Vitamin A taken to the next level. Crystal Retinal™ is an advanced anti-ageing serum formulated with stabilised retinaldehyde (retinal), a next-generation form of vitamin A. Not to be confused with "retinol" (the classic form), retinaldehyde has been desmonstrated in multiple scientific studies to be more effective than retinol, but without added irritation <1><2>.
Retinal can deliver results comparable to clinical-grade vitamin A up to 11 times faster than retinol <3>. Stabilised using patented crystal encapsulation and a patent pending carrot seed complex, this innovative overnight serum visibly minimises fine lines and wrinkles; firming and plumping the complexion to resurface skin texture and create an overall youthful appearance. The vitamin A is released gradually into the skin during the night, for minimal irritation.
Also featuring hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture to every level of the skin, leaving it hydrated and visibly supple.
As well as addressing signs of ageing, Crystal Retinal helps to reduce blemish-causing bacteria, visibly improving the clarity of the complexion <4>.
Medik8 offer progressive concentrations of Crystal Retinal products which form the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ladder. Crystal Retinal 1, containing 0.01% retinaldehyde, is recommended as a starting point for those with more sensitive skin before moving to Crystal Retinal 3.
Key benefits:
- A youthful-looking complexion
- Results up to 11x faster than retinol <3>
- Visibly improves lines and wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone
- Reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Stable formulation retains potency over time
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Technologies:
- 0.01% Retinaldehyde
- Crystal Encapsulation
- Carrot Seed Stability Complex
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
Medik8 recommend a simple, highly effective anti-ageing strategy of using vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning and vitamin A at night. This strategy is called: CSA.
<1> J. Fluhr, Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions, Dermatology, 1999,199(Suppl 1), pp 57-60.
<2> Creidi P et al, Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment, J Am Acad Dermatol, 1998, 39(6), pp 960-965
<3> G Siegenthaler et al, Retinol and retinal metabolism. Relationship to the state of differentiation of cultured human keratinocytes, Biochem J, 1990, 268(2), pp 371–378
<4> Pechere M et al, The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde, Dermatology, 2002, 205(2), 153-8.
*Please note Medik8 is currently in the process of updating their packaging. Packaging of this product is subject to variation from the visual shown.
Directions
- After cleansing in the evening, massage Crystal Retinal across the face, neck and décolletage.
- Allow to absorb before applying your moisturiser.
- Crystal Retinal application should be phased in gradually, and only use in the evening.
- Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night.
Always wear sunscreen the following morning while using this product, and for a week afterwards. Consult a doctor if breastfeeding or pregnant.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Squalane, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Sodium Polyaspartate, Climbazole, Retinal, Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka) Bean Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower (Honeysuckle) Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Decylene Glycol, BHT, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coumarin.