Once upon a time, pretty packaging and luxurious scents were enough to entice the most knowledgeable of beauty lovers into making a skincare purchase. But for the consumer of 2018, this simply isn’t enough.
In this scientific era, brands are now expected to produce evidence for their skin rejuvenating claims. And, as the millennial desire to invest in ethically responsible brands invades the greater consumer consciousness, those who manufacture the products we enjoy are becoming increasingly aware of the materials and techniques they employ.
The people at Medik8 have just released the next phase of evolution in their growing product range, with refreshed packaging that emphasises their core values of clinical results, simplicity and sustainability.
Building on their well established ‘green cosmeceutical’ status, Medik8 also replaced over 300,000 plastic parts with recycled paper and every piece of paper based packaging they use is now either recycled or FSC certified.
At the same time, they made a conscious effort to further the aesthetic and sensory value of their products so consumers no longer have to choose between positive results and the fine textures and elegant fragrances of so-called ‘pampering’ brands.
As simple as CSA
Medik8 has distilled its approach to anti-ageing into the term ‘CSA’, an acronym for vitamin C plus sunscreen by day and vitamin A by night. This simple routine has been proven to treat existing signs of ageing, as well as to protect the complexion from the future effects of time.
‘This is the ultimate prescription for younger, healthy looking skin,’ says Medik8 founder Elliot Isaacs. ‘It’s really that simple. There’s no need to complicate things because this straightforward strategy is clinically proven to deliver results you can see, as well as feel. That’s why we are dedicated to refining this simple philosophy – developing ever increasingly advanced CSA formulas.’
Vitamin C by day
Vitamin C plays an important role in skincare as an essential component in the body’s production of collagen and as a powerful antioxidant that helps rejuvenate aged and photodamaged skin. The level of vitamin C in our skin declines as we age, however very little of what we ingest orally actually reaches the skin. Clinical studies show that the topical application of vitamin C promotes collagen formation and reduces the impact
of free radicals.
The Medik8 range includes two new products featuring ultra-stable 30 per cent ethylated ascorbic acid, their most powerful vitamin C yet. The new Super C30 serum is fortified with brightening turmeric to leave the complexion glowing and revitalised, as well as botanical oils such as grapefruit and geranium for their anti-ageing benefits and natural antioxidant protection.
The Super C30+ Intense serum provides the same benefits, boosted with the addition of a powerful antioxidant called ferulic acid to banish free radicals from UV rays and pollution.
Vitamin A by night
Vitamin A – also known as retinol – is a powerful skin resurfacing molecule that enhances collagen production to combat fine lines and wrinkles, whilst reducing blemish causing bacteria. It also blocks the formation of excess melanin for a brighter, more even skin tone.
At first glance, vitamin A may seem like a straightforward ingredient, but it actually comes
in a number of different forms. While Medik8’s love affair with vitamin A began with retinol, it has since grown to include retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate.
In the skin, retinol is first converted to retinaldehyde and then retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, before it begins working within the skin. Retinoic acid stimulates each skin cell’s nucleus to produce proteins like collagen and elastin. It can also inhibit the formation of pigment and speed up cell renewal.
Medik8’s r-Retinoate products use a unique fusion of retinol and retinoic acid to increase collagen production and wrinkle repair by up to eight times more than standard retinol. Unlike many other vitamin A derivatives, this combination does not cause irritation and is stable in sunlight, meaning it can be used both day and night for accelerated results.
The recently released night vitamin A serum, Crystal Retinal, is formulated with retinaldehyde. Crystal Retinal delivers results up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol because 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 more rapidly than classic forms of retinol.
This product also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate at every level while strengthening the skin’s barrier. After cleansing in the evening, Crystal Retinal’s silk-like texture absorbs into the skin to nurture and restore the complexion.
Timing is everything
When delivered too quickly, retinol can overwhelm the skin and cause irritation. Rather than dismissing this effect as a given with vitamin A, Medik8 set to work devising a solution.
The brand developed a patented time-sensitive delivery system called Time Release Technology™ to ensure that absorption is optimised and the formula is distributed evenly in the hours following application.
As an added precaution, Medik8 recommends following the ‘retinol ladder’ when introducing vitamin A to your skincare regime. This involves starting your retinol journey with a low percentage retinol serum or cream which is phased in gradually. By building up your retinol tolerance in this way the skin is better able to benefit from the ingredient and the risk of adverse reaction is significantly reduced.
