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Medik8 is a British skincare brand known for a simple formula: vitamin C and sun protection during the day, vitamin A at night. The brand calls this routine "CSA". Medik8 works with stabl...
Medik8 is a British skincare brand known for a simple formula: vitamin C and sun protection during the day, vitamin A at night. The brand calls this routine "CSA". Medik8 works with stable forms of those ingredients, such as retinal in the Crystal Retinal line and THD ascorbate in the C-Tetra line. It builds up strength levels so you can start gently. At Olivida you'll find the full at-home range, from Crystal Retinal and C-Tetra to day creams with SPF.
Medik8 is built around a simple daily structure: vitamin C and SPF in the morning, vitamin A at night. In practice, our most common advice is to start with the Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 as a day cream, with the C-Tetra serum underneath. Add Crystal Retinal after two weeks, and start at strength 3, even if you've used retinol before. Use it twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, then every night.
Only move on to strength 6 once 3 has worked well every night for months. If your skin tends to break out, choose Niacinamide Peptides and Press & Clear instead of a second acid. If your skin is dry, layer Hydr8 B5 underneath everything. The r-Retinoate Intense and the higher Crystal Retinal strengths are for experienced users.
Not sure which strength to start with? Ask us via chat or our contact page.
Crystal Retinal: vitamin A in four strengths. Crystal Retinal 3, 6, 10 and 20, plus the Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye eye creams. The r-Retinoate Intense and the Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream are the other vitamin A products.
C-Tetra: vitamin C. The line includes the C-Tetra serum, the C-Tetra Luxe (14% vitamin C), the C-Tetra Advanced (20%), the C-Tetra Cream and the C-Tetra Eye. The Daily Radiance Vitamin C SPF30 combines vitamin C and SPF.
Peptides. Liquid Peptides and Liquid Peptides Advanced MP target expression lines, and Niacinamide Peptides with 10% niacinamide suits skin that breaks out. There's also Bakuchiol Peptides and the Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream.
Exfoliation. Press & Glow with 5.5% PHA works as a daily toner, and Press & Clear with 2% salicylic acid suits skin that breaks out. Sleep Glycolic with 10% glycolic acid is for nighttime use, alongside the Surface Radiance Cleanse.
Hydration. Hydr8 B5 and Hydr8 B5 Intense combine hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. There's also the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, the Advanced Night Restore night cream and the H.E.O. Mask.
Day creams with SPF. Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30, Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+ and Daily Radiance Vitamin C SPF30.
Cleansers. Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, Micellar Mousse, Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel and Surface Radiance Cleanse.
| Strength | Who it's for | How to build up |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Retinal 3 | Never used vitamin A before, or sensitive skin | Twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, then every night |
| Crystal Retinal 6 | Once Crystal Retinal 3 works well every night for a few months | Same build-up, starting again at twice a week |
| Crystal Retinal 10 | Advanced users who tolerate 6 every night | Same as above |
| Crystal Retinal 20 | Experienced users who fully tolerate 10 | Same as above; the highest strength in the line |
| Ceramide Eye 6 and 10 (3 is temporarily out of stock) | Same build-up, for the skin around the eyes | Avoid the eyelids |
For every strength: apply at night to cleansed skin, then follow with a hydrating cream, and always use SPF during the day. If your skin turns red or flakes, cut back the frequency instead of stopping.
| Skin concern | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| First fine lines, dullness | C-Tetra, Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 | Crystal Retinal 3, Advanced Night Restore |
| Wrinkles, loss of firmness | C-Tetra Luxe, Liquid Peptides, SPF50+ | Crystal Retinal 6 or higher, Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream |
| Breakout-prone skin, enlarged pores | Niacinamide Peptides, Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 | Press & Clear, Crystal Retinal 3 |
| Dry, dehydrated skin | Hydr8 B5 Intense, Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, SPF | Hydr8 B5 Intense, Advanced Night Restore |
| Sensitive skin that doesn't tolerate vitamin A | C-Tetra Cream, SPF | Bakuchiol Peptides |
Not sure? Our SkinQuiz puts together a routine in a few steps, and our skin therapist is happy to help by chat or email.
Is Olivida an official Medik8 retailer?
Yes. Olivida is an official Medik8 retailer in the Netherlands. You get original products.
What's the difference between retinal and retinol?
Both are forms of vitamin A. Retinal is one conversion step closer to the active form, so it works faster. Medik8 uses retinal in Crystal Retinal and retinol in the Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream.
Which Crystal Retinal do I start with?
Start with 3 if you haven't used vitamin A before. If you already use retinol, you can start with 6.
Can I combine Crystal Retinal with Press & Glow or Sleep Glycolic?
Not on the same night. Alternate between them instead.
What is C-Tetra?
Medik8's vitamin C line, built on THD ascorbate, a stable and mild form of vitamin C. Use it in the morning, under your SPF.
