A Guide to Medik8 Retinol and Retinal
There's no denying that when it comes to Vitamin A, Medik8 have made some of the best serums and treatments in the game.
As the experts in Vitamin A, Medik8’s philosophy centres around a CSA ritual when it comes to skincare (use a vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night).
That’s something we can wholeheartedly stand behind.
Introducing Vitamin A skincare into your routine might seem complicated.
Retinol or Retinal? Retinol cream or Retinol Serum?
What about retinol eye creams?
How do I use Retinol?
We’re here to demystify this powerhouse ingredient and answer all your pressing questions to help you choose which Medik8 Vitamin A is right for you.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin.
Vitamin A can refer to a variety of different ingredients, including retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate.
These ingredients are commonly used in skincare products such as serums, creams, and oils for a myriad of skin benefits.
Benefits of Vitamin A.
When applied topically, vitamin A (in the form of retinoids or retinol) can help fight blemishes, and improve skin texture and tone.
One of the main benefits of Retinol/ Vitamin A is its ability to stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the look of skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful, glowy appearance.
It’s also famous for its ability to increase cell turnover, helping to fade the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of discolouration, and can also help to smooth rough patches of skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
In essence, Vitamin A is one serious multitasker with a host of skin-perfecting benefits.
While Retinol’s benefits do make it quite the powerhouse when it comes to skincare, it’s important to note that it can also cause skin irritation and sensitivity, especially when used in high concentrations or when combined with other active ingredients or exfoliants, so it's important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase the potency over time.
Also note that if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, all Vitamin A skincare products should be avoided.
The Difference Between Retinol And Retinal.
Retinol and Retinal are both popular Vitamin A forms in skincare due to their ability to improve skin texture, tone and general radiance.
However, there are some key differences in how they work on the skin:
Retinal vs Retinol:
Let's get sciency for a moment:
Retinol is a precursor to Retinal, and it needs to be converted into Retinal, and then Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A’s active form) in order to be effective.
This means that retinol takes a little bit longer to work and may not be as potent as Retinal.
Retinal, on the other hand, is an overachiever.
It’s the closest Vitamin A molecule to Retinoic Acid and can be more effective at stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinal also has a much higher exfoliation rate than Retinol, clearing the way for more even-toned, radiant skin, and is also known to be less irritating and more effective than Retinol, and can be better tolerated by sensitive skin types.
In a nutshell, Retinal acts faster than classic forms of Retinol, and has been clinically proven to work up to 11 times faster than Retinol.
That’s not to say that Retinol isn’t worth your time.
Both types of Vitamin A are excellent at improving multiple skin concerns.
In other words, if you’re not already using a Vitamin A serum, it’s time to get your hands on one, and Medik8 Retinol is a great starting point.
Medik8 Retinol.
Medik8 Retinol works to re-texturise skin while you sleep, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving radiance, and promoting an even skin tone.
Considered an 'intelligent retinol', this powerful serum uses time-release technology to deliver retinol to the skin gradually throughout the night, helping to minimise irritation while maximising effectiveness.
Not only does this Medik8 retinol serum help improve the visible signs of ageing, but it also helps to decongest pores and balance sebum production for a clearer complexion.
As a plus, this little powerhouse is paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly.
It’s a winner.
Medik8 Retinol 3TR Advanced 0.3% Vitamin A Serum 15ml: This is a great beginner retinol serum. Containing 0.3% Retinol, supported by Vitamin E for enhanced stability, the Medik8 Retinol 3TR is an anti-ageing serum designed to complement your skin's nightly regenerative cycle.
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 6TR 15ml: If you’ve used retinol before or are looking to step up from 3TR, Medik8 6TR is your gal. Containing 0.6% Retinol plus the added benefits of Squalane and Climbazole to further boost visible results, supported by Vitamin E for enhanced stability, this is a great moderate-strength retinol serum for improving the look of multiple skin concerns.
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 10TR 15ml: This is Medik8’s highest-strength anti-ageing retinol serum, suitable for advanced retinol users. Infused with 1% of powerful Vitamin A in the form of retinol, this anti-ageing serum works to improve skin texture, minimising fine lines and wrinkles, while balancing uneven skin tone.
Shop Medik8 Retinols Here:
Medik8 Crystal Retinal.
The cult favourite Medik8 Crystal Retinal range is a bestseller for good reason.
If you’re ready to experience the goodness that is Retinal, this range of potent serums features an innovative crystal encapsulation system that slowly releases retinaldehyde into the skin for minimal irritation, helping to resurface skin and boost collagen for a more radiant, youthful complexion, faster.
Skin is left feeling ultra soft and smooth, while fine lines and wrinkles are dramatically reduced, and overall skin tone is improved, a must-have for that ‘glass skin’ look.
This lightweight, creamy orange formula is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly, and available in four different strengths.
Too good.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1: Looking to begin using Vitamin A, but not sure where’s a safe place to start? Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is a great entry-level retinal serum, or for those with sensitive skin. The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is the mildest formulation in the Medik8 Crystal Retinal line, however, it's still effective at helping to fight the signs of ageing.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3: A medium-strength retinal for those who have used retinol before, or a starting point for those without sensitive skin.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6: A bestseller. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is a fantastic moderate-strength retinal serum. Use this when you’re ready to step up from Crystal Retinal 3.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10: The strongest, most potent treatment in the retinal lineup. If you’re looking to fight all signs of ageing with a high-strength Vitamin A product, then the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 is your answer.
Shop Medik8 Crystal Retinal Treatments Here:
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye.
The skin around the eye is naturally thinner, drier, more expressive, and sensitive, making it more prone to wrinkles and in constant need of replenishment.
Luckily, the legends at Medik8 have formulated an all-in-one eye solution to combat this.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal eye is the world’s first clinical strength retinal for under eyes, formulated with twin encapsulated Retinal, plus Ceramides, and plumping Hyaluronic Acid filling spheres, to nourish under eyes and leave them looking smoother, brighter, and less puffy.
Over time, this Vitamin A eye cream helps to reduce the appearance of crow's feet, wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness.
It’s also dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, and vegan and cruelty-free. Divine.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 The lowest strength in the Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye range, this formula is suitable for beginners, and those looking to improve the first signs of ageing.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 6: If you are currently a regular retinol user, or those currently using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 face serum, this eye cream is a match made in heaven.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10: Medik8’s most potent, all-in-one eye cream for seasoned retinal users. If you are currently using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 face serum, this matching eye cream is a great companion.
Shop Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Solutions Here:
Vitamin A Night Cream.
Medik8 Night Ritual Vitamin A Age-Defying Retinol Cream 50ml: If you’re looking for a retinol night cream to improve the look of fine lines, texture, and skin tone, Medik8 Night Ritual Vitamin A is your answer.
This is a great introductory retinol as it contains 0.2%
Retinol with time-release technology, as well as nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Dragon fruit that provide antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors, for skin that looks radiant and healthy.
It’s also fast absorbing and deeply moisturising, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.
A great one-and-done retinol cream for a simplified anti-ageing routine, simply massage this onto the skin after cleansing in the evening.
Is Medik8 Good?
As you can probably tell, Medik8 sure do know a thing or two about good quality skincare.
With some of the best retinol serums and treatments on the market, even the most discerning skincare connoisseur is sure to be impressed.
In other words, with Medik8, you’re in good hands.
