The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But our love affair isn't a two-way street. Exposure to sun causes most of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces. Consider this: One woman at age 40 who has protected her skin from the sun actually has the skin of a 30-year-old!
We often associate a glowing complexion with good health, but skin color obtained from being in the sun – or in a tanning booth – actually accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer.
Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching. The skin also bruises and tears more easily -- taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life.

How Does the Sun Change My Skin?

Exposure to the sun causes:

• Pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) skin lesions - due to decreases in the skin's immune function
• Benign tumors
• Fine and coarse wrinkles
• Freckles
• Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation
• Sallowness -- a yellow discoloration of the skin
• Telangiectasias -- the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin
• Elastosis -- the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue (causing lines, wrinkles and sagging skin)

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others. 
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers and the number of cases continues to rise. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This rapid growth results in tumors, which are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers, they are highly curable when treated early. Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control.

To protect yourself:

• Stay out of the sun when it is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
• Wear protective clothing
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds

Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, colour, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. Such changes are a sign of skin cancer.

Protecting your skin from sun damage is extremely important in order to retain youthful and healthy skin. The Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 provides immense protection from sun damage as well as from free-radical damage that is generated by UV exposure. This particular sunscreen contains potent, natural antioxidants as well as UV-absorbing substances. Combining all of these great ingredients and properties, the Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 works wonders in the fight to keep skin youthful, healthy, and glowing.
Unlike some other sunscreens on the market, the Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 does not leave behind a white or chalky residue on the skin. The formula absorbs very quickly into the skin, immediately providing effective protection. It is free from any chemical sunscreens and works at the optimum level with your natural skin. It is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection product that works 30 times your natural sun protection.
How To Use:
Apply the Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 to skin daily to ensure proper sun protection. Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 should also be applied after cosmetic/aesthetic procedures.
Main Benefits:
- Contains Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide in order to provide broad spectrum protection against sun damage.
- Works to soothe and calm skin
- Includes Thiotaine, which is a natural antioxidant and amino acid that prevents UV damage, recycles Vitamin C, ensures energy production, and diminishes the appearance of pigmentation marks.
- Contains Red Algae, which produces the most potent and powerful UV-absorbing substances in nature.
- Provides SPF 30 and is Broad Spectrum
- Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF30 is 100% physical only sunscreen and does not contain any chemical sunscreens.
- This product is FDA approved and manufactured in a FDA approved facility.
- Convenient to use and easily absorbed into skin, without leaving any white residue behind.
- Combats early signs of ageing.

The Medik8® brand of skincare is produced by Pangea Laboratories Ltd, founded by Elliot Isaacs.
Elliot, a graduate from The University of Leeds - Pharmacology and Physiology Department and son of a pharmacist, decided in the late 1990s to help his sister who had developed a skin redness that would not go away. One skin cream she used appeared to contain the right anti-inflammatory actives but paradoxically seemed to be causing more irritation than it calmed. Elliot decided to investigate this problem and see if he could make a better product using the small lab in his father’s pharmacy.  Weeks turned to months and with the eventual success in calming his sister’s redness, the decision to manufacture this cream formula was taken. Several years passed satisfying regulatory steps until Medik8 launched Red Alert® in 2004. Now Medik8 has a full anti-ageing range taking the philosophy of ‘results without the irritation’ to cleansers, antioxidants, lighteners, retinoids, hydroxy acids, peels and more.
Medik8 provides products suitable for sensitive skin without compromising efficacy so they may be used by everyone. It is a myth that a product designed for sensitive skin would not be as effective just because it is less irritating. It was previously incorrectly assumed that aggressive products causing significant inflammation gave the best results (the idea being that aggressive products provoke a healing response) but current opinion, based on the latest research, is that excessive inflammation can damage cells causing long term skin damage and perversely causing premature skin ageing.
The challenge for Medik8 is to make effective ingredients less aggressive without reducing potency. They do this in many ways for example using film-encapsulation, chirally correct actives, non-acid derivatives and patented anti-erythema technologies. Of course, using any effective strength actives, for example retinols and fruit acids, will cause some stinging to even the toughest skins, but Medik8 pharmacologists have minimised the degree of irritation and in some cases made it absent all together.
Medik8 only uses and formulates proven technologies that provide real skin benefits and Medik8 uses chirally correct actives wherever possible which is said to make them more active and less irritating due to the science behind the molecules. Medik8 products are specifically designed to be suitable for people with sensitive skin without ever compromising efficacy.
Medik8 will only be supplied to dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, specialist skincare doctors, medical clinicians, derma-pharmacists, qualified skincare professionals and specialist skincare retailers. Every authorised reseller must have a trained Medik8 consultant available at the point of purchase to answer customers’ skin care concerns and product queries.
Product range

FACE

Cleanse
oneCleanse™, poreCleanse™, betaCleanse™, Red Alert® Cleanse, creamCleanse™
PREVENT
C-Tetra®, CE-Tetra®, βlue AOX™, Firewall®
CORRECT
Growth Factor, Retinol Eye TR™, betagel™, Retinol 40, Retinol 3 TR™, White Balance™, Red Alert®, Firma Derma®, Dark Circles™, Light Amplifier™, Firewall®
HYDRATE
Hydr8™ Day, Hydr8™ B5, Hydr8™Night
Pretox® Range - Pretox® 20, Pretox® Infin8, Pretox® Filler, Pretox® Eyelift, Pretox® Pout
BODY
Hydr8™ Body, Red Alert®, Lipomelt Forte®, (plus combinations of Hydr8 Body™ & White Balance™, Hydr8 Body™ & Retinol 40)

What active ingredients does the Medik8 range contain?
Antioxidants
C-Tetra® - contains 3% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the most potent and highly stable derivative of vitamin C available.  C-Tetra has been shown to have up to 4 times the potency of L-ascorbic acid and other derivatives such as MAP (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate).
βlue AOX™- the active ingredients within Blue AOX™ have powerful effects to protect the skin from environmental damage and encourage the skin’s ability to repair itself. Chirally correct copper PCA, a super antioxidant, has been developed and patented by Medik8 therefore Blue AOX™ technology is exclusive to Medik8 skincare.
Retinol - has been shown in several clinical trials to combat common skin-ageing concerns such as facial wrinkles, lines, folds and a loss of firmness by stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Retinol has also been proven to improve skin clarity and texture, promote anti-pigmentation plus demonstrate anti-acne and pore-minimising effects, all leading to a more youthful skin appearance.
DMAE - the extremely effective firming activity of DMAE, a well known lifting ingredient, has an energising effect on the nerve cells preventing the muscles of facial expression from drooping and consequently the skin from sagging. DMAE increases levels of the brain neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine by acting as a precursor. Acetylcholine, in turn, causes muscles to adopt high tonic levels leading to firmness. DMAE is also an antioxidant, which promotes the cell membranes stability and shows the ability to boost the effects of other antioxidants.
Cusodase-P™- Firewall comprises this new unique patent-pending anti-ageing complex, a blend of actives including the Firewall breakthrough antioxidant molecule that’s 40 times stronger than vitamin C in the Total Antioxidant assay test, yet remains stable. It includes:

• Anti-ageing Copper Chelates
• Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase mimetics
• New high-penetration vitamin C lipid-derivative antioxidant
• New vitamin E-style antioxidant recycler
• Two anti-ageing peptides including Pentapeptides
• Firewall `Inert-Base` with dual-chamber separation and Nanosonic® penetration technology   

This combination of ingredients at optimised concentrations, produces a very powerful and stable antioxidant serum with great anti-ageing benefits.
Pretox - contains an inoffensive hexapeptide composed of natural amino acids to reduce the depth of the wrinkles in the face caused by the contraction of the muscles during facial expression, especially in the forehead and around the eyes. Hexapeptide prevents the ageing of the skin induced by repeated facial movements caused by excessive catecholamine (neurotransmitter) release. Unlike Botulinum Toxin type A (such as Botox®), Pretox® does not paralyze the muscle completely. Instead it gently and temporarily reduces the strength of specific muscle contractions, thus the formation of new lines and wrinkles is reduced and old lines appear much less prominent - leaving you with smoother, younger looking skin.
The main active ingredients in the Pretox® range include Hyaluronic Acid, Dermis Repair Peptide, Collagen Plumping Peptide, Brighteners Peptide, Argireline Hexapeptide and Infin8 Octapeptide.

What do they claim to treat?
Products within the Medik8 range claim to be able to address a number of issues within the skin.
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Free Radical Damage
The Medik8 range has antioxidant serums that help combat sun-induced and environmental free-radical damage to the skin. Vitamin C has been shown to trigger collagen synthesis, increase the skin’s elasticity and density as well as improve the skin’s texture and brighten the complexion, whilst preventing skin photo-ageing, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Ageing
The Medik8 Correct Range is a collection of treatment products formulated to help restore youthfulness to the skin by working on the signs of ageing. Retinol products address skin-ageing causes, including photo-ageing and collagen damage. Melanin inhibitors combat hyperpigmentation. Telomere extenders tackle redness and Peptide fragments engage dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Hyperpigmented Skin and Photo-ageing (Sun Damage)
Hyperpigmented skin on the neck, body and backs of hands can now be targeted with the combination of Medik8’s White Balance Serum and Hydr8 Body. You can protect your skin from photo-ageing (ageing caused by exposure to the sun) and hyperpigmentation with Medik8 broad spectrum sunscreen protection moisturisers. Professional strength products formulated to ‘hydr8’ the four main skin type, from combination to mature skin types. Hydrating dry, tired skin and relieving sunburn whilst restoring suppleness and softness. Formulated to intensely condition and re-hydrate dry and chapped skin, with superior moisture control using their trademarked “Moisture Magnet™” technology.
Redness
Red Alert® helps to fade and clear thread veins, skin redness and bruises by promoting anti-oxidation, vein-wall strengthening and enhanced coagulation (blood clotting at the site of capillary damage). There is no stronger topical formula for cosmetically managing skin redness according to Medik8.
Cellulite
Lipomelt Forte is designed to trigger the initiation of fat break down, stimulate cell metabolism, improve skin firmness, diminish the appearance of orange peel skin (from cellulite) and effectively detoxify the skin cells. The product contains Serilesine® Hexapeptide, carefully blended Xanthines and other clinically proven actives, formulated to high concentrations to stimulate substantial Lipolysis which is the dermaceutical key to cellulite breakdown and a slimmer silhouette. Proven results in 6-8 weeks if used as directed according to Medik8.
Uneven Skin
Wrinkled, lack-lustre skin on the body, neck and hands can now be targeted with the combination of Medik8’s Retinol 40 Boost and Hydr8 Body. Retinol has been proven to help the synthesis of collagen, whilst helping to increase the thickness of the epidermis; leading to fresher, more supple skin.

Reported side effectsRetinol use can cause side effects if used incorrectly. To build up skin tolerance to Retinol, allow 3 day intervals between applications for a minimum of 2 weeks. When using this product care is needed. Consult with your GP before commencing a Retinol regime if pregnant, breast feeding, undergoing skin peeling procedures or taking prescription medication for acne such as Tretinoin (Roaccutane®).

CostsRetail prices for the various products within the Medik8 range start from £30.00.

 
Unlike other skincare brands, and particularly cosmeceutical skincare in which ingredients are stronger and therefore more effective, Medik8 has been formulated specially for sensitive skin types, which means it can be used by anyone, with or without sensitive skin.

To customise Medik8 to your skin type you just need to follow four simple steps; Cleanse, Prevent, Correct and Hydrate.
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Cleanse
Medik8 has one of the broadest selections of cleansers available having recently introduced an additional three to its range. You can choose from seven cleansers:

• Pore Cleanse – for oily skin types
• Pore Cleanse Gel – for those who prefer a gel to a foaming cleanser and have problematic and oily skin
• Gentle Cleanse (formerly One Cleanse) – a foaming cleanser for super sensitive skin
• Beta Cleanse – for acne-prone skin
• Daily Scrub – a recent addition to the Medik8 range, this scrub exfoliates while deep cleansing and is great for oily skin.
• Red Alert Cleanse – for those who suffer with redness and/or rosacea
• Cream Cleanse – a cleanser for more mature skin that requires more hydration.

Prevent
The prevent range includes Medik8’s antioxidants which are some of the best selling antioxidants on the market. They also happen to be perfect for anyone on a tight budget.

• C Tetra – the least expensive of all three of Medik8’s antioxidants is C Tetra. It is ideal for younger skins or those who have less sun damage.
• CE Tetra – a stable vitamin C serum, CE Tetra helps to increase elasticity in the skin and targets damage caused by over-exposure to the sun.
• CE Thione – a new rechargeable vitamin C antioxidant that combines vitamin E to help brighten skin tone and texture as well as helping to protect the skin from free radicals and the damage they cause.

Correct

• Retinol 3TR – retinol increases cellular turnover and gets rid of dead skin cells. It helps create a beautiful smooth complexion. Only use at night and be sure to apply an SPF every day.
• Retinol Eye TR – targeting the eye area, Retinol Eye TR has the same effects as Retinol 3TR but caters for the delicacy of the eye area.

Hydrate
Keeping your skin hydrated and thoroughly moisturised is key to younger, fresher looking skin. Medik8’s selection of Hydr8 products will help you achieve this.

• Hydr8 Day – available in a Normal to Oily option and a Normal to Dry option, Hydr8 Day thoroughly moisturises and protects skin with its built-in SPF25.
• Hydr8 Night – provides intensive hydration at night.
• Hydr8 Day XD – if you suffer from very dry skin Hydr8 Day XD is ideal for you. It contains epidermal growth factors for additional anti-aging benefits.
• Hydr8 B5 – a lightweight, fast absorbing serum that glides onto skin after an antioxidant. This product should really be used by all skin types, particularly oily skins where a cream moisturiser is not always ideal.
• Hydr8 Body – provides all over body hydration.

And, most importantly, don’t forget to protect your skin with Medik8’s new Physical Sunscreen SPF30. You should protect your skin from the sun all year round, not just during Summer months.