamin A to give my skin a glowy boost. Retinal is quickly becoming known for doing just that. Smack in the middle of over-the-counter retinols and prescription-strength Tretinoin, retinal is a potent ingredient with serious results.
When Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Cream ($98) landed on my desk, I was excited to put it to the test. With claims to lift, plump and re-volumize facial contours using a gentle formula, it’s as ideal for a quick glow-up as it is for long-term use. While sensitivity isn’t a concern for me, I’m cautious when it comes to new actives in my routine. Ahead, see my honest thoughts and the results that have made this cream a staple in my nighttime routine.
The Benefits
Bedtime is a crucial period for your skin. As you rest, your circadian clock kicks into gear, initiating cellular turnover. The cyclical process is your body’s natural way of renewing the skin and removing old, damaged cells from the surface. However, as we age, the process begins to slow, causing the typical signs of aging. This overnight retinal cream helps keep the process working smoothly by fueling skin’s natural nighttime repair. While retinal is a potent ingredient on its own, Murad’s formula uses an encapsulated version to penetrate deep beneath the surface, targeting advanced signs of aging. The formula also includes a blend of hydrating and rich moisturizing ingredients, which is ideal for combating dryness commonly associated with vitamin A use. Together, the mix of actives and hydrators helps tighten and lift the skin while giving a radiant appearance.
How to Use It
Implementing the Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Cream into your routine works as you would implement any night cream. After cleansing, toning and adding a serum to your skin, massage the cream into your face and neck. The texture is rich, but absorbs fast and doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. Like any vitamin A product, applying sunscreen daily with this cream is essential. The resurfacing effects of vitamin A mean your skin is more sensitive to UV light during sun exposure. Using an adequate SPF protects your skin and helps minimize any irritation or redness that can occur.
My Results
My nightly skin-care routine doesn’t include retinol, though I frequently use products with naturally derived forms of vitamin A such as bakuchiol. As I was preparing to use this night cream, I noticed that it was recommended for experienced retinoid users. Since retinal can be stronger than retinol, I opted to use this cream once a week instead of every day. Despite this, the results were still clear. Each morning after, my skin was visibly smoother, more even and felt plumper in certain areas. However, the best result was seeing my natural glow restored. For me, night creams should be rich and indulgent and this one checked both boxes without being heavy or weighty. Even if you’re new to using retinoids, the formula is gentle, making it a great choice if you’re interested in using it for a quick glow-up, as I did.
