Ageing

The Retinoid Routine

Retinoids are the most evidence-backed active in skincare for fine lines, texture and breakouts. They are also the ones people most often get wrong: too strong, too fast, without sun protection. This is the routine built the way a pharmacist would build it, with the strength matched to your experience rather than to the highest number on the shelf.

5 steps

The steps

Some products in this routine are temporarily unavailable. They are marked out of stock and left out of the total — you can still add the rest, and open any unavailable product to be notified when it is back in stock.

Step 1BothOut of stock
Cleanser (AM and PM), Medik8 Cream Cleanse or Surface Radiance Cleanse
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse 150ml
Medik8 · 150ml · £27
Retinoids work on skin that is clean but not stripped. A foaming, high pH cleanser leaves the barrier compromised before you have applied anything active, which is a common reason people believe they cannot tolerate retinoids at all. Use lukewarm water and pat dry rather than rubbing.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 2AMOut of stock
Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced
Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced 30ml
Medik8 · 30ml · £56
Vitamin C in the morning and retinal at night is the standard pairing because they do different jobs at different times. C-Tetra uses a stable, oil soluble form of vitamin C that suits skin already adjusting to a retinoid better than a high percentage L-ascorbic acid, which can sting on compromised skin.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 4PMOut of stock
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 30ml
Medik8 · 30ml · £56
Retinaldehyde converts to retinoic acid in one step rather than the two that retinol requires, so it works faster at lower irritation for most people. Strength matters more than brand: if you have never used a retinoid, start at Crystal Retinal 3 or 6, not 24. Apply a pea sized amount to dry skin, avoiding the immediate eye area, nostril creases and lip corners. Two or three nights a week to begin, building up as tolerated.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 5PMOut of stock
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense 30ml
Medik8 · 30ml · £54
Applied after the retinal, this reduces the dryness and tightness that cause most people to give up in the first month. If your skin is reactive, apply your moisturiser first and the retinal on top. Buffering slows absorption slightly, which is a reasonable trade for staying consistent.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock
Step 6PMOptionalOut of stock
Optional, Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 6 15ml
Medik8 · 15ml · £47
The eye area is thinner and more prone to irritation, so it needs a formulation designed for it rather than your face product moved closer. Add this only once your face routine is settled.
Out of stock — excluded from totalNotify me when back in stock

What to expect

Weeks 1 to 4: dryness, mild flaking, sometimes a short period of increased breakouts as cell turnover speeds up. This is expected, not a reaction. Weeks 6 to 8: texture and tone start to even out. Week 12 and beyond: the fine line and pigmentation benefits appear. Retinoids reward consistency over intensity.

Do not combine

Avoid using AHAs or BHAs on the same night as your retinal until you are fully tolerant, and never use both with a physical scrub. Do not use retinoids if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. If you are using prescription tretinoin or adapalene, do not layer this on top; speak to your prescriber first.