Retinol Is Complicated, But This Cult Brand Makes It Easy
If you’ve so much as stepped into a Space NK in the past couple of years, you’ll be familiar with retinol. This vitamin A derivative isn’t exactly new in skincare (it was first found in formulas in the 1980s) but only in the past decade or so has it found itself at the forefront of the industry.
Of course, in skincare many hyped-up actives come and go. Glycolic acid ruled the roost for quite some time, while azelaic acid is a steadfast saviour for rosacea-prone skin. We've dabbled in bakuchiol, dipped a hesitant toe (or rather, finger) into snail mucin, and pledged our allegiance to ceramides. But when it comes to reversing the visible signs of a life well lived, retinol remains the kingpin.
So, in a world of buzzy new actives and unpronounceable ingredients, why retinol specifically? Well, in short: it works. In a world of pseudoscience and false promises, retinoids (the family of vitamin A derivatives to which retinol belongs) deliver. They're pretty much the only skincare actives to unite dermatologists and skin experts: almost everyone agrees they can turn back the aesthetic terrors of time, plumping fine lines and fading acne scars with ease.
But with great power come great side effects – and with retinol, the potential for getting it wrong is significant. As retinoids work by increasing the rate at which your cells turn over, it’s common for problems to arise before you achieve the glassy skin of your dreams. Go too hard, too fast, and you could end up with irritation, flaking skin, or major sensitivity.
Complicated, right? When you consider that almost every brand out there has dropped a dose of retinol (or retinal, or tretinoin…) into their serums and creams, all in varying strengths, it’s understandable if you’re finding the route to success a testing one.
But there’s one brand that has your back. Medik8 is the name you’ll hear beauty editors (including myself) and experts recommending to anyone that'll listen, and for good reason: it makes retinol really easy.
The British brand is known for its patented retinol products, and so there’s quite a few to choose from (including one for your eyes, but more on that in a minute). If you’re new to the game – or just want to reap the benefits without risk – there’s a clear winner in the line-up.
Medik8's Crystal Retinal is a cult hero for good reason. Taking all the guesswork out of retinol strengths, the brand makes its star serum in five different concentrations. Start with Crystal Retinal 1, finish the tube (don’t rush – this is a marathon, not a sprint), then graduate onto 3 6, 10, and – if you really need it – the high-strength, clinic-only 20.
Each creamy serum contains retinal (or retinaldehyde, to use its full name) as the active retinoid ingredient: an innovative derivative of vitamin A that takes less time to set to work within the skin, meaning your results are fast yet gentle. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid lock moisture into the uppermost layers of skin, helping prevent the dreaded dryness too. Whether you're hoping to fade fine lines, tackle pigmentation, or put an end to acne, trust me: it will deliver results.
In fact, I deem Medik8's Crystal Retinal the best over-the-counter retinol product on the planet. While many souped-up formulas are stuffed with unnecessary extra ingredients, or formulated so strongly they'll take your skin barrier clean off, this no-frills formula helps to clear acne and even gradually fade pigmentation without leaving your face red-raw. It doesn't come with an outrageous price tag, nor does it promise things it can't deliver.
But wait - there's more. Last year, Medik8 dropped the collection's first retinol eye cream. If you received a creeping set of crow's feet for your 30th birthday, or are searching for something to brighten that patchy pigmentation, Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye is the product for you. A feat of formulation, this truly powerful eye serum combines encapsulated retinol with calming chamomile and a heavy dose of ceramides, meaning it works fast but sensitively on those fine, feathery lines. It comes in strengths that correspond to the facial serums, so you can start at 3 and work your way up. Start using it now and, by summer, you'll have the smooth, plump skin of someone that thinks Friends is a Netflix original.
So stop squinting at all those ingredient lists (it’s giving you crow’s feet) and take the easy route to retinol success.
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