Merumaya is a brand that I discovered around this time last year, and my skincare routines have consistently featured at least one of their products ever since. I was lucky enough to be given a sneak peek of two of their product at the end of the summer, the first being the Youth Preservation Moisturiser SPF 20, which I reviewed here, and the Retinol Resurfacing Treatment* (£33.50 for 30ml). I've been patiently waiting for its launch date (20th January) so I can finally share my thoughts...
I always knew that Retinol had some kind of superpower, as it was something that Caroline Hirons was always banging on about, but I never really knew what it was or what it actually did. The Merumaya retinol treatment claims to resurface, improve density, target fine lines, add moisture, aid blemish control and soothe the skin. So basically everything then? How could one ingredient be so powerful?
Retinol is another name for vitamin A. It is a trusted acne treatment, as well as having anti-ageing properties. When a retinol-containing product is applied to the skin, enzymes in the skin convert the retinol to retinoic acid (the active form). Retinoic acid stimulates collagen and elastin production as well as increases cell turnover, which helps to fade hyperpigmentation, and keeps skin looking glowy, as well as improving acne, eczema and dark spots. Retinol-based products do however make skin more sensitive to UV exposure, so it's important that you are using an SPF in the daytime, even in the winter.
It is known that retinoids can cause irritation, but Vitamin A Palmitate (used in the Merumaya treatment) is a more stable version of retinol, making it better for sensitive skin. Merumaya have worked hard to get the balance between effectiveness and reducing irritation, teaming it with ingredients such as Aroleat Samphira which enhances the beneficial effects of retinol (without irritation), as well as Matrixyl 3000. This is the first retinol treatment to include such an ingredient, a peptide blend that restores key proteins that are broken down with ageing. There is also Mediacalm™ (an active ingredient from Boerhavia Diffusa Root), which soothes and softens the skin, whilst stimilating anti-irritant neuromediators in the skin, further reducing any sensitivity to the retinol. Finally, the Retinol Resurfacing Treatment contains two different weights of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate through multiple layers, as well coconut oil derivatives to nourish the skin.
There is a cocktail of effective ingredients packed into one simple night treatment. It is easy to use; I simply apply straight after my cleanse and tone steps (or after serum if my skin is feeling particularly dehydrated). It makes my skin feel soft and plump, and the cream formula is very soothing. It has that signature Merumya essence, but here it reminds me of drumstick lollies, very nostalgic! Sometimes I find Merumaya products to smell a little too strong, but this is quite mellow and pleasant.
Merumaya's choice of packing is perfect here. As well as being consistent with the rest of the line, it's important that any vitamin A derivatives are packaged in opaque, airless containers as they deteriorate when exposed to air and light. The pump only dispenses a small amount of product, so it can be hard to know how much to use. I tend to go for around 4 pumps, but I've found that you have to be careful how much you use and what you layer the product with, as it has a tendency to ball on the skin.
The Merumaya Retinol Resurfacing Treatment leaves my skin looking clearer and brighter, as well as plump and hydrated without any irritation. This makes it the perfect product for January skin after indulging too much over Christmas. The price is more than justified given the technologies, and it comes in at a lower price point in comparison to other popular retinol treatments (the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is £85). It's definitely worth checking out if you want the effects of retinol without angering your skin OR your bank balance.
Have you ever tried a retinol treatment?
- Post contains PR samples kindly provided on behalf of Merumaya -
- This does not affect my views and I will always give my honest opinion of a product -
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