CosBeauty Magazine #86

at a lower level will allow your skin some
time to get used to Vitamin A, and you
can then introduce higher strengths as
your skin becomes accustomed to it.’
Other non-prescription Vitamin A
treatments, such as retinol, have a similar
beneficial skin-lifting effect; however
this needs to be converted into retinoic
acid by the skin before it can take
effect, a process that requires a two-step
conversion. Unlike retinol, Crystal
Retinal only requires one conversion to
retinoic acid which means it can deliver
results up to 11 times faster!
Crystal Retinal works by
capturing the powerful active ingredient,
retinaldehyde, into a crystal molecular
vehicle that is broken down by the
skin’s natural enzymes upon contact.
This unique action controls the release
of Vitamin A-rich retinaldehyde to
ensure that the formula remains stable
and is absorbed constantly throughout
the night.
At the same time as delivering the
powerful anti-ageing benefits of Vitamin
A, Crystal Retinal contains multiweight
hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
which hydrates the skin and reinforces
the skin’s barrier to keep moisture locked
in tight.
Unlike many other forms of Vitamin A,
retinaldehyde also boasts direct, powerful
anti-bacterial properties, making it the
ideal anti-ageing product for blemishprone
skin. When used over time, Crystal
Retinal helps to diminish P. acnes,
the bacteria responsible for breakouts,
promoting a healthy-looking, balanced
complexion. CBM
WHERE
TO GET IT
Medik8 is available at select
skin clinics across Australia. For
stockists, visit www.medik8.com.au
or call 1800 242 011
Retinol Q&A with Medik8
Director of Research
Daniel Isaacs
What is Retinol?
Retinol is the form of Vitamin A traditionally used in
skincare products throughout the beauty industry.
There are different types of retinol derivatives such as
retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate
and retinyl retinoate.
What sort of retinol is in Crystal
Retinal?
We use retinaldehyde in the Crystal Retinal range, a
form of Vitamin A which has been proven to improve
skin condition in credible studies published in scientific
journals. This is why we do not use traditional retinol
esters such as retinyl palmitate, where clinical trials show
little-to-zero effects.
How does Crystal Retinal work?
Retinaldehyde in Crystal Retinal works up to 11 times
faster than traditional retinol and has anti-bacterial
properties which are great for blemish-prone skin
types. It works directly on the skin to produce a plumping
and tightening effect and helps speed up
the skin renewal process.
Why use Crystal Retinal at night
time?
Retinaldehyde is inherently sensitive to the sun. When
exposed to UV rays it breaks down and becomes
ineffective. Applying retinaldehyde in the morning may
cause it to breakdown before producing those really
beneficial effects of Vitamin A and therefore we always
recommend applying the serum at night time.
Are there side effects?
Retinoids can cause mild irritation when you first start
using them, but this is completely normal and is an
indication that your skin is adjusting to having an
abundant source of this beneficial vitamin. These side
effects include redness, irritation and flaking of the skin
as the retinoid is stimulating skin renewal. This is why it
is so important to utilise the different strengths within
the Crystal Retinal range and ease into the benefits of
using Vitamin A on your skin.
Who should not use Retinol
Products?
Retinol products are not advised for use during
pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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