Monday, February 11, 2013

FutureDerm Time Release Retinol 0.50- Review!

I was among the very lucky beauty bloggers to receive FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5 to review, and I was thrilled to be included for several reasons. First, I love using retinol-based products; Second, fellow beauty blogger, Nicki Zevola, from FutureDerm is the creative genius behind this fantastic product; and third I was in the market for a new retinol because I had just finished up a bottle. I have used retinol at night for a long time, and I was thrilled to try this one because I had heard so many wonderful things about it. In fact, I ended up loving FutureDerm Retinol so much that I specifically mentioned it when I was interviewed by Kelsie Blazier for REDBOOK Magazine here. (For an overview to my interview, click here).
FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5 is a lightweight gel formula with microencapsulated 0.5% retinol. FutureDerm argues that their 0.5% formula "is clinically proven by research studies to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 30% within the first two weeks of use. Retinol works largely by increasing cellular turnover and downgrading matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that degrade collagen)."

According to FutureDerm, their Time-Release Retinol 0.5:
  • Is micro encapsulated and time-released for maximum effectiveness
  • Contains 0.5% Retinol, the proven most effective concentration 
  • Fights fine lines and wrinkles
  • Smooths mottled or rough skin
  • Aids mild to moderate acne
  • Alleviates the appearance of age spots 
  • Maintains and build skin firmness
  • Has an optimized efficacy and stability based on independent and scientific studies
A concentrated retinol formula, FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5 contains 0.5% microencapsulated retinol in a lightweight gel formula that is perfect for use together with your other favorite moisturizers.  Most retinoid creams are thicker, taking up to 30 minutes to fully absorb into the skin.  Ours absorbs in under a second, so you don’t have to wait before applying other moisturizers. FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5 is designed to optimize the retinol activation process within the skin.  Retinol must be converted to isotretinoin by enzymes called retinyl ester hydrolases in order to become active within the skin.  Our formulation is designed to increase the efficiency of this process with an optimized delivery system and conditions. Our retinol is also microencapsulated, targeting retinoid receptors in the skin for a full eight hours.  This makes FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5 ideal for nighttime use.

How to Use: For best results, FutureDerm suggests that you apply a pea-sized amount to thoroughly cleansed skin the evening.  As with most retinol products, it is important to carefully avoid contact with the delicate eye area. "If you have never used microencapsulated retinol products before, there may be a transitional period.  Begin by limiting use to two times per week, and then gradually increase frequency to every other night, and finally once an evening as tolerated.  As with many products, best results can be achieved under the supervision of a health care professional."

My experience with FutureDerm Retinol 0.5: First of all, I must preface my assessment by stating that my skin was already quite acclimated to the use of retinol at night at the time that I began using FutureDerm Retinol 0.5. I have used retinol for a long time, therefore I cannot determine how my skin would have reacted to the FutureDerm Retinol had I made the transition from no retinol based night treatments to this one. My experience instead was from the point of view of switching from one retinol product to another. I had a good idea of what I might expect, and I didn't expect to experience any visible peeling, redness, or irritation that commonly accompanies the use of such products- particularly at the beginning. What I didn't expect were changes for the better-I expected more of a stasis. However,  my skin texture actually improved while using FutureDerm! I was using a higher percentage retinol (1%) prior to FutureDerm, and yet my skin looks better after using FutureDerm! It has a pronounced clarity and evenness of tone, hyperpigmented areas from sun damage look better, fine lines are softened, and the texture is even more smooth. Therefore, you can imagine my amazement and elation when my skin actually looked better than before! Retinol is great for keeping acne and wrinkles/fine lines in check, and is probably about as close as one can get to the ever sought after fountain of youth- making it a favorite among dermatologists and enthusiasts alike.

This formula is very gentle and does not dry out or dehydrate my skin in the least bit. That said, as previously noted my skin is accustomed to retinol, and you may experience some drying and flaking as often occurs when retinol begins working its magic. I apply it at night  to freshly cleansed skin and then use a face oil or a face cream over it, and that's it. When I wake up the following morning my skin looks fresh, smooth, and radiant. As with all retinol based products, they have a tendency to cause photosensitivity. Therefore, it is imperative to use a sunscreen when you add retinol based treatments into your skincare ritual. I never leave the house without an SPF 40 all over my face, neck and any other exposed areas. I also would not use this in conjunction with other AHAs, Fruit Acids. Lactic Acids etc. In is inadvisable to overwork or over-process the skin as it can lead to thinning and a plethora of problems. When I use this at night I am careful not to use any other peeling or heavy exfoliating agents because this is plenty effective by itself.

Ingredients: 0.5% Retinol, Aqua, Glycerin (hydrator), Alcohol (thins the solution), Octyldodecanol (emulsifier), Butylene Glycol (thins the solution), cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone (emulsifier), Allyl  Metacrylates Crosspolymer (film-forming agent), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Salix Alba Bark Extract (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (anti-inflammatory), BHT (antioxidant), Tocopherol (antioxidant), PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (emollient), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (thickening agent), Triethanolamine (pH adjuster), Propylene Glycol (thins the solution), Diazolidinyl Urea (antimicrobial preservative), Propylparaben (antimicrobial preservative), Methylparaben (antimicrobial preservative).

FutureDerm maintains very high standards of safety: "This product is tested for safety and efficacy and physician-approved. The ingredients used are deemed to be safe and highly efficacious in the concentrations they are used in this product, even with typical repeated use over time. As with any product, please use for external use only. Keep out of reach of children.  Avoid contact with eyes.  Discontinue for a week before hair removal waxing. Do not use if undergoing a skin peeling regimen.  Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Please use with a broad-spectrum sunscreen."

Overall assessment: This is a really excellent retinol, and it beats anything that I have tried to date, and at a fraction of the price.  I highly recommend FutureDerm Retinol if you are in the market for a retinol based product. That said, retinol based products are not for everyone and it isn't a bad idea to consult with your physician before adding retinol into your routine. Additionally, people with very sensitive skin often cannot tolerate retinol products, and should once again consult with a physician or dermatologist before using retinol. FutureDerm is Cruelty Free!

1 oz. $54.95 from FutureDerm and Amazon.
PR sample sent for consideration, but all views expressed are categorically my own.

26 comments:

  1. After reading your review, I want to go out and try this product!

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    1. I have never been happier with a retinol product than I am with this one! I urge you to read more about FutureDerm on Nicky's blog-- she's an excellent beauty blogger, and really did a wonderful job making this product!! Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. How crazy is it that I've been following your blog quite sometime and you were interviewed by a girl I graduated high school with!

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    1. WOW!!! Seriously?! Is it Katie Jones or Kelsey Blazier. Or is it Sophie Panych- though I interviewed her. Such a very very small world!! That is so cool! Say hi to her, if you are still in touch!!

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  3. Like you, I am a huge fan of this. I've been alternating it with a different retinol product, but will be switching exclusively to FutureDerm when the other one is done. Helen, how often do you use it? -- every night?

    I wonder if I have been using retinol too often as my skin has become quite flakey in the past 2-3 months. I thought the introduction of random skin care samples into my routine and increasing sensitivity to chemical sunscreens was causing my skin to act up. Hmm. I might try limiting my retinol use to every other night. Food for thought...

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    1. I'm so happy that you are on the FutureDerm bandwagon!! It's awesome!

      Yes, I use it every night. Well, my best guess is that the bitter cold Canadian winter doesn't help matters! I would definitely drop back to every other night, try a mineral/physical sunscreen, and keep your skin hydrated. I wonder if the problem might also be a result of switching between the two different retinol products. Many people to get some flaking and peeling from retinol, but I wonder if this might be a combination of factors. I also wonder if the two different retinols have very different concentrations (percentages) of retinol- and if so your skin could be on a bit of a roller coaster ride. Maybe just use one of them and finish it up and then switch to another afterward.

      I switched from one that was a 1% concentration to this one, and didn't have a problem with flaking. You might be over processing (over exfoliating) your skin and also exposing it to irritants (chemical sunscreens that aren't agreeing with you), and then add a bitter cold winter and it could make for the perfect storm of skin irritation. You might want to stop all retinols for a couple of weeks and pamper your skin with things that are soothing for your particular skin (tried and true things only) and then start adding things back in one at a time, and don't rotate between the two retinols. See if that makes a difference. If not, let me know- and I will do a little research to see what I can find for you! xoxox!

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  4. Can I use this with Juno?

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    1. I have and didn't have any problems. You might do a test patch to see if you do, but I can't imagine why. I apply the FutureDerm first and let it sink in, and then put whichever oil I'm using that night on afterward. I have found this to be a gentle retinol, but my skin is also used to retinol since I was using SR Stimulant III before this. FutureDerm does have a money back guarantee if you have a problem. My best guess is that you won't. That said, I have had things that aren't "supposed" to bug my skin irritate it badly. I would probably only use FutureDerm 1-2 nights a week when you start out to see how your skin reacts and acclimates, and then only add more nights, if needed. You can also email FutureDerm directly to ask more specific questions about the formula. Keep me posted!

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    2. Thank you ! I will order next paycheck:)
      I love your blogs! I am also still deciding between a moisturizer. Skin adrenaline , bionic ,or a moisturizer by sponge. I cannot decide :( I'm looking for anti aging with the most benefits.

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    3. Absolutely my pleasure. Please let me know what you think about the FutureDerm Retinol-- I am so happy with mine. One of my favorite Anti-aging skin creams these days is Sponge Krema Imeras Day Cream, but I also love their Rose Sage Cream (Krema Triantafillo), but I also bought their anti-aging cream (Krema Niktas). I still need to review all three of them, but I talked a bit about the first two here:

      http://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/september-favorites.html

      I am really taken by the quality and affordability of these products, and will definitely repurchase them when I finish them up. Lately I have been reaching for their Rose Cream because it is so soothing. It's a lovely line well worth checking out. Bionic is definitely richer than Skin Adrenaline- so if you are looking for something lighter then Skin Adrenaline is a better choice.

      Let me know what you end up getting! :-)

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  5. Also have you heard of rosehip seed oil. I am looking to get one to use so I can switch between Juno and this oil. I cannot decide on whether to get it from sukin. Trilogy, or Akins . Oh and have you ever tried products from sisley? I am planning to get their global pore minimizer serum. Loved to hear your thoughts.

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    1. Wow, your timing is uncanny!!!!!!! I was just thinking about getting The Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil! I have been using a sample of their Antioxidant Face Firming Serum (an Oil), and am very interested in purchasing it because I am quite impressed by it!

      Here are links to both:

      http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/virgin-cold-pressed-rose-hip-seed-serum/66

      http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/antioxidant-face-firming-serum/60

      http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/antioxidant-face-firming-serum/49

      I'm getting mine at Barneys, but I think that they are available elsewhere too!

      I have not tried the rose hip oil from Sukin, Trilogy or Akins. I haven't tried anything from Sisley in YEARS!! I wish that I knew something about their Global Pore Minimizer Serum, but I don't know anything about it.

      :-)

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    2. Wow! I am interested in the face firming serum!!!! Thanks lola:)

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    3. Me too! You are so welcome. I am super curious about The Organic Pharmacy in general now because of my experience with the one sample that I received! My friend has been using their Rose Plus Brightening Complex and loves it, and told me that I should try it, but I want to try a sample first to see what i think-- especially since it is $189.00. I don't mind spending that if I know that I love it, but I have to try it first!

      http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/rose-plus-brightening-complex/64

      :-)

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  6. Hi Lola! How would you compare this to Good Genes?

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    1. Hi!!! They are pretty different in that one is a retinol product, while the other uses unneutralized lactic acid. If you are looking for something a bit stronger that is in the retinol family I would say that you would prefer the exfoliating properties that reduce acne scars, acne, and fine lines- that are associated with retinol products. Good Genes is a great exfoliator that removes dead skin and improves skin clarity, and over time will help to reduce scarring. I think that Good Genes is a fantastic product, but I wouldn't use it in place of retinol- for me at least. I use retinol at night only and use a heavy sunscreen everyday to keep my skin protected. Unlike many people who use Good Genes at night- I tend to use it during the day, but I make sure that my SPF is a least a 40. :-)

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    2. Will futurederm help with acne and scarring?
      I've been using Good Genes and love it but I want a cheaper product that I can use while I save up for another bottle :)

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    3. I am also looking for a day treatment to help control my acne prone skin. Do you know of any good options?

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    4. FutureDerm should definitely help with acne and scarring. Retinols are fantastic for that purpose as well as for anti-aging benefits. It reduces fine lines, exfoliates dead skin, and gives skin a more even texture. Over the counter retinol products come in so many price points and strengths, but if you are looking for a stronger percentage solution you will need to see a dermatologist to have your skin assessed, and to get a prescription for Retin A. It actually might not be a bad idea for you to go see a dermatologist to have your skin looked at since acne is such a concern. Yes, good Genes is a lovely product, and it is definitely expensive!

      A line that I really like for acne is Relogy- they have 3 easy to use products that are very effective. Here's a look at my review:

      http://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/relogy-natural-acne-treatment-system.html

      http://www.relogynow.com/acne_natural_treatment_s/1828.htm

      Take a look at their website to see what you think. They have a more natural approach to acne control, and they don't use harsh ingredients. They really stand behind their products. I use their spot treatment roll on every time that I feel a pimple popping up and it knocks it down in no time. The cleanser is a really nice foaming cleanser, and the lotion feels wonderful on the skin. It's worth reading more about their line in case it sounds like what you are looking for!

      Keep me posted!

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    5. What I wouldn't do is add to many new things to your skincare routine at once- because it may cause more problems and shock your skin. If you do see a dermatologist for an assessment and a retinol based product- you probably will want to get a smaller percentage solution to ease your skin into it. Higher percentages tend to cause the skin to become red and peel- so you might want a more gentle approach. :-) Also sometimes adult acne may have a dietary component (as in an allergy or intolerance that can cause acne-- so it might actually be a good idea to see a doctor- because you might be able to get at the root, rather than dealing with it symptomatically-- just a thought! :-)

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    6. Been using it for a week and I'm not sure if its strong enough but it does been helping out with acne and discoloration :)

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    7. Hi! I would definitely give it a little more time to really see the results. This retinol is time-released- making it more gentle on the skin than many of the retinols on the market that irritate the skin and cause it to become red and more obviously flakey. This one is designed to be every bit as effective, but without the same level of irritation that may people experience with retinol. That is why so many people with sensitive skin are able to use this particular retinol. Give it a few more weeks and keep a close eye on your skin- I suspect you will find that it does everything that you want. If you have specific questions, or concerns- you might want to send them an email: http://shop.futurederm.com/pages/contact-us

      Keep me posted!! :-)

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  7. Hi Lola,

    I have been sitting researching which Retinol to buy for the past 2 hours so was delighted to see your review on Futurederm. I will definitely give this one a try! One question I had though is that I have read a lot about using Retinol at night and using an AHA type product in the morning or on nights you aren't using the Retinol. I wondered if you had any recommendations on AHAs?

    Thanks Sarah

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    1. Hi Sarah,

      I'm glad that you found this post helpful. I think that it will probably be way too much exfoliation to use this in conjunction with an AHA type product during the day. Over-exfoliation can lead to skin thinning and make it far more vulnerable. If I were you, I would send FutureDerm and ask them if an AHA will be too much to add to your routine if you are using their Retinol. My gut instincts are not to, and I wouldn't personally-- but you would be better off asking them. WHen I use a retinol at night I tend to skip exfoliating products in my AM routine, and I also really load up on sunscreen to protect my skin since it is being forced to perform cell turn-over at an accelerated rate!! I hope this was somewhat helpful!

      Here is where to contact them: http://shop.futurederm.com/pages/contact-us

      Keep me posted :-)

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  8. I presently am using retin a micro gel .1 % the brand name. I am almost out of it and the pharmaceutical who took it over Valeant said it is on back order. The micro gel has a micro sponge system which effectively causes the absorption of retin a. You said you used other retinol products before which one? I know the micro gel retin a only can be obtained with a doctor's prescription and the costs have become prohibitive...I tried the generic version and was not happy. Interested in your opinion as I am thinking to try the future derm time release

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    1. Hi there! It has been quite a while since I have used the FutureDerm Retinol, but I really liked it a great deal. I also used the Dr. Brandt Glow, and really liked it:

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2013/05/dr-brandt-glow-overnight-resurfacing.html

      More recently I tried a prescription from my doctor to compare prescription to over-the-counter versions. I definitely found that the Tretinoin Cream 0.05% did an excellent job.

      I have used others years ago, but it has been too long to really remember how effective they were– especially when compared to those that I have tried more recently. There is also a relatively new line called Verso (available at Barneys New York) that is getting raves. I have some deluxe samples that I have been meaning to try. I also have a couple of retinol based products from Painted Earth Skincare that I need to review before too long.

      I was very pleased with the FutureDerm retinol, but don't know how well it would compare to the one that you have been using. :-)

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I love reading all of your comments and interacting with you- so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, and to ask questions. Remember that what you have to say is of interest to all of us! Always feel free to email me directly as well. SPAM and advertising links will not be published.

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