Those of you who know me know that I have a bizarre passion for retinoids. I am a firm believer that everyone over the age of 25 should use retinoids. Vitamin A derivatives are anti-aging powerhouses that promote cell turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase collagen. One benefit not usually mentioned on the label is their ability to sculpt. This is part of the reason why Murad's brand new Retinal ReSculptTM Overnight Treatment, which begins to show results in just two weeks, is shaking up the status quo.

The $105 product has literally just *launched* and we have exclusive details, before and after clinical trial images (the proof is in the pudding, say), and a breakdown of how the sculpting process actually works (I promise, it's not just a marketing ploy) Since we have all of this, consider this an official announcement. For more information and to shop, scroll on down.

If you want to dig deeper, I suggest checking out our one-stop store guide to retinoids and retinol. But for now, let's stick with the SparkNotes version. Retinoids are prescribed by dermatologists. If you buy them at Sephora, Alta, or a drugstore, you have two options: retinol and retinal. The latter, used in Murad's new product, has been clinically proven to work nearly 11 times faster than conventional retinol.

However, there are many retinal products on the market, some of which are very effective, earning five stars across the board. The differentiator between those products and Murad's is the delivery system. Our retinal is encapsulated in a proprietary delivery system that provides enhanced stability and targeted delivery deep into the skin's surface, making it 2.5 times more effective than free retinal," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad. Simply put, encapsulation protects the retinal's potency until it reaches all parts of the skin where retinoid receptors are located. Not all encapsulations are created equal. The encapsulation we use in our formulations is a highly specialized liposome custom-designed for Retinal, which not only penetrates deep into the skin, but also targets its release where it is needed most," said brand Vice President of Research and Development Andrew Koenig (opens in new tab) adds.

Frankly, I was skeptical. If Retinal had the power to engrave in 14 days, it would be listed in the "benefits" section of every product. After consulting with Dr. Murad, Dr. Koenig, and Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist unaffiliated with the brand, it became clear how this technology differed from its competitors.

It boils down to two things: kangaroo paw flower extract and a retinal delivery system. Kangaroo pawpaw flower extract improves sagging skin, smoothes out wrinkles, and gives the skin a sculpted, lifted appearance." It is rich in ferulic acid, which has been proven to firm the skin and thus tighten the jawline."

Then there's the encapsulation. While the formulated product is still potent, the encapsulation of the retinyl enhances efficacy, shortens turnaround time, and reduces irritation compared to other retinyls. Furthermore, before-and-after photos taken at four-week intervals leave no room for doubt.

I am not going to sit here and tell you that it is 100% fine, because irritation is always a possibility. That said, retinal is inherently less irritating than prescription options, and encapsulated retinal minimizes the potential for dryness, redness, and flaking. It also contains soothing, calming, and moisturizing ingredients to ease the effects of dryness. Says Dr. Murad, "Olive leaf extract, oat lipids, and alpha glucan support skin resiliency, increase moisture, restore skin barrier function, and counter the shortcomings of traditional vitamin A."

To be honest, I have been taking the highest strength retinoids prescribed for over a decade. Somehow, I can tolerate it. However, because retinoids focus on exfoliation, my skin is severely sensitive and reacts extremely to all other products. I try new skin care products sparingly. But when this product arrived at my desk a few weeks ago, I decided to give it a real try. I have no intention of parting with my prescription retinoids, but I did reduce my usage to every other day to try the Retinal Re-Sculpt Overnight Treatment.

Initial impressions were pleasant: good texture, no greasy residue, and the scent is simple and fairly non-existent. There was no tingling, tightness, or irritation. Frankly, I didn't feel anything.

That said, as the queen of the sensitive skin club, I figured I would just bide my time until the irritation, flakiness, and dryness subsided. But somehow, after two weeks, I had completely sidestepped all three. Whether it was the encapsulated retinal delivery system or the olive leaf extract and oat lipids, my skin felt balanced and looked hydrated.

I certainly did not expect a dramatic change in that aspect of my skin, as I do not yet have fine lines and wrinkles. Nevertheless, after four weeks, my skin is firmer, more radiant, and frankly, less irritated. In fact, I plan to continue this every other day routine.