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A 101 GUIDE TO MEDIK8

bottle of Medik8 product Medik8’s approach to {skin care} is all about simplicity and science – two words we love to hear in the skin care world! It centres on their tried-and-tested ‘CSA philosophy’ – that’s vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning, and vitamin A (AKA retinol) at night – super simple yet super effective. Their routines are aimed at mature skin and result in healthy skin and youthful-looking complexions.

The brand was founded in 2009 by Elliot Isaacs, who created an anti-redness product for his family and fell in love with cosmeceuticals, before building a tiny lab in the back of his dad’s pharmacy in north London. With a background in physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry – plus fifteen years of experience with developing professional-grade skincare products – Medik8 presents formulas you can trust. It’s a brand with real heart, not just because of its family values, but because it also champions sustainability, cleaner oceans and less waste.

If you’re wondering what to buy from {Medik8}, we’re on hand with our recommended products below, chosen by Cult Concierge expert {Sarah}. Keep reading to discover the best Medik8 products for your personal skin type, and learn from our expert tips on how to use Medik8 for the very best results.

BEST MEDIK8 RETINOL PRODUCTS

{Medik8 r-Retinoate Day and Night Serum}:

for 24/7 anti-ageing

This day and night {serum} has been designed to reveal clearer, brighter and more youthful skin. It’s powered by retinyl retinoate – a form of vitamin A that’s reportedly a whopping eight times more powerful than retinol – to help stimulate collagen synthesis and support cell regeneration. Vitamin C helps the collagen production on its way and protects your skin from free radicals, and vitamin E is on hand to support with shielding your skin and promoting a supple finish. Last but not least, hyaluronic acid floods skin with intense hydration. Expect fine lines and wrinkles to appear visibly softened and pigmentation to be noticeably reduced in just four weeks (with even more improvement over time).

{Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10}:

a year-reversing superstar

Medik8’s Crystal Retinal features a unique crystal structure that ensures stability and maximum absorption while mitigating the risk of irritation. It comes in a choice of four strengths to suit your skin’s needs and tolerance (1, 3, 6 and 10), but we had to choose level 10 as one of our top Medik8 retinol products for its potency and top-tier radiance-boosting, clarifying and retexturising effects. It’s the perfect formula for those eager to accelerate their age-reversing journey.

Scroll down for top tips on how to use retinol.

BEST MEDIK8 VITAMIN C PRODUCTS

{Medik8 Super C Ferulic}:

the most powerful dose of vitamin C

Potent and punchy, the Super C Ferulic is a concentrated vitamin C antioxidant serum. In fact, it’s Medik8’s most powerful vitamin C! Ultra-brightening and super-strong, this formula introduces vitamin E too and works to boost luminosity, protect you from environmental and sun damage and prolong your youthful complexion. Turmeric root extract leaves the complexion radiant and revitalised, while botanical oils provide even more antioxidant protection. What’s more, it’s lightweight and dry-touch, so it won’t leave you feeling sticky.

{Medik8 C-Tetra Serum 30ml}:

for sensitive skin types

Vitamins C and E are combined in this Holy Grail serum to (a) visibly stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, (b) brighten and balance skin tone and (c) protect your skin from premature ageing (and breathe!). It harnesses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – an uber-effective source of vitamin C that not only allows for deeper penetration, but results in less irritation, which is super important for sensitive skin types.

BEST MEDIK8 CLEANSERS

{Medik8 Lipid – Balance Cleansing Oil}:

an anti-pollution cleanser

Soft, smooth and irresistibly silky, this cleansing oil melts away stubborn {make up}, pollutants and impurities without stripping your skin 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. Combine this with hydrating vitamin E, which works to neutralise any damaging free radicals that you encounter throughout the day, and you’ve got a tasty recipe for protected, rebalanced skin.

{Medik8 Micellar Mousse}:

an alternative take on micellar water

Your go-to make up-melting formula, but not as you know it… this innovative micellar mousse is an ultra-gentle, hydrating cleanser that’s saturated with olive oil-infused micelles that lift away impurities to reveal purified, replenished and comforted skin. We’re obsessed!

BEST MEDIK8 TONERS

{Medik8 Press and Glow Tonic}:

a toner with a twist

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! PHAs (which have larger molecule sizes than AHAs and BHAs) make this toner suitable for sensitive skin, especially with the help of comforting aloe vera. Prickly pear extract joins the cocktail as an enzyme activator – encouraging cell turnover and granting you the ultimate glow.

BEST MEDIK8 SERUMS 

{Medik8 Liquid Peptides}:

a melting pot of peptides

This lightweight serum is powered by different types of peptides (making up a 30% peptide complex) to boost elasticity and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This uber-collaborative peptide complex works to stimulate collagen synthesis, firm and plump skin, block skin-damaging sugars and minimise expression lines (go team!). The results? Your skin appears supple, youthful and beautifully smooth!

BEST MEDIK8 MOISTURISERS

{Medik8 Ultimate Recovery}:

an SOS for damaged skin

Whether your skin is damaged from daily wear and tear or from aesthetic treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, Ultimate Recovery is on hand to protect you. This supercharged skin repair cream creates a shield to protect skin from everyday irritants while locking in moisture, calming and comforting, and boosting the skin’s ability to heal after inflammation. Think of it as a soothing, healing hug for your skin when you need it most.

BEST MEDIK8 NIGHT CREAMS

{Medik8 Advanced Night Restore}:

wake up to pillow-soft skin

This advanced antioxidant night cream works to scavenge the daily aggressors and deeply replenish your skin while you’re catching your much-needed zzzs. Starring a holy trinity of saskatoon berry, a cell-repairing peptide and dragon fruit extract, it helps to undo the day’s damage and nourish your skin with a buffet of nutrients. This is the perfect top coat for your retinol serum, and you’ll wake looking wonderfully rested with plumped-up, pillow-soft skin.

BEST MEDIK8 EYE CREAMS

{Medik8 C-Tetra Eye Serum}:

Specially formulated to brighten, hydrate, smooth and rejuvenate, all while preventing free radical damage and reducing irritation, this eye serum is a hardworking hero that your eyes will fall in love with! Vitamins C and E work in harmony in a lightweight formula that keeps your contours looking and feeling fantastic! That’s your daytime eye serum sorted, then…

{Medik8 Advanced Night Eye}:

And by night, trust in Medik8’s Advanced Night Eye. Firming, smoothing and revitalising thanks to a replenishing and strengthening blend of actives, you’ll wake looking wonderfully (and enviably) rested with plump, firm and wide-awake eyes.

BEST MEDIK8 SUNSCREEN

{Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30} :

Deflect the harmful impact of the sun and daily stressors (think pollution, blue light and A.G.E technologies) with the help of this broad spectrum SPF 30 moisturiser. Pair it with {Medik8 Advanced Day Eye Protect} for extra protection around the delicate eye area – the perfect final step in your morning skin care routine.

CLICK TO SEE THE BEST MEDIK8 PRODUCTS FOR YOU SKIN TYPE:

Acne Prone Skin

Oily Skin

Dry Skin

Sensitive Skin

Pigmented Skin

Best Medic8 Products for Acne Prone Skin

model with acne on her cheeks

Medik8 Pore Minimising Tonic

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum

Best Medic8 Products for Oily Skin Skin

close up of a models cheeks and eyes

Medik8 Lipid – Balance Cleansing Oil

Medik8 Balance Moisturiser and Glycolic Acid Activator (buy the two as a bundle!)

 

Best Medic8 Products for Dry Skin

close up of a dark skinned male models cheeks

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense

Medik8 Mutiny Lip Balm

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

 

Best Medic8 Products for Sensitive Skin

close up of a dark haired model and her skin

Medik8 Micellar Mousse

Medik8 Ultimate Recovery

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

 

Best Medic8 Products for Pigmentation

close up of a medium skinned model with breakouts

Medik8 Super C Ferulic

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+

Medik8 Sleep Glycolic Serum

HOW TO USE MEDIK8

Here are some tips from Sarah on how to use Medik8:

  1. With any new skin care routine, it can take a minimum of 28 days before you see any changes in your skin. This is roughly how long it takes for our skin cells to renew. It will take slightly longer before you start to see the real results, but hang tight, it’ll be worth it!
  2. We don’t advise using any retinoid products during pregnancy, but many of the other products from Medik8 are suitable to use while pregnant. The following would make a great routine when you’re expecting a baby (and while breastfeeding):

If you have any concerns then please check with your GP before making any changes.

  1. We always advise phasing in any retinoid products. Start by applying them no more than two evenings per week for the first two weeks, building up to every other evening if your skin is reacting well. After another two weeks, you can make the jump to every evening if your skin is tolerant enough. With Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serums, you can start on level 3 and use this bottle up before moving onto level 6 and eventually level 10. If you have really sensitive skin, we’d advise starting with level 1 as this is the most gentle. It’s always best to start low and slow.

 

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Rina Teslica

Rina Teslica

Junior SEO Copywriter

Rina is Cult Beauty’s Junior SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or co-hosting her own parenting one, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.


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