Reviewed: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Collection
Retinol has become one of those staple skincare ingredients that everyone works into or wants to incorporate into their skincare routine. But when it comes to usingretinoland its derivatives and reaping the benefits, using one dosed appropriately to benefit your skin is key to preventing a compromised skin barrier, the dreaded purge, and all the unwanted side effects retinol can offer. That's whereretinaldehyde, a vitamin A derivative precursor to retinoic acid, like Medik8's Crystal Retinal Collection, comes into play. As a brand,Medik8 is globally renowned for creating age-defying, retinaldehyde-powered skincare that delivers stellar results without compromising the skin, and the Crystal Retinal collection offers stronger, faster wrinkle reduction with just one tube.
In this Article:
- What is Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- Key Ingredients in the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Collection
- What Are the Benefits
- How to Apply Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- How to Incorporate it in Your Skin Care Routine
- Which Retinal Strength is Best For You
- FAQs
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Connie Yang, board-certified dermatologist, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist
- Dan Isaacs, Medik8’s Chief Product Officer
What is Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Unlike traditional retinol creams and serums, Medik8 Crystal Retinol is unique in its formulation. Although it is part of the vitamin A family, its molecular structure is different, which allows it to work faster for better results. Retinol must first convert to retinal and then retinoic acid to become active and work its magic. However, with Medik8 Crystal Retinal, retinol does not need to convert into retinal (or retinaldehyde) since it's already there from the get-go.
This revolutionary, award-winning night serum is also B CorpTM certified and globally renowned for its ability to deliver results without compromise. Formulated with retinaldehyde rather than retinol (retinaldehyde is 11 times faster acting on the skin than retinol) there’s also no irritation, either. It is clinically proven to smooth, brighten and firm skin with just one tube, and delivers maximum potency from first use to last.
As Dr. Yang explains, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal serums come in six progressive strengths, making anti-aging accessible to all skin types. That means there's a concentration for everyone and every skin type and tolerance. The benefits of various strengths allow you to continue to experience the benefits of retinaldehyde at the best rate for your skin while tackling stubborn fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
The strongest version is Crystal Retinal 24, which contains crystal-encapsulated 0.24% retinal. It is clinically proven to act 11 times faster than regular retinol to visibly smooth, brighten, and firm the skin, improve the skin's texture and tone, and encourage collagen production. It provides the most powerful age-defying results without a prescription. “The pinnacle of the Crystal Retinal ladder, Crystal Retinal 24 is designed for expert users looking for the very best in clinically proven age defying results,” says Dr. Isaacs. “With 0.24% Retinal, featuring our unique crystal encapsulation technology, it’s clinically proven to act 11 times faster than retinol to visibly smooth, brighten, and firm the skin.”
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Key Ingredients in the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Collection
Retinaldehyde (or retinal): A form of vitamin A known to work up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol and is further along the vitamin A pathway than retinol and just one conversion step away from becoming retinoic acid, so it works faster on the skin. Retinaldehyde (which is the same as retinal, an abbreviated version of the word) is a supercharged and innovative form of retinoid that works extremely well to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin texture, and loss of firmness, all without irritation, redness, dryness, or compromising the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: As a key skin hydrator, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin to hydrate it, leaving it visibly nourished and plump.
What Are the Benefits of Using Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Reduced wrinkles: Regularly applying Medik8 Crystal Retinal to the skin can reduce wrinkles by up to 20% for fast wrinkle reduction and smoother skin.
It works fast: With traditional retinol, the visible results and improvement in the skin can take upwards of three months to be seen. However, because retinaldehyde bypasses the typical conversion process, it works 11 times faster than retinol. That means you'll notice brighter, smoother skin in just seven days!
Brightens discoloration: One of many benefits of using retinaldehyde on the skin is its ability to speed up skin cell turnover, helping to brighten discoloration for more evenly toned skin.
Increases elasticity: All variations of retinol, retinaldehyde included, increase collagen levels within the skin, giving way to plumper, firmer, more elastic skin. But Medik8 Crystal Retinal differs in that it improves elasticity in four weeks—far faster!
Several formulations exist: Whether your skin is sensitive or you have used vitamin A-derived skincare products for years, there are multiple different levels of formulations to choose from, so there's something for everyone. “The retinal ladder system includes six progressive strengths making it easier to find one suitable for your skin type. I recommend the new launch of Crystal Retinal 24 to expert retinal users,” Dr. Engelman says.
“These benefits are then boosted by our internationally patented stability system which ensures maximum retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop, all while remaining gentle, even on sensitive skin,” Dr. Isaac shares.
How to Apply Medik8 Crystal Retinal
After cleansing the skin in the evening, apply two pumps of Medik8 Crystal Retinal to the face and neck. After it has fully absorbed into the skin, apply your eye cream and a moisturizer designed for use with vitamin A products.
If you are new to using retinal, start slowly and only use the product twice weekly for the first two weeks and then every other night for the next two weeks. "Then, as your skin develops tolerance with each tube, you can gradually work your way up the ladder of strengths," Dr. Yang shares. If your skin is used to retinal, Dr. Engelman recommends strength 6. But if you are a new retinal user, she suggests starting at strength 3. “The slow-release formula makes Crystal Retinal special because it protects this skin from irritation,” she adds. Always apply sunscreen in the morning to protect the skin from becoming sun-sensitive.
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How to Incorporate Medik8 Crystal Retinal into Your Routine
No matter your skin type and experience with retinoids, Crystal Retinal suits almost everyone. The best way to begin incorporating it into your regular skincare routine is by starting with a concentration appropriate for your skin type. If you're unsure how your skin will react or are new to using retinal, a low concentration is often best. "For most people who are new to retinoids, I recommend starting at strength 3, which contains 0.03% retinaldehyde," Dr. Yang says. "Experienced retinoid users can start with strength 6, while those with sensitive skin should start with strength 1."
Start by applying a thin layer to the skin, avoiding more sensitive areas and mucus membranes. If you are new to retinal, you'll want to introduce it slowly and give the skin ample time to acclimate to the ingredient. It's critical to only use Crystal Retinal at night, before bed, to reduce the risk of increased sun sensitivity.
If your skin is naturally dry or sensitive, try mixing retinal with your face moisturizer and then applying it to the skin for a gentler application. You can also try the sandwich method, which consists of applying a layer of moisturizer first, then retinal, and then another layer of moisturizer on top.
If you want to move up to the next strength, it’s best to wait until you have fully used up one tube of Crystal Retinal.
How to Choose the Right Medik8 Crystal Retinal Product
When it comes to finding the right Medik8 Crystal Retinal product for you, there are a few things to consider. For starters, the strength of the retinal product should be a top priority, so select the most appropriate one for your skin. You can always start on the low end and work up to a more potent version without experiencing irritation.
Beginners new to retinal and retinoids should always begin with strengths 1 or 3, regular retinoid users strength 6, advanced retinoid users strength 10, experienced users strength 20, and expert users strength 24. Hydrating ingredients are added to each formulation to help offset any potential dryness, but you can always layer on your favorite moisturizer.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Medik8 retinol and retinal?
Retinol and retinal are derived from vitamin A, but their molecular differences make them stand apart. Like retinol, retinal is also a retinoid and form of vitamin A. But unlike retinol, it's further along the vitamin A pathway, and only one conversion step away from becoming retinoic acid. This allows retinal to work faster on the skin. However, retinal degrades quickly and is more difficult to stabilize, which is why most retinal products on the market don't deliver noticeable results as Medik8 does.
What are the side effects of Medik8 Crystal Retinal?
If your skin is new to retinal, it's normal to experience some mild irritation, redness, or dryness, particularly if you use too much of the product, use it too frequently, or apply the wrong strength for your skin. However, with Medik8 Crystal Retinal, there is a reduced potential for irritation thanks to the brand's time release and stabilization technologies, which cut down on unwanted side effects.
How long does it take for Medik8 Crystal Retinal to work?
Since retinaldehyde is proven to work faster than standard retinol, you will see results sooner than you will with other retinol creams and serums. In clinical trials and studies, Crystal Retinal was shown to reduce wrinkles and lead to visibly smoother skin as soon as seven days and improved skin elasticity in four weeks.
Can I use Medik8 Crystal Retinal every day?
Using Crystal Retinal nightly is safe if your skin can tolerate it. That's why the brand recommends gradually increasing the strength of each finished tube. For those new to retinal, it's best to start by using Crystal Retinal twice a week for the first two weeks and then every other night thereafter.
The Bottom Line
Just because retinol-based products may have made your skin red, dry, or irritated in the past doesn't mean you'll have the same experience with Medik8 Crystal Retinal. It's formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep the skin balanced and healthy, and the brand's step ladder system ensures that the unwanted side effects of vitamin A-derived products won't happen while using the products. If you want your skin to reap the benefits of retinol but in a faster and more controlled way, Medik8 Crystal Retinal is the way to do it.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
