Collection: Medik8

Medik8 is one of the most recognizable British cosmeceutical brands — valued for the fact that instead of multiplying products, it has based its entire portfolio on one principle: CSA, i.e., Vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning, Vitamin A at night. It is a simple regimen that truly works and is easy to stick to. At J'ADORE Instytut, you will find the brand's full range.

The CSA philosophy in practice

C — Vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection. S — sunscreen, applied directly after. A — Vitamin A at night as a skin-remodeling ingredient. Three steps that are enough for this brand to build a sensible routine without needing ten products.

Lines available in the store

• Crystal Retinal — the flagship line with retinal, in several strengths (including Crystal Retinal 3), plus an eye version with ceramides. Retinal works faster than retinol with comparable tolerance.
• R-Retinoate — the brand's most advanced treatment: Day & Night, Intense version, and eye serum.
• C-Tetra — Vitamin C in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate: serum, cream, Luxe version, and eye treatment.
• Super C Ferulic and Pure C15 — stronger Vitamin C variants for skin that is already accustomed to it.
• Hydr8 B5 — hydration with hyaluronic acid and panthenol, in basic and Intense versions.
• Calmwise — for vascular and reddened skin: serum, cleanser, and green color corrector.
• Blemish and Clarity Peptides — for imperfections and oily skin.
• Press & Glow, Press & Clear, Sleep Glycolic — exfoliation in the form of pads and night treatments.
• Liquid Peptides, Copper PCA Peptides, Eyelift Peptides, Bakuchiol Peptides — peptides in several variants, also as a gentler alternative to retinoids.
• Advanced Day Ultimate Protect and Total Protect — day creams with SPF.

How to start with retinal

Crystal Retinal comes in increasing concentrations precisely to build tolerance. Start with the lowest, use it every second or third night for 2–4 weeks, and only then increase the frequency. Moving to a higher strength makes sense when the skin reacts calmly to the current one for at least a month.

Apply retinal to dry skin — damp skin increases penetration and the risk of irritation. If stinging occurs, use the sandwich method: a thin layer of cream, retinal, cream.

Frequently asked questions

How does retinal differ from retinol? Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to the active form, so it works faster. Research also points to its antibacterial effect, which is useful for imperfections.

Can bakuchiol replace retinol? Not fully, but it is a sensible option for very reactive skin and in situations where retinoids are not recommended.

Can Vitamin C and retinal be used on the same day? Yes — that is exactly the point of the CSA regimen. C in the morning, A at night.

See also: anti-age, vascular skin, face serum.