Scared of retinol? So was this beauty editor—until it made her love her skin
Confession: I’m 42, worked in the beauty industry for more than a decade, and have never tried any retinoids (retinol, retinal, tretinoin and the rest). Of course, I know about the benefits—smoother, even, more radiant and youthful looking skin—but I’ve been scared by stories about peeling, redness, dryness, recovery periods and thinning of the skin. When I got into this industry, my peers had been using retinoids for years, raving about the results, but I never felt ready to dive in. At that point, my skin was fine thanks to good genes and a lifetime of wearing SPF (thanks grandma, on both accounts!).
Then I moved to L.A., where 365 days of sunshine every year took its toll in the form of freckles and crow’s feet, despite daily SPF. Next, I got pregnant and melasma, aka “the mask of pregnancy,” came for me. My once even skin was now splashed with dark spots. I was assured after I had the baby that the hyperpigmentation would go away. A year later, it didn’t.
The good news? There are now a million ways to address any and all skin concerns. I’m not ready to try anything major, like a laser or peel, so when I heard about Murad’s retinal launch, I knew it was time retinoids and I became friendly.
The plan
First things first: Retinal and retinol aren’t the same thing. (More on that here.) Since I want drastic results fast, I’m going all in on corrective retinal and committing to using it for month. For this experiment, I’m keeping the same daytime skincare routine, since you should only use retinal at night. (It can cause your skin to burn more easily if you get too much sun exposure.)
My daytime routine consists of washing my face, applying essence, vitamin C serum, eye cream, moisturizer and SPF. My nighttime routine is also the same, except for the addition of this retinal three times a week. On retinal nights, I wash my face, then apply essence, retinal and finish with night cream.
Week 1
It’s go time! On night one, I slather on the retinal and am surprised to find it feels just like moisturizer, so when I apply my night cream over it, my skin feels extra hydrated. I have a meeting the next morning, so I’m really hoping there’s no redness or burning. There isn’t. Success. I wake up with my skin looking pretty much the same, but also more hydrated. I repeat this retinal application other night, and on those mornings when I run to the mirror, there’s nary a hint of irritation. Let’s hope week 2 doesn’t bring any surprises, because I have a big event to go to and don’t want to have to pull a Samantha at Carrie’s book party.
Week 2
I have pretty deep wrinkles on my forehead, and even though bangs cover them up, I’m not ready to accept them as a permanent fixture on my face. After two weeks of using retinal every other night, I swear the lines are less noticeable. Not to mention I’ve received three compliments on my skin from both strangers and friends. The retinal? She’s working.
Week 3
I’ve started using it every night now, and there’s still no irritation or peeling, which I’m thankful for because I’m going on vacation tomorrow and will need to post some pics. I remind myself that I need to be extra cautious about applying (and reapplying) SPF every day and wearing a wide-brimmed hat since I’m going to Sicily and that sun is no joke. Retinal and I have put in the time now, so we can’t risk having any of its effects reversed.
Week 4
Home from my trip, so I’m keeping up with retinal every night. You’ll have to test your own tolerance levels for how often you should apply, but even with daily use, my skin hasn’t experienced any weirdness. I also left the house without makeup on for the first time in ages because I feel more confident about my skin. (OK, maybe a touch of concealer to hide my dark circles, but I have a baby and sleep deprivation is real!)
The verdict
After a month of using retinal, I can attest that it did exactly what I needed it to do. I didn’t experience any of the negative side effects I had read about, and my skin looks the best it has in a long time. My fine lines are less noticeable, my skin is bouncier, and I look more radiant overall. Retinal, I’m sorry I ignored you for so long. Get cozy—you’ve earned a permanent place in my beauty closet.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
