Latest news with #Medik8CrystalRetinal
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
I'm a beauty writer and found a way to get Medik8 £45 anti-ageing retinal for £4.50
I'm a beauty writer and found a way to get Medik8 £45 anti-ageing retinal for £4.50 The edit contains 11 dermatological skincare formulas each boasting high-performance ingredients, from brands including Medik8, Augustinus Bader and more This Medik8 Crystal Retinal is worth £49 alone Over the past year, I've found myself gradually moving away from trend-led skincare and leaning more into dermatological, science-backed formulas . As someone who has tested beauty products for a decade, I would apply almost any product to my face without a second thought - but over time, it's not been kind to my skin barrier, which has led me to a long-term skin health journey that focuses on clinical backing and proven ingredients. Dermatological Skincare seems to be a growing trend for 2025, with retailers like Boots even having dedicated sections in store for such edits. Like many people, I've grown more aware of how ingredients impact the skin, particularly as I start to notice early signs of ageing and want to focus on prevention rather than short-term benefits. One product I've been using as part of my nightly routine is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1, which is a potent retinal formula which is said to be 11x more powerful than regular retinol. The product is a firm favourite with This Morning beauty expert Nadine Baggott, who has worked her way up the various strengths of the product and claims it to be the secret behind her age-defying skin. READ MORE: Shopper loses '16 pounds in two weeks' using 'engaging' at-home workout app READ MORE: I ditched my AirPods for £20 budget pair and they're still going strong two years later I received the sensitive-friendly, beginner version of the formula in a beauty Easter Egg earlier this year and as I approached the end of my tube, I was looking to purchase the next strength up. But at £49, I knew I - a self-confessed bargain hunter - would want to find some way to save a few quid on it. So when I spotted LookFantastic's Dermatological Edit containing the exact product I'd had my eye on, I knew it was worth a closer look. The edit contains 11 dermatological skincare formulas each boasting high-performance ingredients. The haul is worth £170, but is priced at £50 , which is only £1 more than what I would have paid for the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 on its own. The Dermatological Edit £170.00 £50.00 LookFantastic Buy here Product Description Discover everything you need to enter your best skin ever era, with 11 science-backed skincare heroes, formulated to target skin concerns. I loved how the Crystal Retinal 1 gently introduced vitamin A into my routine without any irritation. I could have probably gone straight in with the Crystal Retinal 3, which is suited to 'beginners', but as I mentioned earlier, my skin barrier has had a bit of a tough time of late so I wanted to start super slowly and when I was ready to level up to strength 3, this box offered the most cost-effective way to do it. Medik8's Crystal Retinal 3 delivers all the radiance and firmness I've come to expect, while remaining gentle on my skin, which is a big win. I apply it in the evening, follow with a moisturiser, and wake up to visibly smoother, more refreshed skin. And while I'd have happily paid £50 for the LookFantastic Edit solely for this formula, it's not the only impressive product tucked inside, with some of the most trusted names in derm-grade beauty - including La Roche-Posay, Augustinus Bader, Bioderma, and First Aid Beauty - also featured. Augustinus Bader is a brand famously used by celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston. A 15ml vial of their eye cream would usually set shoppers back £160, but the edit contains a mini version worth £32, allowing for a taste of luxury I'd have otherwise never afforded. I must admit, it's an incredibly indulgent cream that works wonders on my puffy under eyes, but it's not something I'd ever be able to justify rebuying. Maybe that's the downside to curated edits offering insane value like this, because I get hooked on products that my bank balance won't stretch to when I run out. Augustinus Bader's eye cream - this mini version is worth £32 I was also impressed by the Bioderma Sebium Kerato+ Anti-Blemish Gel-Cream, worth £18, which has been formulated for blemish-prone skin and works to improve skin texture and refine pore visibility. Meanwhile, the Cetaphil Daily Defence Cream SPF50 with UVA/UVB filters, has become a daily essential, not just for when the sun peeks out, but to help prevent early signs of ageing. I wasn't a fan of every single product inside the edit, though. The [coat]s Purifying Hydrating Clay Cleanser is a dual-action formula that removes excess oil and de-clogs pores, revealing refreshed, balanced skin. However, as someone with already quite dry skin, this wasn't suitable for me, but at least it didn't go to waste as I was able to give it to my sister, who does have more combination skin than me. Everything inside the LookFantastic Dermatological Skincare Edit, £50 LookFantastic aren't the only retailer to be offering beauty buffs amazing value with a curated haul of products, though. That said, they were the only ones I could find offering a dermatological-specific edit. Elsewhere, Boots has launched a Self Care Beauty Box that is valued at £137, but costs £34. Designed to promote daily self care and pampering, the edit features a handpicked selection of 12 skincare, haircare and body care goodies from brands like Estee Lauder, No7 and Wella. More than half of the contents are full sizes, too, each working out at £2.83 as part of the offer. By comparison, the items in the LookFantastic edit work out at £4.55 each. Everything inside the Boots Self Care beauty box that costs £34 (Image: Boots ) Article continues below Space NK has also got a fun haul, inspired by the viral TikTok trend, o f 'the everything shower' . The luxury edit of bath, body, and haircare costs £70 and is worth £165, boasting names like Sol de Janeiro, Living Proof and Alpha-H.
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Experts reveal three-step simple skincare routine that'll save you money and time
With an endless array of skincare products on the market nowadays, we asked the experts how to make sense of it all, and the three essentials you should never skip Once upon a time, the skincare slogan was 'cleanse, tone and moisturise'. Now, shoppers are faced with all manner of serums, essences, lotions, creams, mists and masks in the beauty aisles, making it confusing to know exactly what you really need to be using, and how. And more isn't always better. Overload your skin with too many products and you risk aggravating it instead of improving it, or even developing conditions such as perioral dermatitis. Plus, lengthy skincare routines can get expensive, time-consuming and even obsessive. To help debunk the skincare shelves, we asked the experts for their skincare essentials and how to add in extras. Plus, we share some tried and tested recommendations from our team... The basics Experts agree on the key skincare non-negotiables: cleanser, SPF during the day and a retinoid at night if you want to see real skin changes. 'These pillars are essentials for a solid skincare routine,' says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP, cosmetic doctor and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor clinics. Cleanser ' A good cleanser is a must to remove dirt, oil and impurities, ensuring a clean base for your routine,' says Dr Ahmed. Find one to suit your skin type and budget. Those with dry skin might like a cream or milky cleanser, while oilier complexions may prefer a gel or foaming formula. Double cleansing isn't always necessary. 'I find it a bit overkill, especially if you have skin issues, as it could potentially upset its microbiome,' says dermatology nurse practitioner Emma Coleman, who founded and runs Emma Coleman Skin clinics. When to use it: A splash of water may feel enough for your skin in the morning, but don't skip a cleanser in the evening. We love: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £11.50. Sunscreen 'SPF is a non-negotiable step during the day to protect against UV damage and premature ageing, regardless of skin type,' says Dr Ahmed. Chemical sunscreens typically look and feel nicer on the skin, while those with sensitive skin should try mineral sunscreens. When to use it: Every morning, all year round. We love: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, was £20, now £16. Retinoids Often referred to by the umbrella term 'retinol', retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, and boost cell turnover. They're referred to as 'the gold standard in anti-ageing' – and for good reason. 'Apart from if you're very sensitive, retinol does something beneficial for every skin type, whether that's helping with signs of ageing, breakouts, pigmentation or texture,' says Emma. When to use it: At night, on clean skin. Start with a low concentration, like 1%, then build up, and introduce it gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust. We love: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, from £45. Extras Eye cream Add if... You have specific concerns about the eye area, whether that's dark circles, puffiness or fine lines. 'They won't work miracles, but most people can benefit from using an eye cream,' says Emma. 'A retinol-based formula can help to tackle lines and wrinkles, and I also like ones that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or flavonoids.' When to use it: Morning and night, the next step after cleansing. We love: REN Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream, was £49, now £39.20. Essence Add if... You have dehydrated skin and want an extra lightweight layer of hydration. 'Essences are lightweight fluids, inspired by Korean beauty, that can provide an extra layer of moisture and nourishment,' explains Dr Ahmed. 'However, not everyone needs them.' An essence could potentially replace a serum. When to use it: After cleansing and before moisturiser, before or in place of serum. We love: Curél Hydrating Water Essence, £17.50. Serum or moisturiser Add if... Your skin needs more hydration than it's getting from the basics. You may find that your sunscreen and retinol products are moisturising enough, but if not, 'a hydrating and repairing serum, such as one containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, helps to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier,' says Dr Ahmed. When to use it: After cleansing and after applying active ingredients. We love: The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, £15. Exfoliator Add if... You have congestion, blackheads visible signs of ageing or pigmentation. 'Physical exfoliators (scrubs) slough off dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliators (acids) break down the bonds between skin cells, helping to lift them away,' Dr Ahmed says. 'I believe everyone should exfoliate as we age, since our skin's renewal cycle slows down. It's important to be gentle with exfoliation.' When to use it: Once or twice a week in the evenings. We love: Skin Rocks The Gentle Acid, £49. Face masks Add this if… You want a quick boost of hydration or glow, or a moment of self-care. Face masks come in many forms nowadays: cream, charcoal, sheet, peel-off… 'While they can provide temporary results, I'm sceptical about their lasting impact,' says Dr Ahmed. 'That said, if you enjoy using them, there's no harm in incorporating them into your routine. Masks contain exfoliating acids can offer more noticeable results.' W e love: Garnier Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Anti-Fatigue Sheet Mask, £4.99. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. 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