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27 May 2024

PRODUCT REVIEW // BREAKOUT SAVIOURS FROM MEDIK8, THE ORDINARY AND POLLENATION SKIN

 


My hormonal breakout saviours…

My skin has always been temperamental, and the arrival of the cooler always set if off for a while until it adjusts again..


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14 February 2024

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 OXY-R BRIGHTENING PEPTIDE SERUM FOR VISIBLY BRIGHTER SKIN WITH REDUCED AGE SPOTS, PIGMENTATION AND POST-ACNE MARKS



As you probably already know, I’m the biggest fan of Medik8 - @medik8australia - so super excited about the newly launched OXY-R Peptides High-Strength Oxyresveratrol Brightening Peptide Serum..


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3 February 2024

PRODUCT REVIEW // MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL CERAMIDE EYE 10, C-TETRA EYE SERUM AND ADVANCED DAY EYE PROTECT - FOR A PROTECTED BRIGHTENED AND MORE YOUTHFUL EYE AREA WITH REDUCED LINES AND DARK CIRCLES




You know, in my eyes Medik8 - @medik8australia can do no wrong. I have so many favourites from the brand, incl my HG - the one products I repurchased the most times, and always have in my routine, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 and 20!! Just incredible. 

Needless to say my excitement was through the roof when the newest launch, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye arrived for me to try.
It’s the world’s first clinical strength retinal for under eyes. #Ad 

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14 August 2019

PRODUCT REVIEW: R-RETINOATE DAY AND NIGHT EYE SERUM FROM MEDIK8 - POWERFUL FORMULA WITH HIGH STRENGTH RETINOIC ACID FOR DRAMATIC RESULTS



If you regularly tune stop by my little blog or my instagram page, you’re probably well aware how addicted I am to using Retinol as I simply find it is the one ingredient that works wonders for both my ageing skin as well as my breakouts. But I have never actually tried a retinol eye cream, until Medik8’s latest launch, r-Retinoate Day & Night Eye Serum* landed on my desk. 



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11 July 2019

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 10 - ULTRA STRENGTH VITAMIN A FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN WITH LESS BREAKOUTS AND PIGMENTATION - THE MUST TRY 0.1% RETINALDEHYDE



You guys probably know by now how much I love, or should I say, addicted to Vitamin products I am, when a bottle of the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10* landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to try.

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13 May 2019

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 RETINOL 10TR+ INTENSE, HYDR8 B5 INTENSE AND SURFACE RADIANCE CLEANSER



As a beauty blogger I am very lucky to get to try a lot of different products, but once I’ve finished trialling something, there are brands that I keep reverting to again and again which for me are brands such as Medik8 - for the pure reason that their skincare products simply work so incredibly well for my ageing, pigmented, blemish prone skin. 



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24 July 2017

THE BEST ANTI-AGEING HAND CREAMS FOR SOFT YOUTHFUL HANDS

They say hands are one of the first areas to show age. And no wonder, they are always exposed to the environments, be it cold winds during winter or the harsh sun during summer. So today I'll talk about some of my favourite anti-ageing hand creams. 



First up there's the Clarins Age Control Hand Lotion SPF15 is a gorgeous lightweight cream that absorbs into the hands instantly, without any need to massage it in. It leaves the hands feeling lovely and soft and with a powdery satin feel, and without feeling greasy or sticky as it is also non-oily. It contains a variety of plant extracts, and promises to help prevent age spits from forming, while brightening existing age spots and promote a more even and younger looking tone, as well as condition the nails. Generally I feel that this cream has made my hands look lightly more even-toned, and my nails, including cuticles are no longer feeling as dry, having clearly benefited from the daily use of this lotion.

The cream also has an amazing subtle floral scent, which also lingers on the hands for long after the cream has absorbed into the hands, and I also love that it has added SPF to protect from further sun damage.

Then there's the Medik8 Hydr8™ B5 Hand Cream SPF15, which is a is a thicker and richer hand cream, which also absorbs without any greasiness, although it does take a few moments longer than the Clarins. But the wait is worth it, as it leaves the hands feeling super moisturised, with an invisible film on the surface of the skin to neutralise pollutants and prevent them from being absorbed into the epidermis, while also shielding the skin against other irritants such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from industrial fumes and car emissions, along with particles from i.e. cigarette smoke, and thereby deminishing pollution-caused ageing effects such as redness, irritation and dull, devitalised skin.

The cream also contains ingredients to add intense moisture to he skin to nourish, help with moisture retention and help heal and plump the skin. It has quickly helped save my dry hands, leaving them so soft and smooth. I also love that this one also comes with SPF15, and that it has the most divine citrus scent.

Next there's the Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Hand Cream, which is loaded with rich oils and waxes to offer the skin intensive nourishment and protection, while stimulating the skin's moisture activating ability, supporting the skin's strength and elasticity as well as natural resilience, and regenerating ageing skin. The rich ingredients does meant hat this intense cream takes a few moments to absorb, but it leaves even the driest of hands feeling silky soft and smooth for hours.

I love that it comes in an easy to use pump bottle, and that it is made using natural and organic ingredients, certified to NATRUE standards, as well as free from all the nasty chemical ingredients including synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, silicones, phthalates, PEGs etc. It has a lovely, slightly spicy scent, from the natural ingredients including red clover.

Then there there's the Dr. Lewinn's Essentials Hand & Nail Cream is another incredible anti-ageing hand cream. It contains among others aloe, and multi vitamins including A, B and E, and it helps add intense moisture and nourishment to the hands, and leave them with protected from damage by creating an invisible protection layer on the skin. The cream is very rich, yet absorbs quickly and easily into the hands and leaves them so much softer and smoother. And after just a short time, it leaves the hands not only soft, smooth and thoroughly hydrated, and hence healthier and younger too. And all while caring and improving your nails and cuticles at the same time.

Finally, there's the Organic Island Body Nourishing Hand Cream, which is a certified organic Australian brand. And of course it is also free from all the chemicals including sulphates, silicones, synthetic colours and fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals, preservatives, mineral oils etc. Rather, this anti-ageing hand cream is made with advanced active natural ingredients including lychii berry, olive leave, rosehip, avocado, shea butter, vitamin E and macadamia. The cream promises to help heal , nourish, hydrate and protect the hands from environmental stress, while improving the texture of the skin, and transforming tired and dry skin into renewed, soft and subtle hands with a more youthful appearance. The cream is lightweight, and absorbs into the skin after a few moments, immediately leaving the hands feeling so incredibly silky soft and with a lovely sheen. It has a lovely natural floral scent, which you can only love. It doesn't get much better than certified organic anti-ageing!!


So there you go, a selection of amazing anti-ageing hand creams for different budgets too. 



Clarins Clarins Age Control Hand Lotion SPF15 - RRP: $38 (100ml)
Available from department stores, select pharmacies and Clarins counters

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Hand Cream SFP15 - RRP: $49
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.

Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Hand Cream - RRP: $49.01 / 50ml
Dr. Hauschka Online, David Jones, Adore Beauty, RY

Dr. Lewinn's Essentials Hand & Nail Cream - RRP: $19.95 / 100g
Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

Organic Island Body Nourishing Hand Cream - RRP: $42 / 100ml
Available from Organic Island Online and select stockists

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.



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29 June 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 HYDR8 B5 HAND CREAM SPF 15

You've no doubt heard me rave about Medik8 before, so needless to say that I was excited when the newest product launch, the Medik8 Hydr8™ B5 Hand Cream SPF 15 landed on my desk. 


The hand cream is a nourishing formula that helps protect against environmental aggressors that lead to premature ageing, and it is taking a cue from anti-ageing face creams.

Thanks to being infused with moringa seed extract, it has an anti-pollution Technology that forms an invisible film on the surface of the skin to neutralises pollutants and prevent them from being absorbed into the epidermis, while also shielding the skin against other irritants such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from industrial fumes and car

Emissions, along with particles from i.e. cigarette smoke, and thereby deminishing pollution-caused ageing effects such as redness, irritation and dull, devitalised skin.

The cream also contains SPF15 with broad spectrum UV filters to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and thus sun damage too.

The hand cream also has a unique Rehydration Technology, containing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, which combined help draw moisture into the skin and add intense nourishment for tired and overworked hands while improving the moisture retention and stimulating regeneration and healing to keep the skin plump and the hands soft and smooth, while also benefitting dry cuticles and nails which are conditioned and strengthened too.

This hand cream is a thick and rich hand cream, yet it absorbs into the hands fairly quickly, without any greasiness, so you can get on with things. And it leaves them feeling velvety soft and smooth. And you really only need to use a little bit, about a pea-size is sufficient for both hands.

This cream really is a winner for me, and already after the first application, I was in love. It really does leave my hands incredibly soft, gone is that winter dryness, and even my neglected nails and cuticles improved dramatically immediately.
I also love that this hand cream comes with SPF so I know my hands are protected from further sun damage throughout the day, plus the subtle citrus is absolutely gorgeous too. Like all other products from Medik8, this one is a sure winner and highly recommended.


Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Hand Cream SFP15 - RRP: $49

Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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30 April 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 BLEMISH CONTROL PADS - CLEAR SKIN WITH A SINGLE WIPE

My skin has always been a little temperamental, and lately gone through another stage of breakouts. One of those brands that I've really loved lately has been Medik8, as their products are of premium quality, and so effective, while being gentle on the skin. I've among others put some of their blemish products to the test recently, which you can check out here.
Anyway when the newest addition, the Medik8 Blemish Control Pads landed on my desk, I was naturally excited, as timing again couldn’t be any better with the current state of my skin. And what better time to put a blemish product to the test to.


The Medik8 Blemish Control Pads are pre-soaked pads that you use morning and/or evening on a thoroughly cleansed skin, by wiping a pad all over the specific affected area, avoiding the eye area. The pads can be used on the face, but also on other areas such as neck and back etc. Once the skin has dried, you simply apply your usual serum and moisturiser on top, without rinsing.

The Medik8 Blemish Control Pad are designed for blemish prone skin, and the pads are alcohol-free, and hence very gentle on the skin, so unlike other blemish treatment they do not dry out the skin or irritate.

The Medik8 Blemish Control Pads contain among others:
  • 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) to exfoliate the skin surface, unclogs and penetrates deep inside pores to dissolve dirt and oil, and balances sebum secretion, for a smoother and more even skin
  • Allantoin to help soothe and heal inflamed, irritated skin and support the stimulation of healthy new skin tissue Glycerin to help to moisturise and enhance skin barrier function, and reduce transepidermal water loss
  • Natural spearmint for a fresh smell

This means that the Blemish Control Pads helps to both clarify and improve the appearance of problematic skin and help prevent future breakouts.

The pads are super easy to use, and really doesn’t add much extra time to your regime. My skin is used to high strength products, but I still felt a touch of a tingling in my skin at the first few uses, but nothing that was irritating, and to me, just a sign that the products are working. And after just a few uses I have to say that I am impressed. I've had a few larger breakouts that have taken forever to clear, even with my trusted breakout treatments, but after using these pads twice a day, those breakouts quickly started to clear up.

I guess that some may experience an increase in breakouts after starting to use the pads, as the skin is purging, but personally I didn't experience that. Rather, my skin appeared less greasy and more refined, and as well as I found that existing breakouts cleared faster and I actually didn't get as many either after introducing the Blemish Control Pads into my skincare regimen.

I am not surprisingly very impressed with this new addition to the Medik8 range - and while I am hopeful that my skin will completely clear up and I will perhaps not need these on a daily basis, then I can see myself wanting them at hand for sudden breakout, or at that time of month where my skin always starts to play up.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, then you really must try these!!


Medik8 Blemish Control Pads - RRP: $46.95 / 60 Pads

Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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14 April 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 HYDR8 EYE 360

If you're a regular reader of the Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, you'd know that I have nothing but positive things to say about the cosmeceutical brand Medik8, so when the newest addition, the Medi88 Hydr8 Eye 360 landed on my desk, needless to say that I was excited…
 



I am at the age where a good eye cream is a vital part of my skincare regimen - not just due to age, but two toddlers keep me active throughout the day, and often waking me during the night, so I need all the help I can with fighting not only lines and wrinkles, but also keeping under-eye bags at bay.

The Medik8 Hydr8 Eye 360 is an all-in-one day eye cream, containing multiple active ingredients to help protect against everyday environmental factors with its SPF15.

The cream contains among others; 

  • Hesperidin - helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and under-eye bags.
  • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C) - an antioxidant which quenches UV-induced free radicals to fight against visible signs of ageing
  • Hyaluronic Acid - draws moisture to the eye area and provides long-lasting hydration
  • Caffeine - increases the microcirculation of blood vessels; helps to reduce the appearance of puffiness & dark circles
  • L-Carnosine - an active ingredient which quenches AGEs and helps stimulate collagen synthesis, as well as protect against photo-aging
This means that the cream is perfect for those looking for an anti-ageing eye cream to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of collagen, and puffiness around the eye area. Due to the SPF, this eye cream is best used during the day only, prior to your usual moisturiser and makeup. The eye cream comes in a small tube, and the pointed nozzle makes it easy to dispense the tiny amount needed, without any wastage.
The cream feels quite rich, and it does take a few moments to absorb into the skin, but it is clearly intensely nourishing, so I don't mind as I can tell my eye area is clearly enjoying it. And once it has absorbed, it leaves the skin soft to touch and non greasy. I also love that it has next to no scent to irritate my sensitive eyes.  
And after just a few uses, I start to see the benefits. The skin around my eye area is clearly more hydrated and appears more plumb, with finer lines clearly minimised. I also notice that the bags and puffiness is reduced, and my whole eye areas in general simply looks clear, brighter, more awake and simply younger too. So yet again I can again say that I am nothing but impressed with Medik8.
  
Medik8 Hydr8 Eye 360 - RRP: $89 / 15ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY,

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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31 March 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 BLEMISH STARTER KIT WITH RETINOL 3TR, HYDR8 B5, BETA MOISTURISE AND CLEANSE

My skin has been really troubled lately. It always has been, but mostly I've got it under control, with the odd flare up here and there, and that's just what's it has been going through. What I have learnt over the years is to continuously use good skincare, and not just treat, but prevent breakouts from happening in the first place. And to help with that, Medik8 has recently launched a Blemish Starter Kit that contains the key products to help combat blemishes. 



The kit contains; 
  • Medik8 Beta Cleanse - Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser, 40ml 
  • Medik8 Beta Moisturise - Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser, 5ml 
  • Medik8 Hydr8 B5 - Skin Rehydration Serum, 15ml 
  • Medik8 Retinol 3TR - Advanced Night Serum, 3ml 
  • Presented in a cute little cosmetic bag 

The Medik8 Beta Cleanse - Exfoliating Cleanser is a deep anti-bacterial and exfoliating cleanser containing among others salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil and L-mandelic acid, with the purpose of giving the skin a deep clean by chemically sloughing away dead skin cells and excess dirt, sebum and impurities to leave the skin feeling cleaner deep down every pore, while not stripping it from essential oils or drying it out. The liquid comes out as a foam, and you simply massage it into the skin morning and night. I have used this cleanser previously, and I really like it as I can feel it makes a difference when I use it, and I generally use it not to remove my makeup, but rather as my second cleaner to make sure my skin is clean.


The Medik8 Beta Moisturise - Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser - this is another favourite of mine, which I've used previously (you can check out my full review here). This moisturiser can be used morning and evening, and I love how it immediately mattifies the skin, thus making it perfect to use under makeup too, making it look nice for longer before looking shiny. The moisturiser has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps the skin regenerate and repair the cells for a healthier and cleaner skin. I really love this moisturiser, as unlike other blemish moisturisers it still gives my skin the hydration it needs, while helping to balance the skin and regulate the sebum production, treat and prevent breakouts, all wile being super gentle too.

The Medik8 Hydr8 B5 - Skin Rehydration Serum, is a serum that is to be used on the skin morning and evening after cleansing, either on its own, or prior to moisturising. The serum aims to help the skin retain moisture, and stimulate the skin to regenerate and heal, as well as it has an anti-inflammatory that helps assist in fighting blemish-associated infections by building up antibodies. The serum does take a moment to absorb into the skin, but once it has, it leaves the skin feeling soft and without any oily residue. And it didn't take long before I started noticing that my skin generally looking and feeling smoother and more supple and not to mention more luminous and healthy after using it.

The Medik8 Retinol 3TR - Advanced Night Serum is a 0.3% retinol treatment that is to be introduced gradually a few times a week until your skin is used to it. The serum is to be used at night prior to the Hydr8 B5, and it aims to help reduce the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots (as well as any marks left behind after breakouts!), maintain collagen levels, improve skin texture and speed up the skin's natural peeling process of dead skin cells.

It is recommended to consult your GP prior to the use of retinol (vitamin A), if you are pregnant, lactating or taking prescription medication for acne - and as I am currently still breastfeeding, I decided that I did not want to use this serum at this point, but keep it until its safe for me to use - I'm consequently unable to speak of any results at this point.

However all in all I am really impressed with this kit and the products included, as already after a few days, of using the products, my skin is looking so much better, so if your skin is prone to breakouts, I highly recommend that you check out this Blemish Starter Kit from Medik8


Medik8 Blemish Starter Kit - RRP: $59
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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28 February 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 WHITE BALANCE CLICK INTENSE BRIGHTENING SERUM AND MICRO EXFOLIATOR

Years of worshipping the sun, sadly means that now one of my main skin concerns is pigmentation and sunspots. So when the Medik8 White Balance Cleanse and White Balance Click Intense Brightening Serum landed on my desk, I was naturally excited.




The Medik8 White Balance Click fight pigmentation, including, dark spots, age spots, freckles, blotchiness, sun damage, uneven skin tone and melasma, all while improving the appearance of overall skin tone. The key ingredient in the serum is kojic acid, which is an unstable ingredient, and hence it pas been packaged in the 'click' system to keep it in a powder form until it is ready to be used, by storing it in a special chamber inside the product lid. When you're ready to use the product, you simply click to release the powder and activate it by shaking the bottle, and then tit stays stable for the following 30days.

In addition, it also contains among others, niacinamide, sepiwhite, L-lactic acid, linoleic acid, L-Leucine, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, all of which helps to whiten and brighten the skin tone, inhibit the melanin formation, boost exfoliation and cell turnover, all while moisturising the skin.

The serum is to be used morning and evening, using 6+ drops on cleansed skin, applying your usual moisturiser on top. Yes, the two 10ml bottles seem tiny, but I was actually struggling using up one 10ml bottle within the 30days the ingredients remained active, which goes to show how concentrated the stuff is.

I found the serum to be very gentle, and non-irritating on my skin, and also working perfectly under makeup, without balling up. As I used the White Balance Click in combination with the cleanser, for an improved effect, I'll get to the results later…

Let's first get onto the Medik8 White Balance Cleanse Brightening Micro-Exfoliator. I'm sure you've heard of, or possibly even tried the much hyped about Dermalogica Microfolicant, well this exfoliating cleanser comes in the same form - a powder that you mix with a few drops of warm water to create a creamy texture which you can then massage onto your face.

The cleanser contains among others Oxy-R (Oxyresveratrol), to help brighten the skin and inhibit melanin production, as well as bamboo extract and volcanic perlite, which are micro-fine particles to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal, along with Gluconolactone, a PHA that exfoliates and breaks down stubborn melanin deposits. Finally, it also contains N-Acetylglucosamine to help with wound healing and treat UV damaged, hyperpigmented skin.

This cleanser is so gentle that you can use it daily, even if you've got sensitive skin, and I really love this dual action cleanser that both cleanses my skin and gives it a gentle exfoliation at the same time. According to Medik8, you can use it to remove makeup too, but personally, I prefer to use it in the morning, or alternatively after removing my makeup.

And after each use, I can clearly both see and feel that it leaves my skin so much softer and smoother, and clearly cleansed deep down every single pore, getting rid of all impurities. And consequently I also feel that my skin is less greasy, and with my skin more refined, my makeup also goes on not only easier, but also stays put for longer.

Overall, I have really enjoyed using these products as I feel that my skin tone has significantly improved. My skin looks visibly brighter and more radiant and luminous, and while larger areas of darker pigmentation is still noticeable, these areas are definitely reduced in appearance. Red marks from past blemishes and acne have also reduced, and as a bonus, I also feel that the these products have helped reduced the amount of breakouts that I get thanks to the gentle exfoliation of my skin. So I can definitely see myself giving my skin treatment with the serum from time to time, while the cleanser has quickly become a favourite part of my morning routine, and I'd now hate to be without it.


Medik8 White Balance Click Intense Brightening Serum - RPR: $98 / 2 x 10ml
Medik8 White Balance Cleanser Brightening Micro-Exfoliator - RRP: $69 / 75g

Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.


* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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20 January 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: RETINOL TREATMENTS - MEDIK8 10TR SERUM, MESOESTETIC POST-PEEL 1% RETINOL AND SKINMEDICA AGE DEFENSE RETINOL COMPLEX 1.0

I admit that I am no specialist, but one thing I do know, and that is that Retinol, also called Vitamin A has been proven to have amazing benefits or the skin, and is hence a very popular anti-ageing ingredient.
 




The research has shown that it can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make the skin firmer, give the skin a smoother look and improve uneven skin tone.

The use of retinol does come with some limitations, including that you shouldn't use it while you're pregnant or lactating, and that it can make the skin become very sensitive, and hence the daily use of a SPF is necessary, plus besides, what's the point of fighting the signs of ageing if you don't protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.

It is also recommended that you start gentle, with a milder strength, and perhaps just a few times a week, before increasing frequency and eventually the strength, as going too strong and too frequently can make the skin extremely sensitive, red or make it peel.

Now, I am currently breastfeeding, so it has been a while since I have actually used these, and I keep wanting to use them, but know that I best not use them again yet. And so I have had this feature in the pipeline for so long, but thought it was time now..

So here's a selection of retinol products which I cannot wait to get slather on my skin yet again..


The Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum is a very light and slightly runny serum, which is, as the name suggests is to be used nightly after cleansing and before moisturiser. With 1% retinol it is the highest strength available in the Medik8 range, so if you're new to retinol, they suggest trying one of the lower strength products first to get you skin used to it. This particular formula also has added vitamin E, to help counter any dryness and keep the skin moisturised and soft. 

It helps stimulate the production of collagen, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and reducing dark spots and pigmentation at the same time, making the skin softer and look brighter and more glowing. I also found that it helped make my skin less greasy, and reduced the amount of breakouts, and their sizes considerably - and as I am currently experiencing some breakouts, I am really wanting to start using again, as it is one of the anti-ageing products that does not actually cause breakouts, but rather minimise them while fighting the signs of ageing at the same time. It comes in a small bottle with a dropper applicator that makes it easy to dispense the few drops needed at a time.

Then there's the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, which is also the strongest strength retinol available from SkinMedica, and is also intended for use at night. This treatment has more of a light lotion feel, but still absorbs quickly into the skin. It has been made with an encapsulated antioxidant complex which helps preserve the retinol until it has absorbed into the skin as well as target the delivery, while helping to enhance the skin texture and minimise any irritation. The serum promises to help fight the signs of ageing, including coarse and dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce congestion and breakouts making the skin clearer and feeling matte, enhance skin texture and improving hyperpigmentation. And already after using for a few days, I can tell the difference when I am using this. The oil production in my skin really is normalised and my skin is less greasy, but it also generally makes my skin look healthier and brighter, which is impressive after just a few days.

Finally, the Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1% Retinol Concentrate, which comes the largest size, and is also the most expensive in the line up. It has a thicker lotion consistency, which does means that you will be using a bit more than with the thinner serums, but still, it will naturally last you the longest, but alas also comes at the higher cost.

It has been made with rosemary extract, aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin E, and is intended to be used as to prolong and boost the renewing effect of mesopeel, by helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity, while stimulating collagen in the skin and keeping the skin moisturised.

It is slightly different in that it is supposed to be massaging into the skin, avoiding the eye area, following a peel, to help neutralise the peel, then left on the skin for 2 hours, before being rinsed off with water.

I really enjoyed using all three of these, and thus find it difficult to pick a favourite - the Mesoestetic is very different from the first two, making it difficult to compare as it is more 'mask like', which is also nice as an extra treatment for an extra peeling effect. And as for the Medik8 and the SkinMedica, which the retinol concentration is the same, they are different in formula and consistency. But one thing I certain, I love treating my skin with retinol as again, I really feels it makes a difference to how my skin looks, making it look more glowing and younger too, and as a bonus it also helps treat and keep breakouts at bay.


But again, it is important to stress that there can be some serious side effects when using retinol, so make sure you consult an expert before use!
 


The Medik8 Retinol 10TR - $99 / 15ml
Available from
Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
Or for further information please visit
Advanced Cosmeceuticals 

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 - RRP: $148.50 / 29.6ml
Available from Soho Skincare and select salons
Or for further information visit Advanced Skin Technology 


 Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1%n Retinol Concentrate - RRP: $198 / 100ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, RY, Skincare Store
Or for further information please visit
Advanced Cosmeceuticals

* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

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13 October 2016

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 C-TETRA VITAMIN C DAY CREAM AND RETINOL 1TR VITAMIN A RENEWAL CREAM

As you may know, one of my favourite and trusted brands is Medik8, so I am always excited when new products are being launched. Today I've put the new Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream and the Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream to the test.. 




The Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream is chock full of vitamin C and vitamin E antioxidants to help restore radiance in dull skin, and hydrate and protect against everyday environmental aggressors.

The cream has a very light texture, which is perfect for my combination skin, and it has a gorgeous fresh orange scent that I adore. And how stunning is that orange jar with the silver lid!! 





The cream absorbs quickly into the skin, and leaves is so soft and smooth and clearly hydrated and nourished, and with an immediate glow. And because it leaves absolutely no greasy residue behind on skin, it is also perfect for use under makeup.

The cream is also blended with hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s natural barrier, as well as give it an energy boost, while brightening it and evening out the skin tone. 


  



At night, I've been putting the new Medik8 Retinol 1 TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream to the test. This cream has been formulated with advanced encapsulation technology in a 0.1% dosage which is gradually released with unique ‘time-release’ technology allowing for slow delivery into the skin, to reduce irritation, something retinol is otherwise known form.

Vitamin A, or retinol as it is also known as, has been clinically proven to combat the first signs of skin ageing, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, skin tone and texture, while also helping to stimulate cell turnover and intensely nourish the skin.

The cream also contains Hyaluronic Acid add moisture to the skin providing long-term hydration and supports the skin’s elasticity and structure, Glycerin to supports the skin’s natural barrier and boosts moisture levels and Vitamin E to help fight off free radical damage with its powerful antioxidant properties

In spite of it's gentler formulation, it is however recommended to just use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the following two and then move on to use every night, to make sure that the skin gets used to the retinol without any irritation.

Although my skin is fairly used to retinol, I thought that I'd best follow instructions, and did as per above. And after just a few uses, I was so impressed with the results, that I couldn't wait to be able to use it nightly, to speed up the results, but on the other hand, also didn't want to risk any skin reactions, which luckily I didn't.

In the morning after using it, I would simply wake with soft and smooth skin that had not only enjoyed the intense moisture and hence looked more plump, and consequently fine lines appearing to be minimised. But what's more, my skin in general seems to be more even toned too, and have this radiant glow, as if I'd just had the best beauty sleep of my life! The cream is quite rich, but thankfully it hasn’t been a problem at all for my breakout prone skin.

The cream comes in a stunning red jar with a silver lid, and I love the fact that it (and the Vitamin C Cream), but come with a small spatula, so you don’t have to keep digging your fingers into the creams.

 
Overall, yet another couple of winning products from Medik8, as I really love what they do to my skin, and how dullness seems to fade by the day, and is replaced with a more youthful and glowing skin.


Medik8 Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream - RRP: $75 / 50ml 
Medik8 C-Tetra Cream Vitamin C Day Cream - RRP: $129 / 50ml

Available from
Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty

* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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