Medik8

What’s the CSA Philosophy?

In 2009, Medik8 invented the CSA Philosophy to give everyone the opportunity to achieve Beautiful Skin for Life. Just use a vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. That’s it.

What is 12 Weeks to WOW?

In a nutshell: Personal Training for your skin.

Just like visiting a Personal Trainer at the gym, Medik8 offers you the opportunity to transform your skin from just 12 weeks* with the 12 Weeks to WOW programme. A totally bespoke course of Medik8 in-clinic peels plus homecare for you to follow over 3 months. The result? WOW skin everybody notices. To discover more have a read here to understand how it works and what to expect. 

*Duration may vary based on skin type and condition.

How can I get bespoke skincare advice tailored to me?

Nothing beats a face to face consultation with a trained professional. We’d recommend booking a skincare consult with our principle esthetician, Emma. Emma will carry out a detailed analysis of your skin and lifestyle and devise a tailored Medik8 programme just for you. This has become so popular that we now have a programme called 12 Weeks to WOW to help transform skin over just 3 months.

Can I use Medik8 products during pregnancy or when nursing?

Unfortunately, as a cosmetic brand we are unable to provide specific medical advice relating to our products. We would strongly advise speaking with your GP or Midwife so that they can give you an accurate recommendation. The full ingredients list for each of our products can be found on the product pages of the Medik8 website.

However, for general guidance, the main ingredient we recommend to avoid during pregnancy or nursing is vitamin A; found in Intelligent Retinol, Crystal Retinal, any r-Retinoate and Night Ritual Vitamin A. We also recommend to avoid using Smooth Body Lotion during pregnancy/nursing.

Are Medik8 products vegan-friendly?

Yes. As of July 2019, every Medik8 product we manufacture is 100% vegan-friendly.

Are Medik8 products fragranced?

To create a beautiful product which we know our customers will want to use every day, we use a low level of essential oils to imbue each formula with a subtle and elegant aroma. We do not use any synthetic fragrance and openly declare our fully natural blend rather than adding simply "fragrance" to the ingredients list so that you can see exactly what goes in.

The oils themselves are at low levels and with reduced allergens - less than 0.15% in total. We do not support the hypothesis of micro inflammation. As any toxicologist will explain, it is the dosage which is the poison, and we use extremely low levels in our products. The vast majority of our customers are not sensitive to these levels of essential oils and prefer to have a fragrance in their skincare products.

Anecdotal social media evidence gathered from fragrance-free brands suggests no difference in the general very low occurrence of reports of allergies that we receive - possibly because we use very low levels of any fragrance - and no synthetic fragrances at all.

Microneedling

Who is microneedling for?

Skin Concern: Anyone with uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles, post-blemish marks or enlarged pores.

Results: Visible reduction in wrinkles, rough texture & post-blemish marks for plumper, brighter, more even-toned skin.

What should I expect?

Most skin types can expect visible redness, dryness & mild inflammation for 3-5 days post treatment. Your skin might feel slightly warm and/or tight as it begins to heal.

Your skin will also be more susceptible to UV rays, so wear high-factor sunscreen & reduce sun exposure post treatment.

Talk to your professional about the best post-treatment products to help ensure you achieve the very best visible results while experiencing minimal downtime.

How do I prepare my skin?

To truly maximise the visible results of your microneedling treatment, we recommend a pre-treatment consultation with a trained Medik8 professional for a prescribed CSA skincare regime (vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A (retinoids) by night). However, please bear in mind that vitamin A use should be discontinued at least 3 days prior to your microneedling treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies depending on the skin concern and individual response, but a series of 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart is often recommended

Is it painful?

Microneedling can be done with a topical numbing cream, making it relatively comfortable for most people.

Chemical Peels

What is a chemical peel?

Medik8 chemical peels are professional-grade exfoliating acids applied to the skin with a small brush to help resurface and retexture.

Can I just have 1 peel to improve my skin?

It is possible to just have a single peel, but we recommend a course of 6 to really see the long-term skin benefits. It's a little like going to the gym; you can go occasionally but the real results will come when you commit to an ongoing programme. We make starting your peel journey really easy with our Medik8 12 Weeks to WOW programme - basically 'personal training for your skin'. Our network of trained therapists will work with you over a 12 week*period to visibly transform your skin through a bespoke programme of in-clinic treatments and at-home care to achieve skin that really wows.

Are peels right for everyone?

Chemical peels are suitable for almost everyone and at Medik8 we have a varied range from our Sensitive PHA Peel which is suitable for very sensitive skins right through to our mono peels which use high-strength single acids that can even be layered to target stubborn concerns. Certain skin conditions / people may be 'contra-indicated' and therefore shouldn't go down the peel route until skin is normalised. However, there are lots of other treatment options we offer.

What's the downtime?

By definition, the application of acids to the skin may cause redness, skin flaking and mild peeling; but every skin is different. We recommend not to wear makeup for the first 12 hours post-peel to ensure the skin remains bacteria-free. You will be recommended a comprehensive aftercare routine to continue with at home to ensure your skin recovers and rejuvenates correctly. As a general rule, expect flaking from around the 3rd day post-peel for a maximum of 5 further days. You should avoid direct sun exposure during these recovery days and always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

What results can I expect?

24 hours post-peel your skin will likely feel a little tight and appear slightly flushed. Within 3 days your skin will start to flake but within the week you will start to see clearer, more uniform skin tone. Over a course of 6 peels, results will be even more visibly profound. We recommend taking pictures of your progress either on your own phone or many of our clinics have facial imaging equipment that can extensively track your skin's improvement across such parameters as wrinkle depth, clarity, water content etc; dependant on the skin concern you are treating. Fascinating stuff.

Can peels be used alongside other treatments like botox or laser?

Absolutely.

Dos & don'ts

Don't pick at any flaky skin. Your skin is naturally turning over after your peel and picking may create soreness and even scarring. Don't use any harsh exfoliants (chemical (AHA/ BHA cleansers / toners) or physical (grainy scrubs)) for at least 3 days post-peel. Don't spend extended periods of time in direct sunlight. Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin. Stick to the aftercare regime recommended by your trained therapist. This will ensure that your skin recovers and rejuvenates as quickly as possible post-peel. If you have any questions or concerns, give your therapist a ring so they can offer you tailored advice. They'll be delighted to assist.

IPL

What is IPL facial rejuvenation?

IPL uses a broad spectrum of light to target and reduce various skin imperfections like sunspots, redness, and age spots.It can also stimulate collagen production for smoother, more youthful skin

How does it work?

IPL works by selectively absorbing light energy in specific pigments in the skin, such as melanin (in sunspots) or hemoglobin (in blood vessels).This energy heats the targeted areas, leading to a reduction in their appearance and, in some cases, a slight improvement in skin tone

Is it painful?

While some mild discomfort or a snapping sensation can be felt during the treatment, most people find it tolerable.Cooling pads or topical anesthetics can be used to enhance comfort

How long does it take?

A single treatment session usually takes about 30-45 minutes

Is there downtime?

No downtime is required, meaning you can return to your normal activities immediately after the treatment.You may experience temporary redness or slight swelling, but this usually subsides within a few hours or days

How many treatments are needed?

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual's skin condition and desired results, but a series of treatments (e.g., 3-5 sessions) spaced several weeks apart is typically recommended

What can I expect after treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, you may notice some redness, swelling, or a slight tingling sensation.Pigmented spots may appear darker before they begin to fade or flake off

How long do the results last?

The results can last for several months to a year, depending on individual factors like skin type, lifestyle, and sun exposure.Maintenance treatments may be needed to prolong the effects

Algae Peel

What is the Zena Algae Peel?

The ZENA Algae Peel is made from the first quality algae, environmentally friendly from the lakes of Ukraine. The seaweed powder contains natural micro needles which will act on the epidermis and stimulate collagen production and accelerate cellular renewal due to the superficial blood circulation the protective properties of the skin are improved.

An organic peel that helps reduce acne, the appearance of pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, lightens acne scaring, pigmentation, melasma and stretch marks. This peel requires at least 7 days of downtime.

What are the benefits?

Helps reduce acne, appearance of pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scaring, pigmentation, melasma and stretch marks

Is the treatment painful?

During the treatment, the tiny spicules will begin to penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen and improve your skin cells. This part of the treatment is not painful however there will be the sensations of prickling, heat increase and reddening. This is very normal and part of the treatment process. Immediately post treatment, the area may feel quite sensitive to touch, however this will subside.

It is important to note over the first few days post treatment, you may also experience some redness, dryness and sensitivity on the treated area.

When will I see results?

In most cases, on day 7 your skin will be fully healed and recovered. Some individuals may see results and stop peeling up to day 10 but no longer. After the healing process, new and rejuvenated skin will be visible.

Dermaplane

Is dermaplaning suitable for all skin types?

While dermaplaning is generally safe for most skin types, it's not recommended for those with extremely sensitive skin, active acne breakouts, or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.It could further irritate the skin and potentially spread infection.

What are the benefits of dermaplaning?

  • Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin. 
  • Reduced fine lines: Can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Improved skincare penetration: Exfoliation allows skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. 
  • Reduced peach fuzz: Removes unwanted facial hair. 

What should I do after dermaplaning?

  • Avoid sun exposure:The skin is more sensitive after dermaplaning, so protect it from the sun with sunscreen. 
  • Avoid harsh skincare products:Use gentle cleansers and avoid scrubs or other abrasive products for a few days. 
  • Avoid heat:Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and other sources of heat for a few days. 
  • Apply hydrating products:Use a hydrating serum or oil to help replenish the skin's moisture. 

How often should I dermaplane?

It's generally recommended to wait at least four weeks between dermaplaning treatments to allow the skin to recover.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

No, dermaplaning is generally painless. Some people may feel a slight tingling sensation, but it is typically a comfortable procedure.

Will my hair grow back thicker?

No, dermaplaning does not change the structure of the hair follicle. The hair will grow back at the same rate and texture as before.