If you’ve got as much as a passing interest in men's skincare, you’ll be familiar with retinol by now. This vitamin A derivative isn’t exactly new to the grooming realm (it was first found in formulas in the 1980s) but only relatively recently has it found itself at the forefront of the industry.
Why? Well, in short: it works. In a world of pseudoscience and false promises, retinoids deliver. It’s pretty much the only skincare ingredient dermatologists and skin experts agree can turn back the aesthetic terrors of time, plumping fine lines and fading those lingering red acne scars with ease.
But with great power come great side effects – and with retinol, the potential for getting it wrong is weighty. As retinoids (that’s the whole vitamin A family, of which retinol is one), work by increasing the rate at which your cells turn over, it’s common for problems to arise before you reach Paul Rudd levels of complexion perfection. Go too hard, too fast, and you could end up with irritation, flaking skin and sensitivity.
Complicated, right? When you consider that almost every brand out there has dropped a dose of retinol (or retinal, or retinaldehyde…) into their serums and creams, all in varying strengths, it’s understandable if you’re finding the route to success a testing one.
But there’s one brand that has your back. Medik8 is the British brand you’ll hear grooming editors and experts recommending to anyone that'll listen, and for good reason: it makes retinol really easy.
The brand is known for its patented retinol products, and so there’s quite a few to choose from. But if you’re new to the game (or just want to reap the benefits without risk) there’s one clear winner in the line-up.
Crystal Retinal is a cult hero for good reason. Taking all the guesswork out of retinol strengths, the brand makes its star serum in five different concentrations. Start with Crystal Retinal 1, finish the tube (don’t rush – this is a marathon, not a sprint), then graduate onto 3 6, 10, and – if your forehead wrinkles sit at the Gordon Ramsey end of the scale – the high-strength 20.
Each creamy serum contains retinaldehyde as the active retinoid ingredient: an innovative derivative of vitamin A that takes less time to set to work within the skin, meaning your results are fast yet gentle. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid lock moisture into the uppermost layers of skin, helping prevent the dreaded dryness too. Whether you're hoping to fade wrinkles, tackle pigmentation or put an end to blackheads, it will deliver results.
So stop squinting at all those ingredient lists (it’s giving you crow’s feet) and take the easy route to retinol success.
