# MEDI THERAPY Retinal Skin Booster for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

Brand: [MEDI THERAPY](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/medi-therapy)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for dry or flaky skin due to Centella Asiatica and Niacinamide, but the inclusion of Retinal poses major risks of worsening sensitivity and dryness for your dry and sensitive skin.
- The absence of sufficient humectant and emollient ingredients further exacerbates the potential for dryness and irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinal, Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide

## What the research says

- Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements. ([Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with sensitive, acne-prone, and aging skin report this product is gentle and effective, improving skin texture and hydration without irritation. Many users notice a radiant glow, reduced pore visibility, and smoother skin. Some users with very dry skin mention needing additional moisturization.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating & lightweight (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture & pores (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fades acne & marks (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Great value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Dry skin needs more (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Mild stinging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: No visible change (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging quality (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with MEDI THERAPY Retinal Skin Booster for dry sensitive skin?

MEDI THERAPY Retinal Skin Booster poses major risks of worsening sensitivity and dryness on dry sensitive skin because it contains Retinal and lacks sufficient moisture-locking ingredients. A treatment for dry sensitive skin needs rich hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as ceramides, that provide moisture retention and skin barrier support without any risks of irritation.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/), [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

Retinal makes this serum a poor fit because it may worsen sensitivity and dryness on dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing and soothing ingredients that hydrate and protect without causing irritation.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### What does Retinal do for dry sensitive skin?

Retinal may help smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, but for dry and sensitive skin it is unlikely to be a good fit on its own. This skin type needs products that include gentle hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496127/), [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473963/)

### What does Centella Asiatica do for dry sensitive skin?

Centella asiatica helps calm dry sensitive skin by improving moisture, reducing water loss, and soothing irritation. Using this ingredient helps repair the skin barrier and keeps the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682399/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

Apply this treatment in the evening routine after toning and before moisturizing. Because it contains Retinal, this product requires extra hydrating and softening ingredients to keep dry and sensitive skin calm and comfortable.

### Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?

Using Retinal with vitamin C on dry and sensitive skin is likely to cause severe irritation and dryness, so you should avoid combining them. A product for this skin needs plenty of soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica along with rich moisturizing and water-holding ingredients to prevent flaking.

### How often should I use this serum?

You should use this serum with caution on your dry and sensitive skin because Retinal may worsen irritation and dryness. To use a product of this type safely, your skin needs rich moisturizing and soothing ingredients to lock in hydration and calm redness.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/), [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores, but the retinal in it may cause flaking, redness, and worsening dryness on your dry and sensitive skin. To work well for this skin type, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 865.37 at Amazon
- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 461.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 141.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 89.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 141.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 146.71 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 130.30 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 100.50 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 146.71 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Saudi Arabia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Retinal, Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medi-therapy/retinal-skin-booster/for/dry-sensitive-skin