Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is my go-to anti-ageing product – everything you need to know about the cult skincare

MEDIK8 is one of the most prestigious brands in the beauty world due to its powerful, science-backed formulas. The brand’s Crystal Retinal is my holy grail skincare product, but there’s often hesitation from shoppers who want to take the plunge. The Medik8 buy has thousands of five-star reviews Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum, £69 Launching in 2018, Crystal Retinal was a total innovation at the time (for containing retinal rather than retinol), and it still stands as a practically un-dupeable product. Sign up for the Shopping newsletter Thank you! I’ve been using Medik8’s hero skincare for several years now, and I’d consider it an irreplaceable part of my routine. The powerful Vitamin A formula (also known as retinaldehyde) has a long list of benefits (reducing fine lines/ wrinkles, fading discolouration, minimising acne). But the potential side effects sometimes deter people. I’ve unpacked everything there is to know about the iconic skincare product, from how it works to products to pair it with for a maximised routine. My skin is brighter and smoother since using the retinal consistently Is retinal stronger than retinol? Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are both forms of Vitamin A, but the main difference between the two is the journey the ingredients take to become retinoic acid. Retinal only uses one step (while retinol needs two), making it stronger and up to 11 times faster-acting. Most read in Fabulous The reason retinol is more commonly used in skincare is because it’s less irritating, but Medik8 has mastered delivering retinal’s rapid results without the high irritation. Which products can I use with retinal? Understanding which skincare products can be used together can be a challenge, but we’re here to break it down. As retinal is a strong Vitamin A derivative, pairing it with the correct products can maximise its impact while minimising irritation. The best skincare companions for retinal are soothing and hydrating. Hyaluronic acid and gylcerin work to keep any dryness caused by retinal at bay, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier. Peptides, ceramides, and panthenol (B5) are all great companions, while SPF is a must when using retinal. As retinal accelerates cell turnover (therefore improving texture and fine lines), it means the skin is therefore more vulnerable to UV. Retinal should only be applied and night, while SPF should be used every morning. Products to avoid when use retinal in a routine include BHA (salicylic acid) and AHA (glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids). Acids are exfoliants that can caused irritation and a damaged skin barrier if used on the same day as retinal (or if overused), so it’s best to space use out (or avoid them completely). Vitamin C is also advised against using in the same night as retinal, as the layering them can cancel one another out. Medik8 Crystal Retinal strengths Beauty fans can choose from six Crystal Retinal options. They increase in strength from ‘sensitive’ to ‘expert’, and there’s a Crystal Match quiz available on the brand’s website to help identify the best fit. I use Crystal Retinal 6 (after starting on Crystal Retinal 3), but not everyone needs to keep progressing up the ladder, and many skincare fans stick with 6 if it’s working for their skin. Strength options to choose from: Crystal Retinal 1 (sensitive): 0.01% retinaldehyde Crystal Retinal 3 (beginner): 0.03% retinaldehyde Crystal Retinal 6 (regular): 0.06% retinaldehyde Crystal Retinal 10 (advanced): 0.10% retinaldehyde Crystal Retinal 20 (experienced): 0.20% retinaldehyde Crystal Retinal 24 (expert): 0.24% retinaldehyde Is there a colourless retinal? Retinal has a strong pigment, which is why every product in the ladder has some form of colour. Retinaldehyde in its purest form is a bright orange colour, similar to Medik8’s advanced options (as it has a higher concentration of the active). The lower strengths resemble pink and yellow shades as they have a lighter concentration. When using the retinal with a high concentration, it’s best to leave some time after application before getting into bed to minimise the risk of stained sheets. What is skin purging? As it’s a powerful, active ingredient, Vitamin A can cause what’s known as ‘purging’ when it’s first introduced to a skincare routine. Purging is when the skin temporarily breaks out as a result of Vitamin A use. The ingredient speeds up cell turnover, encouraging clogged pores (which become spots) to rise to the surface faster. A common misconception is that the skincare is creating new breakouts, but it’s actually just bringing looming spots and blackheads to the surface at an increased rate. Along with breakouts, changes to the skin can also include dryness and slight irritation, which should all subside within around eight weeks. Purging isn’t guaranteed though, and gradually building up the amount of applications per week is the best way to keep reactions to a minimum. Prices for the retinal start from £45 on the Medik8 site Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum, £69 Medik8 r-Retinoate vs. Crystal Retinal Retinol is more commonly seen in products because retinal presents some challenges in the formulation process. Its formula can stop working if it’s exposed to air or light, which is why Medik8 created a patented ‘crystal’ retinal system that protects it. Instead of powerful Vitamin A being applied to the skin at once, the crystal technology gradually releases the ingredient to the skin overnight to minimise irritation. While retinal should only be applied at night (and is available in a progressive ladder), Medik8’s r-Retinoate is even faster-acting and can be used day and night. Retinaldehyde is one of the forms of Vitamin A that breaks down in sunlight, while r-Retinoate doesn’t have the same sensitivity to sunlight. R-Retinoate is popular with mature, dry and sensitive skin types, but it comes with a high-end price tag at £229. If you’re struggling to decide what to buy, read my Medik8 Liquid Peptides review and my deep-dive into the Medik8 PDRN serum that improved my fine lines in three weeks. Don't miss out... Comment now