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.
7 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 1BothCleanse
JorgObé Glycerin Hydra Cleanser 200mlJorgObé · 200ml · £29
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.
Step 2AMAM antioxidant
JorgObé Vitamin C Serum 50mlReplaces C-Tetra Advanced, currently unavailable
JorgObé · 50ml · £40
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.
Step 3AMAM protection
Ultrasun Face SPF50+Ultrasun · 50ml · £25
This step is not optional on a retinoid routine. Retinoids increase photosensitivity and UV exposure undoes the collagen benefit you are paying for. If you will not wear sunscreen daily, do not start a retinoid. Reapply if you are outdoors for extended periods.
Step 4PMOut of stockPM retinoid
Crystal Retinal 10Medik8 · 30ml · £59
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. 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.
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Step 5PMPM hydration
Hydr8 B5 IntenseMedik8 · 30ml · £46
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.
Step 6PMOptionalOptional final step
Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide CreamMedik8 · 50ml · £56
A peptide cream layered last, over the actives beneath it. Supporting rather than essential, and best added once the rest of the routine is settled.
Step 7BothOptionalSupplement support
Skin Omegas+ 60 softgelsAdvanced Nutrition Programme · 60 softgels · £34
Optional daily supplement support alongside the topical steps.
Swap option
Skin Collagen Synergy 28 day supplyAdvanced Nutrition Programme · £62 · not added by Shop the routine
Shop the Medik8 range for the Crystal Retinal strengths we currently 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.