‘Retinol‘ is one of the common term that we hear a lot in skincare products these days. What is Retinol ? It’s a pure form of Vitamin A. Our skin uses Vitamin A naturally in its regeneration and repair cycle. It is most commonly used in skincare for two things: reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fighting acne.
“They stimulate the production of new skin cells”. “They also help to fade dark spots resulting from photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes, and blemish scars. Prescription-strength retinoids renew the skin and treat acne, reduces appearance of fine lines, and helps with skin discoloration.”
Retinol is also a powerful ingredient when it comes to acne, helping to reduce outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores
In today’s post I am featuring Murad’s Retinol Skincare Range. I used Murad Retinol Range around late Feb’18. Murad’s range of retinol products overcome these traditional drawbacks with its breakthrough Retinol Tri-Active Technology (a fast-acting Retinoid, time-released Retinol and a booster) that optimizes performance to quickly deliver visible results with minimized side effects. These results include a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and dramatic improvements in texture, tone and radiance. On top of this, all of Murad products include anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and hydrators.
Breakthrough Retinol Tri-Active Technology quickly and visibly minimizes lines and deep wrinkles, evens skin tone and boosts radiance. Featuring a proprietary combination of –
Featuring a proprietary combination of –
- Fast-acting retinoid: accelerates results by encouraging cellular turnover.
- Time-released retinol: delivers sustained benefits with a multi-layer encapsulate that gradually releases retinol and ceramides to help prevent skin dryness and reduce irritation.
- Retinol booster: enhances efficacy by acting like a magnet to help enhance skin’s receptivity to retinol’s benefits.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum* – £65.00
This Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is the latest from the house of Murad. Murad has perfected the science of Retinol to activate your youth. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is powered by its exclusive Retinol Tri-Active Technology. This potent yet gentle formula delivers quick results without irritating your skin, visibly minimises the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as firming and evening skin tone for a more radiant, youthful looking healthy skin.
Directions to use – At night, apply a thin layer of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum to clean face and follow with a moisturizer. Reduce frequency if sensitivity occurs.
Like everyone, I am also very particular about the skincare products I choose for my skin. I was quite intrigued by the impressive combination this serum is composed of. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum’s formula features a combination of 3 retinol technologies to deliver fast and visible results without any skin irritation. The Retinol Tri-Active Technology works in 3 ways – Fast-Acting Retinoid, Time-Released Retinol & Retinol Booster.
-Swertia Flower Extract: Breakthrough technology inspired by regenerative medicine; helps increase skin’s resilience to boost firmness.
-Hyaluronic Acid Spheres: Attract moisture deep into the skin’s surface to plump and smooth skin.
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isopropyl Palmitate, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Swertia Chirata Extract, Squalane, Punica Granatum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Polysorbate 20, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 4 (CI 14700), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Fragrance (Parfum)
Enough of rave, Let me talk actual results now. I have a very super sensitive skin. I applied this at night after cleansing my skin. I took a pea sized amount and concentrated on areas that is problematic.
I can’t recall a time period of more than two weeks where my skin remained problem free. Breakouts and leftover spots are a part of my skin. The redness that comes after my acne is healed. Being in my late 20’s I have figured out the root cause of acne and got treatment for it. Thankfully, acne subsided now. However, the spots and marks are harder to deal with.
Right now, My main focus about targeted treatments are to get rid of the ever hilarious spots on my face from the previous breakouts. My skin, though sensitive respond quite well to retinol based products. When I got sent the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum from Murad, I was so excited to try it. Especially, after reading my friend Ash’ review on her blog Ms Tantrum.The basic factors I consider while choosing a strong product for my skincare routine is whether it will suit my sensitive skin or will it burn/cause any irritation. Thankfully this didn’t irritate my skin. Also, it’s fast absorbing and you can layer your night moisturizer. It feels light weight on the skin. I use a moisturizer from Murad itself which I have discussed as the next topic.
I am so impressed with its anti-ageing benefits. Ever day after I wake up, the first thing I do is check the mirror to see how my face look. I could see a nice glow on my skin the days I use this. Yes, I don’t use it ever night. I would suggest 2-3 times a week. It does contain fragrance and silicone, That’s why I don’t use it daily. I have heard silicones can give breakouts to some people. Luckily, it didn’t cause any breakouts on my skin. The mornings when I wake up, I could feel my skin looking much refined and smother. magic of hyaluronic acid as well.Like some other retinol products I have tried in the past- This one didn’t dry out my skin. It was so gentle on my skin and effective too.
I also quite like how easily it get absorbs onto the skin. One important fact to not forget while using retinol based product – Never forget to apply your sunscreen even if you stay indoors. My pores were visibly reduced, Overall skin looked radiant. It minimized my spots. It’s a lot faded. Few more to go. I am continuing to use this and I will definitely repurchase this.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum – £ 65.00
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum is a potent retinol eye treatment that targets key signs of ageing by minimizing the look of wrinkles and crow’s feet, visibly firming skin, and brightening dark circles. It helps improve key signs of eye area ageing with this breakthrough eye serum, powered by retinol tri-active technology.
Packaging
Packaging is typical to that of a serum. The pump dispenser dispenses the right amount every time.
Murad says this Retinol Eye Cream address common concerns like –
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of firmness and elasticity
- Dark Circles
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Retinyl Propionate, Retinol, Swertia Chirata Leaf Extract, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lecithin, PVP, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, PEG-8, Carbomer, Sodium Bisulfite, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140).
My experience using Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
After using this products for about 2 months, I am quite impressed with the product. Dark Circles undereathmy eyes are my main eye area concern. I don’t have much of a fine line/wrinkle problem.
Using ring finger which has the least pressure; I do it all around my eye area. I start by massaging the outer corner of the eyes and follow in one direction, massage the product till it’s fully absorbed.
I have been applying this during night time and I must say – I have noticed a significant difference on the reduction of under eye dark circles. Eye area appear more smooth and lighter.
Yes, I have to admit that price might be a con for some of you. But, to me I feel it’s ok to splurge on a product that delivers results . It’s better to spend money on a product that shows results compared to buying a lot of cheaper alternatives that doesn’t work at all.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream – £65.00
Rediscover your skin’s youthful capacity with Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream; a breakthrough, anti-ageing formula that works to combat common concerns as you sleep.
Powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology (a fast-acting Retinoid, a time-released Retinol and a Retinol booster), the lightweight, quick-absorbing cream helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture for a smoother, younger-looking complexion come morning.
Delivering long-lasting moisture and hydration, its blend of Swertia Flower Extract and peptide-rich Red Algae Extract create a lifting and firming effect to help improve elasticity and redefine facial contours. Wake up to revitalised, refined skin with restored luminosity.
Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates and gluten.
Packaging
Packaging is quite good. The acrylic jar with a dispenser at top. I like the way it dispenses, You just need to push the top part and the product comes out. It has a fresh fragrance that is not over powering at all.
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Stearyl Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Arachidyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Retinyl Propionate, Retinol, Swertia Chirata Leaf Extract, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, PVP, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Cetearyl Olivate, Octadecane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Oleyl Alcohol, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglucuronic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance (Parfum), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).
How to use
Thoroughly cleanse skin and pat dry. Press to dispense a precise amount of cream. Massage evenly to face, neck and chest, using sweeping upward movements.
My experience using Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
This is a very dense and gentle night cream. This cream can be used by all skin types – Dry, Combination, Normal & Oily. The texture is not very greasy like other night creams. It is light weight on skin and get absorbed quick. The formula feels silky on the face.
How I follow the Murad Skincare Routine
- Cleanse face using Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. Depending on your skin, You may use an exfoliator or mask in your skincare routine but always use a toner which ensures any last traces of makeup is taken off.
- Take a cotton pad and put some toner on the problem areas of my face, Apply Murad Retinol Serum.
- Massage my under eye area using Murad Eye cream and finally this Retinol Night cream. If you are someone who use facial oils, You can add few drops of facial oil after applying Face Serum.
- Follow up with Night Cream.
This Night Cream is Gluten-free, Paraben-free, Sulfate-free and Phthalate-free
Skin feels very hydrated the next day and appear smooth and more firmer. Love that it soaks into the skin without any residue or greasiness on skin. In about 30 days- You start to feel your face feeling fresh with less noticeable pores and less oil around the T-Zone and nose area and it also helps keep acne at bay and prevents bad breakouts. The fragrance it has is not overpowering at all.
If you are a first time user of Retinol based products
“Getting used to using retinol based products can be challenging. I recommend to start by applying it sparingly (approx the size of a pea for the entire face) at bedtime to clean skin. Apply your hydrating moisturizer directly over the retinol. Do not forget to use the moisturizer.
Most people’s skin get a little dry and irritated when they first begin a Retinol cream or serum. It takes approximately 12 weeks to see the results, so stick with it if the breakouts are not so bad. Some might notice slightest peeling of skin. It’s quite normal. It’s not very visible. It’s very very minimal. However, make sure you hydrate yourself well, drink lots of water and include lots of fruits and juices in your diet. Check with your doctor before using retinol products if you are pregnant. Most importantly use a good hydrating moisturizer during day and night time and DON’T FORGET to apply a sunscreen in the morning. All Retinols increase your sensitivity to the sun.
Availability
Shop Dr Murad Retinol Products from here www.murad.co.uk. Also available from leading spas and salons nationwide plus selected John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams department stores.
Have you tried Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Skincare Products ?
** Products sent by brand. However, my review is honest and unbiased as always
