What Is Vitamin A? Top 10 Questions Answered.

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What Is Vitamin A? Top 10 Questions Answered.

The most asked questions about vitamin A answered by Medik8 experts.


What is vitamin A and how does it work to help address the visible signs of aging

Vitamin A is an umbrella term for a family of skincare ingredients known as retinoids. Retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid and retinyl retinoate can all be classed as retinoids. When vitamin A is introduced to skin, it is converted to its active form, retinoic acid. Once converted, vitamin A can smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, while promoting a visibly flawless complexion.


Do I have to use a high strength vitamin A in order to see results?

Choosing the right vitamin A product is completely dependent on your skin type and your skincare concerns. With our Intelligent Retinol and Crystal Retinal formulas, we offer a progressive ladder where you can move up in strength when your skin is ready. We have 4 strengths of Crystal Retinal available, and 3 strengths of Intelligent Retinol. Therefore, at Medik8 we truly have a vitamin A for everyone, whether you are a beginner or retinol-pro. Our ladders offer you the opportunity to level up your strength when you want to improve your results further. We recommend Crystal Retinal 3 or Intelligent Retinol 3TR as starting points if you are new to vitamin A. See our vitamin A guide here


How do I know which vitamin A product is right for me?

As the Experts in Vitamin A, naturally we have a wide range of products in different strengths, using different molecules and at different price points to suit everyone. We only use those vitamin A molecules with strong proven scientific evidence, so get ready for visible results. Meet retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate.


Retinol Retinal Retinyl Retinoate
Intelligent Retinol (available in 3 different strengths). Crystal Retinal (available in 4 different strengths). r-Retinoate Day & Night, r-Retinoate Day & Night Eye Serum, r-Retinoate Ultimate Night.
Classic form of vitamin A Next- generation form of vitamin A. Faster-acting on skin than retinol, while remaining gentle on skin.  The ultimate form of vitamin A, non-irritating and can be used day and night. 
Our Intelligent Retinol formulas are suited for. drier skin types, as they have an ultra-nourishing squalene base The 'Everyone' vitamin A, suitable for all skin types including congested skins.  Luxe r-Retinoate range; these are Medik8's masterpiece vitamin As. 


How soon will I see visible results?

It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks before you start to see the benefits of vitamin A. Your results will depend on the strength and the type of vitamin A you’re using. 

When should I use vitamin A in my skincare routine?

We recommend to apply your vitamin A as the last step in your evening routine before moisturizer (except r-Retinoate Day & Night which can also be applied in the morning!). This will help to offset any dryness that may occur as your skin adjusts to your chosen retinoid. For best results, Medik8 recommend including vitamin C and sunscreen in your morning routine.

When should I use vitamin A in my skincare routine?

We recommend to apply your vitamin A as the last step in your evening routine before moisturizer (except r-Retinoate Day & Night which can also be applied in the morning!). This will help to offset any dryness that may occur as your skin adjusts to your chosen retinoid. For best results, Medik8 recommend including vitamin C and sunscreen in your morning routine.

Can I use vitamin A if I have sensitive skin?

Vitamin A is suitable for all skin types but it can take some time getting used to, especially if you have sensitive skin. Our Crystal Retinal ladder offers a beginner strength product especially for sensitive skin types; Crystal Retinal 1. It is ideal for those looking to incorporate a gentle vitamin A into their skincare routine without compromising on results.

At what age should I start Vitamin A?

You can start using vitamin A as early as your 20s. For those in their 20s looking to prevent signs of aging, Crystal Retinal 3 is an ideal place to start. A next-generation form of vitamin A with skin decongesting properties, Crystal Retinal promotes a visibly flawless complexion while addressing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 


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