The UK is always ahead of the curve. From members clubs to exceptional products, it’s where where #abovepar trends are born. Now, Medik8 is transforming global skincare with the latest science-backed ingredients. So, in pursuit of a glow this fall, I had to try the UK’s No. 1 ranked dermatological face serum, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal, known as the iconic vitamin A night treatment clinically proven to smooth, brighten, detox, and firm the skin without irritation. While I’ve tried retinoids before, I learned that this product promises to work harder and faster than its predecessors–and I couldn’t wait to try it.
To maximize results, I overhauled my entire skincare regimen with Medik8, relying on Medik8 Liquid Peptides for regenerative support and Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide for hydration. But before further researching or shifting your own routine, here are 6 things to know about RetinAl and Copper Peptides:
- RetinAl is proven to work up to 11 times faster** than traditional retinol products. So, Medik8’s iconic Crystal Retinal serum can reveal younger-looking skin in just one tube.
- Like prescription-strength systems, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal can also be custom-tailored across multiple strengths for different skin types and retinoid-sensitivity: Sensitive Skin (1), Beginner (3), Regular (6), Advanced (10), Experienced (20), and Expert (24).
- Unlike other retinoids, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is known for its ability to deliver results with minimal to zero irritation. So, when patch tested and used as directed, this iconic formula can provide the benefits of retinoids without the purge.
- Copper peptides support skin regeneration to increase naturally-occurring collagen and elastin on a cellular level. Consider this a reason to layer it into your active ingredient list.
- If you prefer to use retinoids only a few nights a week, copper peptides can be used alone or in combination with those products for all types of aging skin. Medik8’s Liquid Peptides can also be used in both AM and PM routines.
- Medik8’s Liquid Peptides are also gentle but hardworking. Unless your physician advises you against certain ingredients, this serum is also pregnancy-safe and can be used throughout different life stages to deliver an ageless glow.
**G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378.
Here, we dive deeper into the UK’s cult-favorite products, which I, as a New Yorker who relies on triple espressos in place of high tea, put to the test.
What is Retinal?
Antibacterial Retinal is a retinoid and derivative of vitamin A. Think of it like the sibling of the retinol you’re used to. In addition to decongesting pores, this heroic ingredient stimulates skin turnover on a cellular level.
According to Medik8’s team of scientists, “When it comes to retinoids; the more stable the molecule, the more effective it can be on the skin. Crystal Retinal offers a level of retinal stability that can only be found at Medik8. Our innovative stability system features our renowned crystal encapsulation technology, a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airless packaging. All this comes together to protect the retinal molecule for unmatched potency, long-lasting effectiveness and proven skin comfort.”
How does Medik8’s Crystal Retinal work?
With 2 pumps on thoroughly cleansed skin once nightly, or every other night to start, the serum gets to work–and fast. Paired with Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream, which is also proven to visibly smooth, lift, and brighten the eye area overnight, you can arguably age backwards while you sleep. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye cream is also clinically proven to visibly depuff the eye area in a single use. So, the first time I tried it, I asked my husband how young I looked in the morning. Immediately, I noticed a brighter and tighter under eye area and fortunately, I didn’t experience any purging or redness after introducing this new retinoid into my nighttime regimen.
From an independent clinical study of 1 tube of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 on 33 participants over 12 weeks:
- 97% felt their skin had a more youthful appearance*
- 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles*
- 20% reduction in visible dark spots*
- 11% increase in skin firmness*
- 100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin*
- *Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.
What are Copper Peptides?
It starts with science. These short chains of amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds. When used in the best formulations and potencies, they can support skin elasticity and firmness in the prevention and regeneration of fine lines and wrinkles on aging skin. Serums that include copper peptides can provide cellular repair. So, it’s a super ingredient to consider layering into your retinal routine, pre-SPF morning layers, or both.
Unless otherwise by your doctor, this type of skincare ingredient is also pregnancy safe.
How do Medik8’s Liquid Peptides work ?
Like Medik8’s other cult-favorite products, Medik8 Liquid Peptides serum works efficiently, effectively, and fast. It’s clinically proven to reduce the appearance of expression lines and deep-set wrinkles in just 1 bottle. *Proven via independent consumer study on Liquid Peptides on 60 participants over 8 weeks. Featuring 10 peptides in a 30% blend, it’s formulated to both slow and prevent the visible formation of expression lines and deep wrinkles.
According to Medik8’s scientists, “Recognizing that peptides do so much more than simply smooth the skin, Medik8 has taken traditional peptide technology to the next level. Formulated with a unique, multi-beneficial blend of 10 different peptides at 30%, Liquid Peptides uses drone-targeted technology to ensure that each powerful peptide is delivered to where it’s needed most, for maximum youth-boosting results.”
The product is safe to use in the morning and the evening. So, in the morning, I paired it with Medik8’s C-Tetra Luxe and at night, I used it after a thin layer of Medik8’s Crystal Retinal topped with Advanced Night Ceramide.
The Results
As managing editor for Shop Above Par, I tried this routine for 20-days. First, I was sold on the custom-tailored product potency and the chic, easy-to-pack packaging. Immediately, I also appreciated the calming, light aromatics and cream-like quality of Medik8’s Crystal Retinal serum. Unlike other retinoids I’ve tried, the formulation wasn’t drying upon application or long-term. Liquid peptides also took the place of my standard hydrating serums and to encourage my combination skin to respond well to more potent products, I also religiously used Medik8’s moisturizing creams both at night and in the morning.
Unlike other prescription strength or over-the-counter routine overalls, I didn’t experience a week of dryness, flakiness, or purging. Within one use, I noticed the brightening and tightening of the sensitive skin under my eyes first, and within 10 days, I started to see a better texture and appearance across my face. Since every skin type is different, I started introducing one product at a time as I overhauled my routine for the UK’s best–and, I took caution to only use the crystal retinal every other day for the first 7 days to start. Now, I’m hooked on this new routine and will only be taking brief pauses to accommodate collagen-supporting laser treatments and ongoing skin maintenance. I know why Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is currently ranked the UK’s No. 1 dermatological skincare serum*–it’s certainly ranked my No. 1 favorite too. I have the selfies to prove it.
If you’re in pursuit of an ageless glow yourself, shop a few of my favorite Medik8 products below.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
Source: Circana (UK) Ltd, Prestige Beauty Retail tracking / Feb 2023 to Jan 2024 / prestige face serum / Dermatologist Brand attribute / Dermatologist Brand is defined as a brand that has identified itself as (i) founded or developed by a dermatologist and/or (ii) is dermatologist recommended / franchise line/value & unit sales. To verify, visit: https://www.medik8.com/circana-group-claim-letters
