Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense and our complicated relationship
Actives:
- retinyl retinoate (polylactic acid-encapsulated)
- retinal 0,06% (cyclodextrin encapsulation)
- ceramides and lipids, omega6 acids
- botanical extracts (soothing)
- peptides
On application:
Classic Medik8 retinoid texture that feels not unlike Crystal Retinal. Pretty lightweight cream, a bit too stiff for my liking, but no streakiness to be found on application. Elegant texture. Subtle scent. Convenient packaging. Pretty critique-proof here!
My thoughts:
I’ll say this – it’s a good product, but not for me. A lot of people love it – and I’m here not to argue with that. A lot of people in my DMs have on the other hand had a similar experience to me. Much like with sunscreens, retinoids are SUPER personal and every skin will react differently to them. I am writing this review to showcase that the most hyped product CAN be a miss for certain people and that is normal.
I’ve previously had a feeling my face didn’t enjoy a particular retinoid – that was Medik8’s Crystal Retinal which made my face feel dehydrated. With Retinoate some irritation was introduced in the mix. At the beginning of my Retinoate journey I’ve seen some inflammatory spots, some congestion, something I haven’t seen with any retinoid prior. I thought that it was either too intense for me, too irritating to be used on its own (as per the brand’s recommendation, but that’s not the way to go for dry skins, I felt super dry the next day) or overusing acids – they might have been factors.
Some time later my skin seemed more stable, I’ve been using it 3-4 times per week and it wasn’t bad per se, but whenever I took a little break from it my skin instantly looked more luminous and just clearer. That’s why I think what’s disagreeing with my skin is the formula, not the retinoid or its strength. I’ve experimented with different schemes of use, in different routines with different supplementary skincare to no avail, and this month I’ve had it. Officially.
I’ve switched to the Cipher retinal (0,2% liposomal, flash treatment as a wash off mask, I’m leaving it for 10 minutes every second day), and after a week my skin is back on track, which makes me kind of disappointed I haven’t realised it earlier (not much has changed in my routines outside of that). If any further developments occur I’ll let you know, but my skin seems to work much better without Retinoate.
So – what have I noticed within these 3 months of using it? Not much good to be honest. The results aren’t that good, and I only expect to maintain the results I got over the years of using retinal. This didn’t exactly do it. My forehead wrinkles have increased in depth, and other people notice that too. I think Medik8 retinoids just aren’t for me.
For you, if: you are ready to splurge, and you won’t be disappointed if this turns out to be lacklustre.
Not for you, if: you don’t want to risk a splurge.
Buy it here: https://www.topestetic.pl/medik8/r-retinoate-intense-intensywny-krem-odmladzajacy-50-ml
