Medik8 takes Vitamin A to the next level with Crystal Retinal, a time-released form of Vitamin A that offers prescription-strength results without the unwanted side effects.
Crystal Retinal, by award-winning cosmeceutical brand Medik8, has redefined topical Vitamin A skincare. The range is formulated with stabilised retinaldehyde (retinal for short), a next-generation super-charged derivative of Vitamin A. Retinal can deliver results comparable to prescription-strength retinol faster and without the well-documented side effects of flaking and redness that can come with stronger formulations. Plus, with its superior stability, you can be assured of results until the very last drop.
‘Retinaldehyde, or retinal, is a completely different Vitamin A molecule to retinol. That one vowel change is small, but the difference between retinol and retinal is quite stark,’ says Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8.
‘Retinaldehyde is a relatively new Vitamin A ingredient but still has significant published studies proving its efficacy; in particular, it is proven to be 11 times faster acting than traditional retinol.’
However, retinal is notoriously difficult to stabilise. That’s why you won’t find it in many other brands. But Medik8 has developed a delicate crystal-shaped encapsulation system which breaks down on contact with the skin to slowly feed it over time, overcoming any stability struggle. This is the closest thing to prescription-strength retinoic acid – the biologically active form on the skin – but you don’t need a prescription to get your hands on it.
The crystal encapsulation system enables the product to be time-released throughout the night. This means retinaldehyde is just as gentle on the skin as retinol, but has effects similar to prescription-strength retinoic acid.
‘The clever encapsulation system avoids any of the well-documented Vitamin A side effects that can come with stronger formulations, such as flaking and redness,’ Isaacs explains. ‘Customers who try this Crystal Retinal seem to universally adore it; it’s one of our bestsellers for a reason.’
Another advantage is that, unlike many other forms of Vitamin A, retinaldehyde has the added benefit of having direct antibacterial properties, making it an ideal anti-ageing ingredient for blemish-prone skin.
Before to After 11x Faster
Clinical-grade Vitamin A, otherwise known as retinoic acid, is a powerful skincare ingredient that triggers skin rejuvenation in order to effectively fight visible signs of ageing.
But unlike retinol, which must first be converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid within the skin, Crystal Retinal only requires one conversion to retinoic acid.
This means it can deliver results comparable to clinical-grade Vitamin A, up to 11x faster than classic forms of retinol.
In a recent independent clinical study of 33 people using Crystal Retinal 6 over 12 weeks, the findings were:
- 20% clinically proven reduction in the appearance of wrinkles
- 11% clinically proven increase in skin’s firmness
- 20% clinically proven reduction in visible hyperpigmentation
- 100% of participants felt their skin looked brighter
- 97% felt their skin had a more youthful appearance.
Ladder Up: Always Peak, Never Plateau
Crystal Retinal is available in five different strengths, ranging from 0.01% up to 0.2%, with the latter only available after professional consultation.
‘We call it the ‘Everyone Vitamin A’, as it’s just that,’ says Isaacs. ‘If you’re in the market for a Vitamin A, Crystal Retinal is for you. We recommend starting at strength 3 and working upwards if you want to boost results. (We only recommend strength 1 to those who are very sensitive).
‘Go low, and go slow. Start on an entry-level strength – 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde is perfect for those new to Vitamin A. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then once every other night for a further 2 weeks and then nightly application. Once your skin has accepted the molecule without experiencing any irritation you can then move up to a higher strength to maximise your results.’
With the Crystal Retinal range, the future of anti-ageing skincare has never looked so bright. CBM
The next-gen Vitamin A
Superior Absorption
Crystal Retinal has a patented time-release delivery system that encapsulates retinaldehyde in a crystal molecular vehicle that is broken down by the skin’s natural enzymes upon contact. This unique action controls the release of the active to ensure that the formula remains stable, absorption is optimised and the highly-potent formula is distributed evenly and constantly throughout the night.
Optimum Hydration
Featuring multi-weight hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, Crystal Retinal hydrates skin at every level while helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier to keep moisture locked in.
Vegan-Friendly
In addition to being kind to the skin, Crystal Retinal is also vegan friendly and cruelty-free. Dermatologically tested, it is free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates and alcohol.
Virtually Weightless
Lightweight and luxurious, Crystal Retinal’s silk-like texture sinks effortlessly into skin to nurture and help restore the complexion.
Antibacterial Properties
Unlike many other forms of vitamin A, retinaldehyde boasts direct, powerful antibacterial properties, making it the perfect anti-ageing product for blemish-prone skin. When used over time, it helps diminish P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts, promoting a healthy- looking, balanced complexion.
