It’s times like these where we’re all trying to find joy in the smaller moments, and I have recently found joy in my new Medik8 skin care routine. As a total newbie to the world of Medik8, I was really intrigued by their CSA philosophy. Vitamin C + Sunscreen in the morning + Vitamin A at night - and apparently this is the solution to anti-aging. Who knew it could be so simple?! To learn more about Medik8’s history, philosophy and sustainability you can read my other blog.
Medik8 has a lot of products to choose from, so it could feel a little overwhelming knowing which one to go for. Which is going to be right for your skin? Which products should be used together? Will this Vitamin A irritate my skin? After some research I finally settled on three products that harness the CSA philosophy, and here’s what I learnt.
Firstly, I opted for Daily Radiance Vitamin C moisturiser as my ‘C+S’ and I was immediately surprised to learn that this comes with a side of compliments! The day after I had first tried it my husband commented on how smooth my skin looked. Thank you very much, Medik8!
Daily Radiance Vitamin C is a combination of Medik8’s best selling C-Tetra serum, and sunscreen SPF 30, so this is essentially an all-in-one moisturiser and a great way to introduce yourself to the CSA philosophy by combining the C+S in one! Very convenient. Using a lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C means that this product penetrates deep into the skin, not only will this provide ultimate results, but it also leaves the face with that radiant, bright appearance giving it that youthful complexion.
The antioxidant cream protects the skin from those everyday environmental aggressors like UV rays and blue light pollution from phones, tablets and screens which can cause signs of premature aging. Vitamin C is also a great collagen booster so it smooths fine lines and wrinkles for that youthful looking skin. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, the moisturiser locks in that all important moisture. Not only does it provide all this goodness, but it has a gorgeous refreshing smell and a lovely, rich, cashmere texture that glides lovingly onto your face. Are you sold on it yet? As I'm writing this I'm reminding myself just how brilliant this cream is!
I’ve been using the Daily Radiance Vitamin C cream for about 6 weeks, and it is so wonderful, I’m a total convert. I have seen a visible change to my skin, it looks healthier, clearer and, if I do say so myself - glowing!
For the ‘A’ part of the CSA philosophy I’ve been using Crystal Retinal 1 alongside Advanced Night Restore, and again this is working really nicely and my night time skin routine feels like a treat for me and my skin, and you don’t need me to tell you how important a little treat is now and again, especially these days!
I’ll start with the Crystal Retinal 1. Retinal is a type of Vitamin A and because it’s an active ingredient, it’s best to follow a step-up programme to allow your skin to adjust to the ingredient. Medik8 suggests phasing in Vitamin A application gradually. Twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks and then every night. Medik8 have developed a time release technology to ensure that not too much vitamin A is released to the skin, and therefore curbing any irritation, so even the most sensitive of skins (like mine) can use it.
I’ll start with the Crystal Retinal 1. Retinal is a type of Vitamin A and because it’s an active ingredient, it’s best to follow a step-up programme to allow your skin to adjust to the ingredient. Medik8 suggests phasing in Vitamin A application gradually. Twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks and then every night. Medik8 have developed a time release technology to ensure that not too much vitamin A is released to the skin, and therefore curbing any irritation, so even the most sensitive of skins (like mine) can use it.
Medik8 has 3 categories of Vitamin A to choose from, Retinol, Retinal and R-Retinoate - confused? Yes, they do all sound pretty similar, but each product line has varying strengths and varying different price points. Medik8’s entire range of Vitamin A is highly effective and backed by science, so you know you’re in good hands with whichever type you go for.
I settled for their midrange Crystal Retinal, which works 11 times as fast the their classic Retinol Serum. I have used another brand of Vitamin A in the past that follows a similar step-up programme so my skin is used to the active ingredient, which is why I thought this category would suit my skin best. If you are a total newbie to using Retinoids I would suggest starting with their lower grade Vitamin A line, Retinol Serum, to allow your skin to get familiar with the product. Once you have phased through the increased strengths of Retinol, you can always step up to Retinal, but you don’t have to.
The Crystal Retinal is available in 4 different strengths, and again you should start at strength 1 and gradually step up through the different levels, slowly adjusting your skin to the higher percentage of Retinal. Crystal Retinal comes in little 30ml toothpaste-like tubes with a pump applicator to ensure you don’t apply too much at once. It’s important to note that this is not a moisturiser, so if you opt for this product, you should apply a moisturiser on top of the serum.
Let’s take a look at some of the key ingredients in Crystal Retinal and their benefits. Firstly, Encapsulated Retinaldehyde helps to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin texture resulting in... you guessed it, smooth, youthful looking skin! Another ingredient in Crystal Retinal is Hyaluronic Acid which has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, giving your skin that ultimate hydration.
I have really loved using this product, a little certainly goes a long way, and it has a really creamy, nourishing texture that settles nicely into your skin.
And finally, as my moisturiser I use Medik8’s Advanced Night Restore packed to the brim of hydrating, restoring and nourishing benefits. Advanced Night Restore is best used alongside a Vitamin A serum as both ingredients working together will mimic the skin’s lipid barrier (the skin’s natural fats) to protect our skin.
The moisturiser contains some really lovely botanical fragrances and I have to say, the gorgeous aroma was the one of the first things that I noticed about Advanced Night Restore. Lavender, sweet orange oil and neroli provide a really relaxing fragrance to prepare you for a restful night’s sleep. The moisturiser is full of antioxidants to restore and protect the skin’s structure, and uses a deeply hydrating formula for intense hydration which absorbs quickly into the skin.
But other than the texture and smell of the cream, how does this moisturiser actually restore my skin? Well, the cell repairing peptides help to prevent damage to skin cells and proteins. Saskatoon Berry is rich in anthocyanins which are effectively supercharged antioxidants, these are sure to protect your skin from environmental aggressors. Finally Dragon Fruit Extract again provides exceptional antioxidant protection with the added benefit of holding lifting and toning qualities. Fancy giving it a go?
I really love combining both my Vitamin A serum and Advanced Night Restore together at night, they both have a rich, cashmere texture that absorbs really nicely into the skin. After the first few weeks I could really see the difference when I woke up each morning, my skin looked and felt refreshed, plump and clear. I’m a real Medik8 convert and think they’re products are so nourishing.
If you would like to start join me on the CSA Medik8 philosophy, then just remember the simple steps Vitamin C + Sunscreen in the morning and Vitamin A at night. As we’ve established there’s a few products to choose between, so if you need some help deciding, then you can always get in touch. Our friendly customer service team would love to help you out.
Medik8 seems to have taken the skincare industry by storm, just pop Medik8 into your search bar and watch as a myriad of articles appear. Countless celebrities, skin therapists and beauty bloggers testifying their absolute must-haves, can't-live-withouts and swear-bys. According to one article, Medik8’s Vitamin C product R-Retinoate Intense sold out in 12 hours flat! So who exactly are Medik8?
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