At 62, beauty expert and This Morning contributor Nadine Baggott has enviable skin – something she credits to a well thought-out skincare routine that includes a buzzy anti-ageing serum. And now, beauty buffs can get their hands on Nadine’s beauty secret from British brand Medik8.
“Vitamin C and vitamin A are the two long term investments I make for my skin, and the only way I can prove that is because I don’t have the skin for a woman my age. I deserve much worse skin for what I put it through when I was younger,” Nadine told The Mirror’s beauty writer, Bethan Shufflebotham in 2024.
“I don’t use prescription skincare as I have pretty normal, mature skin, but I have a big soft spot for a retinal. Retinal is the strongest form of vitamin A you can get on the market prior to prescription skincare and my favourite is this one from Medik8.”
Nadine is talking about Medik8’s Crystal Retinal, which costs £69. This price is for a 30ml tube which offers 100 uses per tube, and buyers can take a quiz to figure out which strength would work for them: sensitive, beginner, regular, advanced, experienced or expert.
Retinal is a type of vitamin A, and Medik8 promises its product is clinically proven to visibly smooth stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm skin without irritation. Shoppers might have heard of retinol, but this is retinal – which is said to act 11 times faster.
The Crystal Retinal is also infused with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the upper layers of skin, and vitamin E and glycerin which leave skin hydrated. For first time use, customers are advised to do a patch test at least 24 hours before first use, then phase application gradually into their skincare routines.
Other options on the market include the Arencia Retinal Booster Shot 30ml for £18 from Boots. Said to ‘refine pores, soften fine lines and support skin firmness’, this one is suitable for all skin types -it can be used every other day, with a thin layer applied over the face or on concerned areas at night time.
For a product targeting the area around the eyes, Superdrug has the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal 30ml for £11.99, down from £14.99. This serum addresses the loss of protein, collagen and hyaluronic acid by combining ginseng extract and retinal to enhance the skin elasticity and brightness.
The Crystal Retinal has well over 8,000 reviews from Medik8, with one happy shopper writing: “Absolutely the best. Unlike any other retinal creams in the market. This product is very gentle and effective.”
Another added: “My complexion has completely changed since using this product. My skin looks so fresh and has definitely reduced fine lines and wrinkles in the matter of weeks.” A third commented: “I love crystal retinal, I’ve been using it for years and I recommend it.”
Products are person dependent and another user said: “No visible result.” Another added: “Probably still too soon to tell but no particular difference showing in my skin despite using this retinol nightly, plus topical vitamin C in the morning. Nothing so far to make me commit to another purchase when my previous much cheaper routine makes my skin look and feel the same.”