Medik8’s approach to skin care is all about simplicity and science. Centring around its tried-and-tested ‘CSA philosophy’ (we’ll get into that further down), the brand believes that every good regime should include three fundamental ingredients – vitamin C, SPF and vitamin A. Just as efficient as it is effective, these signature steps not only tackle fine lines and pigmentation but keep your complexion looking visibly brighter.
Paying homage to the skin care specialist, here at Cult Beauty we’ve uncovered everything you need to know about the brand – from its history to how to use its various retinols and more. Your latest beauty obsession awaits…
In This Article:
THE STORY BEHIND MEDIK8
Founded in 2009 by scientists – and siblings – Elliot and Daniel Isaacs, the first threads of Medik8 were spun when Elliot backpacked across Asia for four years, instilling within him a passion to create a luxury brand that refocused ethics and sustainability to the frontline of skincare without sacrificing on scientific efficacy. Armed with an education in physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry, Elliot experimented with crafting innovative formulations in the humble confines of his fathers – affectionately christened ‘The Shed’ – just outside London. Uniting scientific expertise with a shared vision to create science-led, efficacious and fuss-free formulations that would be touted by dermatologists and editors across the globe, the brothers officially launched Medik8 in 2009.WHAT IS MEDIK8’S CSA PHILOSOPHY
Medik8’s not so secret, secret to glowing skin? The brand’s pioneering CSA philosophy. The routine is as follows: vitamin C and sunscreen by day and vitamin A by night. Simple yet sophisticated, these three steps not only reduce the appearance of fine lines but smoothen and brighten complexions at the same time. With that in mind, it’s time to get up close and personal with the ultimate triple threat…
C-TETRA ADVANCED: MEDIK8's NEXT-GENERATION SERUM
Continually evolving its skincare portfolio, Medik8 identified an opportunity to develop a high-performance vitamin C that was non-oily, fast-absorbing, and enhanced the skin with featherlight radiance. Concluding in C-Tetra Advanced, this gel-serum emulsion is powered by an ultra-gentle form of stabilised vitamin C, also known as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is expertly formulated with plant-derived exosomes to support barrier function. It’s also enriched with omni-antioxidant acetyl zingerone, a ginger-derived, potent antioxidant proven to accelerate vitamin C’s brightening abilities, block pollution particles and strengthen the skin’s natural defences. As Dan Isaacs, Chief Product Officer, tells us: “Traditional high-strength vitamin C serums can degrade or irritate the skin before they even get to work. C-Tetra Advanced is expertly formulated to maintain potency from the first drop to the last.” Suitable for all skin types, this multitasking serum hydrates, primes, and protects, defending against early signs of dullness, uneven texture, and environmental stress for visibly rapid results.THE SCIENCE BEHIND EXOSOMES IN C-TETRA ADVANCED
In its very essence, exosomes are nature’s way of sending text messages between cells. Released by plants, humans and animals, these microscope messengers carry a cocktail of vital data in the form of peptides, nutrients, and other bioactives that can exert powerful, targeted benefits on the skin. C-Tetra Advanced is supercharged with plant exosomes derived from green tea, carefully selected for their hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, which work in perfect synergy with high-strength vitamin C to help reduce visible signs of ageing through supporting healthier-looking, more resilient skin. Plant exosomes are naturally encapsulated by design, protecting the important nutrients they carry until they reach the skin — allowing for faster and more effective results compared to traditional plant extracts.
HOW DOES C-TETRA ADVANCED FIT INTO MEDIK8’S VITAMIN C PORTFOLIO?
The superstar of any morning skincare ritual, Vitamin C is your shortcut to luminous, protected and healthy skin. As an exceptional antioxidant, Vitamin C neutralises the effects of free radicals – harmful molecules generated by UV radiation, blue light and pollution – preventing cellular damage and visible signs of premature ageing. Widely extolled for its ability to stimulate the skin’s own collagen system, Vitamin C softens the appearance of fine lines, while foiling the pigment-producing factories that spark brown spots, promoting a brighter, more revitalised complexion. Vitamin C can be highly unstable and prone to oxidation, meaning its effectiveness is rapidly compromised when exposed to factors like air, heat and light. That’s where Medik8 has cracked the code. Leaders in Vitamin C, the brand meticulously crafts each formula with a stabilised form of the ingredient to preserve its potency until the very last drop. Here, we break down Medik8’s C-Tetra serums and suggested formulas for each skin type. C-Tetra: 7% Vitamin C – The perfect introductory to the C-Tetra line, this lightweight oil combines 7% Vitamin C with Vitamin E for optimal results in a gentle, non-irritating formulation suitable for sensitive skin.
C-Tetra Luxe: 14% Vitamin C – This rich, oil-based serum contains twice the concentration of Medik8’s original C-Tetra serum, featuring a potent 14% of Vitamin C. Enhanced with a nourishing base of squalane and brightening red ginseng, it revitalises the skin for supercharged radiance – ideal for dry or dehydrated skin types experiencing the first signs of ageing.
Super C Ferulic 20% Vitamin C – Medik8’s most concentrated form of Vitamin C, this targeted treatment is designed for mature skin presenting advanced signs of sun-induced ageing. Boosted by Vitamin E and turmeric root extract, this intense, active serum delivers swift, visible results on fine lines, dark spots and uneven tone. Due to its potency, it’s not recommended for sensitive skin types.
SHOP ALL VITAMIN C >>>VITAMIN A THE MEDIK8 WAY…
When integrating vitamin A into your skin care routine, there are a few things that need to be considered. For example, if you’re new to the ingredient or suffer from sensitive skin, you may experience some mild irritation, redness or dryness.
However, always thinking one step ahead, Medik8's retinal (not to be confused with retinol) alleviates these skin care concern with its signature time release and stabilisation technologies. Effectively reducing its potential for irritation, all the brand’s retinal formulas are specifically designed to release the product gradually into the skin throughout the night for a comforted complexion – rather than all at once. Want to know how retinol and retinal differ? Get everything you need to know in our guide here. But, as always with this powerhouse ingredient, it’s important to phase it into your routine. Keep scrolling to uncover Medik8’s advice on how to do this.
- To begin with, use an entry-level strength retinol. While most complexions can start with Crystal Retinal 3, we recommend those who suffer from sensitivity to utilise Crystal Retinal 1.
- Apply your chosen strength twice a week at night for the first two weeks, before moving onto every other night for a further two weeks. After this, your skin should be ready for nightly application.
- Once your skin has built up its tolerance, you can them move up to a higher strength of retinol – we’re talking from Crystal Retinal 6 to 10.
- Then, if you have been comfortably experiencing Crystal Retinal 10 every night for 3 months (AKA completed 2 full tubes) without experiencing any sensitivity you can even move up to the brand’s highest strength yet, Crystal Retinal 20.
VITAMIN A
Also known as retinol, vitamin A works hard to keep breakouts and blemishes at bay while promoting natural moisturisation. And while it’s a great addition to your routine, not all skin types can tolerate retinol in the same way. However, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal range offers various expertly stabilised strengths – boosting a solution for each skin type (don’t worry we’re just about to get into this).
SHOP ALL VITAMIN A >>>SUNSCREEN
Without sounding like a broken record, SPF is non-negotiable. Why? Because UV rays can easily penetrate through clouds and glass, resulting in sun damage (we’re talking redness, irritation you know the drill). Sunscreens essentially shield skin against these effects and in turn help maintain a healthy-looking complexion. But going on step further, Medik8’s Advance Daily Ultimate Protect collection is specially formulated to ensure broad-spectrum protection while also meeting a high PA++++ rating (a measuring factor that looks at how long it takes for a tanning effect to occur).
SHOP ALL SUNSCREEN >>>THE BEST MEDIK8 PRODUCTS
Now you know the ins and outs of Medik8’s CSA philosophy and how to use these solutions the right way, it’s time to introduce some of the brand’s other skin care superstars…
Soft, smooth and irresistibly silky, Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil melts away stubborn make up, pollutants and impurities – without stripping your complexion of its natural oils. It features an optimised ratio of lipids that mimic and replenish the skin’s natural defence barrier, revealing supple, refreshed, radiant and moisturised skin.
Ever heard of a toner that gently exfoliates, resurfaces, hydrates and smooths without irritating sensitive complexions, drying or leaving any sticky residue? You have now! Cue: Medik8’s Press and Glow Tonic. Filled with PHAs (which have larger molecule sizes than AHAs and BHAs) and infused with aloe vera, this solution is suitable for sensitive skin. Oh, and did we mention it now comes in a refill solution too?
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides is a lightweight serum powered by different types of. Boosting elasticity and smoothing the look of fine lines, its peptide complex works to firm and plump skin, and block skin-damaging sugars. The results? A complexion that appears supple, smooth and soothed.
Quenching your complexion’s thirst while unveiling an illuminous glow, Medik8’s Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream supports your skin’s barrier by locking in some much-appreciated moisture. Powered by its blend of peptides, the featherweight formula removes excess oil for refreshed and replenished results.
An antioxidant-rich night cream, Medik8’s Advanced Night Restore works to remove daily aggressors and deeply replenish your skin while you're catching your much-needed shut-eye. Starring a cocktail of saskatoon berry and dragon fruit extract, it nourishes your skin with a buffet of nutrients. What’s more, it acts as the ideal perfect top coat to seal in your retinol serum allowing you to wake looking wonderfully rested with pillow-soft skin.
Specially formulated to brighten, hydrate and smooth, Medik8’s C-Tetra Eye Serum is a hardworking hero that your peepers will thank you for! Fusing vitamins C and E, the lightweight formula keeps your contours looking and feeling fresh – no matter what you got up to last night.
MORE MEDIK8 SKIN CARE
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