Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
MEDIK8’s age-defying formulas have long been on beauty fans’ and industry insiders’ holy grail lists.
But for skincare novices understanding which of the brand’s super serums, retinoids and other skin-loving products to use and when can be a minefield.
Layering Medik8’s professional-grade products can help combat many skin issues
Medik8 Retinoids & skincare actives
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You’ll first need to have a clear understanding of the Medik8 products that work well together – and the ones that don’t.
Medik8’s professional-grade formulas are developed with dermatologists and backed by the brand’s own clinical testing.
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And layering them correctly can prevent common skin concerns like acne, irritation, redness, and signs of ageing.
Retinol or retinal — what’s the difference?
Retinol and retinal are both retinoids, which is the umbrella term for the vitamin A derivatives used in skincare.
The difference is how fast your skin can put them to work.
Every retinoid has to convert into retinoic acid before it does anything, and retinal sits one step closer to that finish line than retinol.
Medik8 says that head start is why its retinal acts up to 11 times faster than standard retinol.
Crystal Retinal, the brand’s award-winning night serum, is a retinal rather than a retinol — worth knowing if you’ve been shopping by the word on the front of the box.
It comes in six strengths from £45, so you can start gently and build up.
Can you use retinol and niacinamide together?
The award-winning Crystal Retinal vitamin A night serum is available in several strengths Credit: MEDIK8
Crystal Retinal, from £45
Yes, retinoids and niacinamide can safely be used in the same routine.
That includes retinal, the form of vitamin A used in Crystal Retinal.
These active ingredients are a synergistic pairing, which means they work together to enhance each other’s performance.
When layered, they deliver better results than when used separately.
Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, and reduces the appearance of redness and irritation.
It also helps to minimise the appearance of visible hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and pores, and protects the skin from the dryness a retinoid can cause.
Can you use retinol and azelaic acid together?
The Blemish SOS is great for acne sufferers
Blemish SOS™ Rapid Action Target Gel, £25
If you want to use a retinoid and azelaic acid together, apply the products at different times of day.
Retinol and retinal are both forms of vitamin A, which brighten, firm and smooth the skin while targeting visible signs of ageing.
Azelaic acid, on the other hand, offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and brightening benefits.
Both actives also help to target acne and address hyperpigmentation, though layering them together can trigger dryness.
Skincare fans can use an azelaic acid-infused formula in the morning and retinol in the evening.
To prevent dryness, you can also alternate usage or use formulated buffers.
Medik8’s Blemish SOS is a useful shortcut here, since it pairs azelaic acid with 2% salicylic acid and niacinamide in one targeted gel.
Can you use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together?
The Press & Clear helps clear pores, blackheads and blemishes Credit: Medik8
Press & Clear, £35
Retinoids and benzoyl peroxide should not be used at the same time.
When used together, benzoyl peroxide can oxidise unprotected vitamin A, which makes the retinoid less effective and the skin more likely to react.
To safely use both actives, you can add benzoyl peroxide products to your morning routine and apply retinol before bedtime.
Skincare fans can also opt for encapsulated retinal, which Medik8 uses in Crystal Retinal to keep the vitamin A stable in the tube.
In the morning, a BHA formula like Medik8’s Press and Clear daily tonic offers a gentler route to clearer pores without adding a second vitamin A step.
BHAs are chemical exfoliants with pore-clearing benefits that work well for very sensitive skin and for those who can’t tolerate retinol or want to alternate retinol use.
