Medik8 Crystal Retinal: which strength should you start with?
Written by Dr Elif Benar, dermatologist at Dr Elif Clinic, 54 Harley Street, London. Our doctors use and recommend these products in clinic every day.
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a vitamin A ingredient that works faster than retinol because the skin needs one less step to convert it. Medik8 Crystal Retinal comes in six strengths, which lets you build up gradually.
Where to start
| Strength | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Crystal Retinal 1 | Very sensitive skin, or completely new to vitamin A |
| Crystal Retinal 3 | New to vitamin A, normal skin |
| Crystal Retinal 6 | Comfortable with a low-strength retinol or retinal |
| Crystal Retinal 10 | Regular vitamin A users |
| Crystal Retinal 20 and 24 | Experienced users only |
How to move up
Use one strength until your skin tolerates it every night without dryness or redness, usually after one or two bottles. Then move up one level. Skipping levels is the most common reason for irritation.
Using it safely
- Use in the evening on clean, dry skin.
- Wear SPF every morning.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Pair with a gentle moisturiser if your skin feels dry.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal better than retinol?
Retinal tends to work faster at a lower percentage, but the best product is the one your skin tolerates every night.
Can I use Crystal Retinal with vitamin C?
Yes: vitamin C in the morning and Crystal Retinal at night.
Can I switch from Obagi retinol to Crystal Retinal?
Yes. If you tolerate Obagi Retinol 0.5 well, Crystal Retinal 6 is a sensible starting point.
Need help choosing?
Every skin is different. If you are unsure which product suits you, book a consultation at Dr Elif Clinic on Harley Street, or send us a message through our contact page. This article is general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.