What are the benefits of time-released retinol?
Q: How can I explain the benefits of time-released retinol to clients?
Time-released retinol contains a unique carrier system specifically designed for use in skincare formulations to deliver pure retinol (the alcohol form of vitamin A) to the skin. Encapsulation methods can offer a much higher bioavailability controlled release of the contents over several hours, as well as a highly stable form of retinol.
Encapsulated delivery systems promotes cell turnover – which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin complexion, enhances radiance and provides an overall healthier appearance to skin. Also, by drip-feeding retinol into the skin, you minimise the risk of irritation and inflammation.
Of all the topical retinoids, retinol itself is often considered the most potent because it requires the lowest number of enzymatic breakdown steps – processes in which an initial molecule is altered into a different form that is usable by the body’s tissues – before it can fit into the skin cells’ retinoid receptors. The drawback is that retinol is inherently unstable and comes with potential side effects such as dryness, redness and flaking.
On the other side of the spectrum are retinol esters such as retinyl palmitate, the gentler and much more stable forms of vitamin A that have little potential for irritation. However, they require many enzymatic breakdown steps before becoming bioactive, making them much less effective than the same quantity of retinol would be.
Our new Retinol Youth Renewal Serum has the stability of the traditional retinol esters but with a molecular configuration that allows the formulation to fit directly into the skin’s retinol receptors in its initial form without any breakdown steps.
Dr Howard Murad is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of results-driven skincare brand Murad