Medik8 seems to have taken the skincare industry by storm, just pop Medik8 into your search bar and watch as a myriad of articles appear. Countless celebrities, skin therapists and beauty bloggers testifying their absolute must-haves, can't-live-withouts and swear-bys. According to one article, Medik8’s Vitamin C product R-Retinoate Intense sold out in 12 hours flat! So who exactly are Medik8?
Founded in 2009, Medik8 is the brainchild of British scientist Elliot Isaac who set out to find the solution to anti-aging, or at least to demystify anti-aging skincare. Isaac found that this comes down to a simple routine: ‘vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night’. This is now formally known as the ‘CSA’ philosophy. Sounds simple enough, but how does this actually work?
Let’s start with the Vitamin C. Our skin is constantly fighting free radicals, so we need to protect our skin with antioxidants to deter these nasty molecules. You might have already guessed it, but well-formulated, stabilised Vitamin C is full of antioxidants that form a protective barrier against harmful environmental aggressors causing signs of aging. Vitamin C also encourages the production of collagen and intercepts the development of pigmentation resulting in a smoother, brighter skin. Applying Vitamin C in the morning is going to set you up for a day of protection against the elements.
For those that want a paired down skin routine, this Vitamin C moisturiser contains SPF 30 to combine both elements of the CS of the CSA philosophy. A silky, non-greasy cashmere texture providing UV protection and anti-aging results.
It may seem a little strange to be applying sunscreen on a cloudy day or in the middle of the winter but UV rays don’t just come out when the sun’s shining. Those harmful rays are still penetrable through windows, through the rain, and even when it’s snowing we can still be exposed to UV rays. According to Medik8, it is estimated that 80% of skin aging is caused by the sun, so it’s really important that we protect ourselves from daily sun damage.
As well as the Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C that contains SPF30, you could try...
Medik8’s most advanced day cream, an all day protection against free radicals with SPF 30 and 5* UVA protection in a lightweight moisturiser. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced whilst preventing future skin aging.
And finally, let’s look at the benefits of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is hailed as the ‘gold-standard of anti-aging’ which is why it’s a key part of Medik8’s unique CSA philosophy. When Vitamin A is applied it encourages new skin cells to the surface of the skin creating a smoother, youthful complexion, it increases collagen production to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, decreases melanin production and sebum production for a brighter, blemish-free skin and (as if it needed another benefit…) it encourages overall skin health. Need I say anymore?
It’s worth noting that as brilliant as Vitamin A is, it doesn’t come without its problems. When Vitamin A is released too quickly to the skin it can cause irritation such as stinging, itching or peeling. Medik8 have taken this problem and found a solution. All of their serums containing Vitamin A have a unique Time Release (TR™) technology that ensures the Vitamin A is delivered gradually to ensure your skin doesn’t become irritated. This means that even the most sensitive skins can use Vitamin A. (If your pregnant or nursing Medik8 have formulated Bakuchiol Peptides* - an alternative to Vitamin A with proven anti-aging results)
Each Vitamin A product range contains different strengths of Vitamin A. If you are new to using the product you should start with the lowest strength and gradually increase it.
Known as Medik8’s ‘Classic Vitamin A’ this little bottle of serum has proven results for a younger looking skin. Working whilst you’re sleeping this formula helps your skin’s regeneration cycle to restore radiance. You can phase in more Retinol with products Retinol Serum 6TR and Retinol Serum 10TR.
“Retinol application should be phased in gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. Consult a doctor if breastfeeding or pregnant.”
Medik8’s most recent discovery in Vitamin A. Retinal will deliver results 11 times faster than Retinol. Crystal Retinal contains Hyaluronic acid to give your skin that extra hydration too.
“Crystal Retinal application should be phased in gradually, and only used in the evening. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night.”
Stable Retinal Night Serum Gentle-Strength Vitamin A
Stable Retinal Night Serum Medium-Strength Vitamin A
Stable Retinal Night Serum Super-Strength Vitamin A
Medik8 have formulated an alternative Vitamin A product for those that can't use retinol e.g. when you're nursing or breastfeeding*. The plant based alternative contains Brightening Peptide Precursors to block the production of melanin for a visibly brighter skin tone and Centella Asiatica which is a naturally-derived anti-inflammatory with wonderful healing benefits for the skin. “*Of course, due to ethical considerations the Bakuchiol Peptides formula has not been tested on pregnant women, but there is nothing in the formula which is known to be an issue (eg vitamin A or high levels of exfoliating acids). If you are at all concerned, always consult your doctor.”
After cleansing in the morning and evening, massage 6 drops of Bakuchiol Peptides across the face, neck and décolletage.
Medik8 is a relatively young skin-care brand with an emphasis on anti-aging, all whilst pursuing being ‘the world's most sustainable professional-led skincare brand.’ These guys have big plans.
The 100% vegan, cruelty free, no-nasty-ingredients brand are working on several initiatives to ensure their sustainability. From September 2019, all professional Medik8 products in a plastic bottle have been made from 100% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material. Not only does this mean they are recyclable, it means they have been made using 100% recycled materials, and in this case it’s plastic drinks bottles that would have ended up in landfill.
However, this wasn’t enough for Medik8, they wanted to take this further and so have set themselves a goal to provide products in bottles that are completely sourced from ocean plastic (plastic found in the ocean), which as we know, is causing catastrophic damage to sea animals and their homes.
Without compromising on results, Medik8 is passionate about providing purse-friendly products whilst delivering scientific-led products. Think Medik8 is the brand for you?
You can shop Medik8 at Jersey Beauty Company here.
