The Ultimate Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine with Medik8
When it comes to skincare, it’s hard to know where to begin. Between hyaluronic acids, retinoids and LED therapy, how do you decide what works best for you? As an award-winning British dermatological skincare brand trusted by skin specialists across the UK, Medik8 are renowned for their clinically proven CSA routine – the ultimate anti-ageing skincare routine.
If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth your complexion and brighten your skin, the CSA routine is for you. We met with Radhika Sen from Medik8 to discover the science behind this universal approach to skincare and how you can start your CSA routine.
How did Medik8 start?
Medik8 was founded in 2009 by UK scientist Elliot Isaacs, who combined his pharmacology background with insights gained from global travels to create science-backed skincare.
Inspired by a desire to balance luxury skincare with sustainability without compromising on efficacy, he developed early formulas in his father’s pharmacy lovingly called ‘the shed’.
What is the CSA Philosophy and how did the founders of Medik8 discover it?
Elliot spent months in the British Library looking for peer-reviewed evidence in dermatological journals. All the empirical evidence pointed to just 3 key ingredients: vitamin C, sunscreen, and vitamin A. Medik8’s ‘CSA Philosophy®’: vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night was born - and continues to be their core skincare philosophy.
Who is the CSA skincare routine designed for?
The CSA skincare regime is designed for everyone, from skincare beginners to advanced users looking for next-level age-defying benefits. It aims to help complexions become visibly smoother, brighter and healthier-looking, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles reduced.
Start your CSA routine
For Skincare Beginners: Step 1: C-Tetra Luxe
This supercharged 14% vitamin C serum is a potent yet gentle solution, perfect for those seeking enhanced skin radiance and antioxidant protection alongside deep nourishment.
The velvety-soft serum is formulated with a stabilised (and therefore very potent) form of vitamin C to drive impressive results.
Apply it after cleansing in the morning by massaging 6 drops across the face, neck and décolletage.
150
£59.00
For Seasoned Skincare Lovers: Step 1: C-Tetra Advanced
For those seeking something a little more on the advanced side, Medik8's new C-Tetra Advanced might be the product to go for.
Brand new and boasting a non-greasy, gel-serum texture that deposits a lightweight veil of skin-plumping and brightness-boosting vitamin C and acetyl zingerone, Medik8's newest innovation champions powerful ingredients and an active formula to help smooth your complexion, encourage skin barrier repair and protect from antioxidant damage.
£69.00
But that's not all: we spoke to Daniel Isaacs, Medik8's Chief Product Officer, about the differences between C-Tetra Luxe and C-Tetra Advanced. He told us that:
C-Tetra Advanced is a lightweight gel-based serum containing our most potent percentage of vitamin C in the C-Tetra range (20%) and is recommended for those looking to defend against visible signs of premature skin ageing. C-Tetra Luxe is a rich oil-based serum that contains 14% vitamin C and is suitable for those looking for an instant glow and nourishment.
We also enquired about who would benefit from upgrading to the C-Tetra Advanced. He told us:
We recommend using C-Tetra Advanced as part of our pioneering CSA Philosophy(R) which champions vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, and vitamin A by night as the simple secret to glowing, youthful-looking skin. It has been formulated with an intelligent ingredient complex combining potent, stabilised 20% vitamin C with restorative phyto-exosomes and omni-antioxidant acetyl zingerone that help shield and improve the skin’s recovery from environmental stressors which can cause premature ageing.
Apply it after cleansing in the morning by massaging 2-3 drops across the face, neck and décolletage.
Step 2: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect
A 2-in-1 sunscreen and anti-ageing moisturiser that delivers the highest level of protection against UV damage and helps to promote a youthful-looking appearance. The formula is also elevated with a DNA repair enzyme which works to support your skin's natural repair mechanisms following UV exposure.
It delivers a non-greasy, non-comedogenic, invisible finish on all skin tones and can be easily applied under makeup.
£69.00
Step 3: Crystal Retinal
A next-generation vitamin A night serum containing fast-acting retinAl, which works to help smooth, brighten, decongest, and firm the skin.
After cleansing in the evening, apply 2 pumps of Crystal Retinal to the face and neck. Allow to absorb then follow with a moisturiser.
For new users of Crystal Retinal, it is important to phase application gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. You should always use sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A.
531
£49.00
307
£69.00
264
£89.00
Which Crystal Retinal is right for you?
Medik8’s Crystal Retinal range features a unique ladder of 6 strengths, allowing users to gradually build tolerance and see continued benefits. From beginners to expert users, there’s a strength for everyone, even sensitive skins. Start low and going slow, phasing Crystal Retinal into your routine.
From a young age I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry, getting my first job at a skin clinic and staying there for almost 5 years. My love for skincare was born from the constant exposure to new French pharma skincare products, award-winning supplements and revolutionary techniques to snatch your face. My go-to look is a dewy, natural base using a tinted moisturiser, enhanced by a colourful eyeliner. The Garnier SPF50+ Face Fluid and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer are my holy grails.
