My job means I’m constantly throwing active ingredients at my face. Retinols here, acids there. A hefty dose of niacinamide for good measure. While I know my skin well (and what it can and can’t tolerate) I’ve learnt to recognise when it’s time to strip things back again. When my skin needs something cosseting, calming and soothing, I make a point of listening.
To set the scene, I have combination skin prone to blemishes and acne. Thanks to a dermatologist appointment just over a year ago, I now know that this is caused by hormonal fluctuations. I can remember the utter despair I felt when I made that first appointment. My skin was dull and flaking. Oily across my t-zone with a smattering of spots around my chin. I was embarrassed, and I was sore. She advised I drop everything from my routine aside from a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. It felt simple, but it transformed by complexion quickly.
While one year later I have gradually reintroduced stronger actives, the moisturiser I reach for when my skin’s in need of some serious TLC remains the same - the one recommended to me that very day. Enter Medik8’s Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48. It’s no frills. But it's as efficacious as they as they come - Medik8 as a brand is beloved by our whole beauty team. In my naivety, I didn't know acne prone skin had the potential to glow, but this proved me wrong. Here’s why I still swear by it when my skin’s feeling out of sorts.
What does the Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream do?
Formulated to deliver up to 100 hours of hydration, this moisturiser is a must-have for anyone looking to repair a compromised skin barrier. If you feel you've overdone it with active ingredients (signs to look out for are redness, flaking or blemishes) or your skin is just in need of a pep up, this one could be an excellent solution. It combines hyaluronic acid with clinically proven ingredients that support both the skin barrier and microbiome. Use it morning and night to soothe, calm and deeply nourish the skin.
Shop: Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
www.medik8.com
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'You’d be forgiven for thinking this one isn’t all that exciting, but truthfully, it’s as good as it gets. No frills, yes. But if you’re after a solid moisturiser that helps restore your skin barrier and leaves you with healthier, more radiant skin in the long run? This one’s a winner. Oh, and it’s refillable.'
Pros
- Suited to all skin types
- Luxurious formula, but will sink in quickly
- The customer reviews are incredibly impressive
Cons
- Heavy pot - can make travelling a little tricky.
How to apply the Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
I’ve been using this both morning and evening to replenish my complexion. A walnut-sized amount, smoothed over the face, neck and décolletage, is enough to temper any tightness and help reduce flaking.
Our verdict
Rachael Martin, Beauty Director, says:
'For over a year now this has been an old reliable - I'll come back to it time and time again. It's skincare with no frills- but all the function. Firstly, a moment for the myriad of calming ingredients I swear by when I’ve overdone it. The star is the prebiotic peptide, which helps balance the skin’s microbiome while strengthening the barrier. A strengthened barrier means skin that looks and feels healthier in the long run, and I always see the difference when I've taken some time out to bolster mine, especially where blemishes are concerned. Then there’s hyaluronic acid- it's well known for attracting and retaining more than 1,000 times its weight in water. It leaves my skin feeling soft, supple and soothed.
And let’s not forget the skin-saving heroes, ceramides and lipids. Naturally found in the skin barrier, ceramides, squalane and vitamin F mimic the skin’s own lipids to nourish, replenish and visibly restore. It’s a clever, comforting formula that feels gorgeous on my skin. Slightly thicker and more cosseting than my usual moisturiser, it takes a few seconds to sink in- but don’t be put off. It's non-comedogenic meaning it won't clog pores. Once it does sink in, that’s when the magic happens. My skin is left looking brighter, and calmer. If applying before bed my skin appears more even in tone come morning - there's a real glow there and its more even tone and texture too. In the morning it also works a treat. A small amount leaves my skin perfectly prepped for make-up- almost like a primer.
It reminds me of Embryolisse, a cream I used to love-except that one, sadly, made my sensitive skin break out. With this, my skin looks fresh, bouncy and plump. And, crucially, after just three days of swapping this one back into my routine my acne always appears reduced.'
Final thoughts
You’d be forgiven for thinking this one isn’t all that exciting, but truthfully, it’s as good as it gets. No frills, yes. But if you’re after a solid moisturiser that helps restore your skin barrier and leaves you with healthier, more radiant skin in the long run? This one’s a winner. Oh, and it’s refillable.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism