Famous for their science-based philosophy regarding vitamin A-infused skincare, Medik8 is considered one of the best in business. Editor Trudi Brewer shares how their much-loved Crystal Retinal range works and the latest edition to the range.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serums priced from $ 99 offers a vitamin A serum for any skin concern. Starting at 1, and then 3, 6, 10, and now the new 20.
Best in class to deliver skin smoothing, brightening, and rejuvenating results, but vitamin A in all its forms is a tricky subject. The options vary, with different strengths and textures targeting various concerns, including all ages and all skin types, even the most sensitive. If you're starting on a vitamin A journey, young skin needs gentle formulas to manage breakouts and minimise blemishes. Simultaneously, a heavy-hitting dose of vitamin A can reduce the look of sun damage and lines and wrinkles on an ageing complexion (like mine). Read on to find out how it can work for your skin.
The new Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20, $229, is a breakthrough serum that works 11 times faster in the skin than classic retinol.
The benefits of vitamin A are well published. Dermatologists and skin experts refer to this vitamin and some of its derivatives as the holy grail of age, erasing ingredients because it has the science to back that up.
So how does it work in the skin? First, it boosts your natural collagen production while preventing it from breaking down over time. It increases the turnover of encouraging new skin cells, which keeps the skin's surface, looking youthful. Still, most importantly (and why I use it), it decreases melanin production and repair sun damage in the skin (those annoying brown spots) to give skin an even-looking tone and luminous clarity. In essence, it's an epic glow-giver, encouraging plumper, firmer-looking skin for longer - but don't take my word for it. Medik8's director of research, London-based Daniel Isaacs, an expert on vitamin A molecules says, "Retinoids are the family term for all the vitamin A molecules, and their derivative forms including retinol, retinyl esters, retinol palmitate, retinaldehyde, retinal, and retinoic acid, which is where it gets confusing."
For vitamin A to work its magic on age reversal, it needs to convert to a biologically natural form: retinoic acid. That conversion goes like this: retinol - retinaldehyde - retinoic acid. However, retinoic acid (the prescription-grade form of vitamin A best known as Retin A) is not well tolerated by the skin long-term. "It causes redness, itchiness and skin flakes away, which is not a good look. We choose to work with the derivatives that have published scientific data that proves they work, including retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate," says Isaacs. Known as intelligent ingredients, these derivative time-release in the skin; they're stable and vegan-friendly and are sustainably in small batches. Medik8 professional skin therapists recommend a phase-in approach or step-up-system. Moving onto more potent formulas slowly, so your skin is never overwhelmed, and these formulas must only be used at night. Issacs says, "We have a clear philosophy on the ingredients your skin needs to function at its peak. Known as CSA - unique to Medik8, we recommend vitamin C and sunscreen (S) for the day to prevent environmental damage, and a vitamin A infused serum or cream at night to repair and rejuvenate."
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20, $229.
This is the highest concentration, a level up from the others in the range that starts at 1, 3, 6, 10 and now the new 20. This breakthrough serum works 11 times faster in the skin than classic retinol, thanks to retinaldehyde's potent power. It’s essential to have a skin consultation with a Medik8 professional therapist so you can start using the correct concentration and then move up with the phase-in approach or step-up-system created by Medik8.
To use: Apply after cleansing at night only, use two pumps for your face and neck and adopt the twice a week for the first two weeks, then, every other night for the next two weeks, after that use it every night; this is how to build the skin's tolerance to vitamin A. Finally, always use sunscreen during the day to avoid sensitivities when using vitamin-A-infused skincare.
Medik8 is distributed exclusively by House of Camille, to find your local stockists call 0800 406 416 or visit online below.