Medik8 Crystal Retinal vs Retinol Which One is Right for You

You might have heard the debate about differences between Medik8 Crystal Retinal and traditional Retinol. Both are recommended for their wonderful skincare properties in the beauty community. 

Here is a guide that will help you understand Medik8 Crystal Retinal vs Retinol – Which One is Right for You .

Difference between Medik8 crystal retinal and retinol

Retinol and Medik8 crystal retinal both may be from the same family, but the main difference is in their effectivity pathways. 

Retinol shows its results through a series of steps including conversion from retinol to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the final component that gives the skin its visible benefits. So, retinol may take longer to show its final results because of gradual conversion. 

On the other hand, Medik8 Crystal Retinal, being a little bit high in price, requires only one step to convert to retinoic acid. The rapid transformation speeds up the absorption and gives faster results without any allergic reactions associated with the retinol.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal contains crystal particles that stabilize the product for a longer time ensuring consistent anti-aging effects. 

Strength – retinol vs Medik8 crystal retinal

In terms of the strength of retinol and Medik8 crystal retinal, both have their unique qualities.

Retinol is said to have very low strength usually between 0.01% to 0.1% or may be less in many formulas. This value makes it a good choice for sensitive skin types. Mostly beginners use it to build tolerance, gradually increasing the strength value and eventually moving to higher value products. 

Medik8 crystal retinal, stronger than retinol, are highly demanding for their fast and potent results without any irritating effects. Compared with prescription retinoids they are in between, giving visible benefits with gentler and smoother effects to skin tones. 

These qualities make Medik8 crystal retinal a better choice for those who are worried to jump to higher strength skincare products with less side effects. 

Retinol range

With a range from 0.1% to 1% retinol provides different effects on the skin. For beginners it is recommended to start from the lowest concentration. 0.01% is the best suitable range for starters and sensitive skin. It gives good results without causing irritation, but yes it takes a longer time. 

Those who have developed strength tolerance can use retinol within 0.3% to 0.6% strength range. 1% is for very advanced skincare and gives intense anti-aging results. It is mostly recommended to experienced users.

Medik8 crystal retinal range

Medik8 crystal retinal strength ranges from 0.01% to 0.24%. Medik8 crystal retinal 0.01% (retinal 1) is for the sensitive skin or initial stage in retinal skincare. People who have used medium concentration of retinol before and now seek effective anti-aging can add medik8 retinol crystal 3 (0.03%)

This image shows the results of medik8 crystal retinal 3 before and after.

Regular vitamin A users can replace their serums with Medik8 crystal retinal 0.06% (retinal 6) for impressive skin results. Here is the medik8 crystal retinal 6 before and after results within 24 hours.

Medik8 crystal retinal 0.10% (retinal 10) is best for those skin enthusiasts who want to improve their results from crystal retinal 6. Users who want to strengthen retinal range from retinal 10 can use Medik8 crystal retinal 0.20% (retinal 20). 

Medik8 crystal retinal 0.24% (retinal 24) is the most powerful yet effective retinal that gives impressive anti-aging results. One thing you must understand while using retinal is that the greater the strength range of the retinal is the higher the chances are for the risk of getting irritation. 

Benefits of  Medik8 crystal retinal vs retinol

Medik8 crystal retinal works 11 times faster than retinol. Its use results in a marked wrinkle reduction. The retinal decreases hyperpigmentation and gives youthful skin texture. Results in improved skin firmness being gentle on the skin. 

Another function of the crystal retinal is to enhance cell regeneration and maintain skin’s elasticity reducing wrinkles and lines. Crystal retinal works deep in the skin and gives the skin a more healthier and fresh appearance. 

As for the benefits of the retinol I have already discussed them in detail in a post before. Here is the link : Retinoids in Skin-Care Routine: How to Use for Teen Acne?

Results of Medik8 crystal retinal

First application might not make you happy, your skin barriers are already broken and it takes time to revive the original skin texture. If you feel any allergic reaction, irritation or redness go wash your face immediately. I’ll advise you to not use it on your own without any consultancy.

About a week or two of the process can be hard for you as the retinal pushes all dirt, pimples and lines out of the skin, giving it a very bad look. But this is the initial stage of your skin healing, the process is called purging. All the bad things are removed from the skin. Purging almost happens with all retinal, but it increases with increase in the skin. 

medik8 crystal retinal before and after

If you are consistent, you’ll definitely see the results once you have fought purging. This is the time where things start to get better. After using it for a month or two you will see how your skin has started to glow. You will have a more fresh skin with less dark spots, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Side effects of retinal

Nothing is 100% safer, same goes with the Medik8 crystal retinal. Redness and irritation are the most common reported effects by the users. This might be because of the little knowledge of process and skin type, but sometimes even prescribed by the specialists, people get allergies from the use of retinal. 

Although purging is a part of the healing process, people sometimes get stressed by it. Peeling of the skin can also occur by use of stronger retinal.

Medik8 crystal retinal claims and efficiency  

Medik8 has claimed too high for its products.  Usually this is a marketing technique used by every brand. Here we will discuss some of Medik8’s claims and their efficiency with its features.

Medik8 retinal works faster than retinol

It is claimed by Medik8 that their crystal retinal works 11 times faster than retinol. Yes, it is true. Retinal are scientifically proven to function faster as discussed above.

20% fine lines reduction 

Pairing Medik8 crystal retinal with sunscreens is the best strategy to reduce fine lines. Retinal (retinaldehyde) is from the retinoic acid family but it works way faster for anti-aging than retinols. 

More gentle for skin than retinol   

After using a number of skin products for acne, lines and dark spots, I would say that Medik8 crystal retinal is more gentle for skin. I have personally used crystal retinal 6 and the only thing which didn’t go well was using it every night. I tried using it thrice in a week and it was the best experience of all. 

Medik8 crystal retinal and my skin

When my skin started to get worse that was the time I decided to use skin care products. My friend who was studying dermatology and aesthetics advised me to use retinoids. I have used many brands with some pairing strategies. My skin started to heal but it was not for my satisfaction level. 

After consulting a specialist I began my Medik8 crystal retinal journey. It all started with Medik8 crystal rertinal 1. The worst decision was to use it with moisturizer, as my pores were clogged and after struggling for around 6 months I have started everything from the beginning. 

The only thing you need to focus on when using Medik8 is your side routine products you are using with it. Be patient, don’t freak out if purging occurs and trust the process, this is the only way you are going to regain your youthful fresh and clear skin. I hope that this medik8 crystal retinal review helps you to decide wheather its a right choice for your skincare routine or not

Also Read: Best Hydrating Lotions to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

Conclusion

Medik8 crystal retinal, a vitamin A product stands out as a new generation product in the skincare world. If you are looking for a more powerful and quicker anti-aging product I would definitely recommend you to go for Medik8 crystal retinal as compared to retinol. It will be more potent and gentle to your skin with fast recovery.

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