The Medik8 Anti-Ageing Difference
Our core anti-ageing philosophy is simple. Vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. We believe this provides the ultimate protection against harmful UV rays and free radicals by stimulating collagen and elastin production; ultimately leading to younger-looking skin. But we didn’t stop there. Our full anti-ageing range provides comprehensive, 360 degree protection against all causes of skin ageing, which you can read about here. In our Advanced range, we take on the environmental factors which could be the cause of premature ageing. In our vast range of cleansers we use dual-action exfoliants to stimulate skin cells for ultimately healthier, more youthful-looking skin, and in each moisturiser we ensure optimal hydration levels to combat dehydration lines.
Glycation is caused from accumulated sugars from the diet which bind to collagen and elastin fibres creating advanced glycation end products (A.G.E.s). As a result, collagen is deformed and cellular turnover is reduced. This can lead to sagging, aged skin. In the Advanced range we use carnosine, an anti-glycation active which blocks sugar from binding to collagen. It can even reverse the bonds which have already been made, helping to regenerate a more youthful-looking skin texture.
Pollution can come in many different forms: cigarette smoke, tiny particles in the air and ozone. These can seep into the skin and trigger free radical production. Medik8's Advanced products use moringa seed extract, a powerful antioxidant which can form an urban shield on the skin, to bat away free radicals.
Scary as it is, electronic screens can cause premature skin ageing. Blue light is of a very similar wavelength to harmful UV light and it has been shown to cause hyperpigmentation and stimulate free radical damage in the skin. In Advanced, we use theobroma cocoa seed extract, a natural antioxidant which tackles harmful free radicals and helps to maintain collagen levels in the skin.
Able to breakdown collagen molecules leading to rough skin with fine lines and wrinkles, infrared is another type of the sun’s rays which can be dangerous. Thankfully, carnosine included in our Advanced range is able to inhibit the process which breaks down collagen, leaving behind plumped and youthful-looking skin.
Exfoliation of dead skin cells is key to a bright, luminous and youthful-looking complexion. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic and mandelic acid, work to break down the ‘glue’ between dead skin cells so they can be removed easily. This helps to speed up cellular turnover, promoting healthier skin and plumping up fine lines. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, are oil-soluble so they are able to work within the pores to break down clogged up oil and skin cells which can cause blemishes. This promotes a healthy, balanced complexion free from imperfections. AHAs and BHAs can be found in our range of exfoliating cleansers, such as Surface Radiance Cleanse™.
Signs of ageing can actually be made worse by dehydration. This is why many of our anti-ageing products use exceptional hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid, to keep skin nourished and thriving. Our cream formulas use the H.E.O. Framework – they each contain hydrators, emollients and occlusives (molecules which stop you losing water through the skin’s surface). This ensures that the skin’s moisture levels are carefully replenished for soft, bouncy and hydrated skin.