Skin Care
Gold Standard Evidence Based Skin Care Routine
Morning Routine:
Cleanser: non-stripping pH-balanced cleanser
Vitamin C: known as L-Ascorbic Acid 10-20%
Moisturiser: look for lightweight hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, urea or sorbitol. Or more oil-based moisturisers for dry skin.
SPF 50, Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen (PA++++ or 5-star UVA rating UK)
Evening Routine:
Cleanser: non-stripping pH-balanced cleanser
Retinol, start low dose 0.2-0.3% build slowly (Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding)
Moisturiser
Retinol
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives aka retinol, retinal, retinoic acid & prescription retinoids. They have antioxidant effect and have all great all-round benefits.
What they do: Increases collagen in the skin, increases skin turn-over for smooth texture, reduces pigmentation/acne/fine lines/wrinkles and works as a moisturiser
Key notes: Start low & slow (every other night).
Cautions: It is best to start at a low dose regularly and build up over time as it’s the long-term usage that see’s the benefit. Going too high will only cause irritation. Use at night and wear sunscreen in the day to reduce risk of UV damage as you will be at an increased risk.
Dr Reju-All Advanced Retino-Mela Serum
0.1% Retinoate with Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid for reducing hyperpigmentation such as Melasma
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PHmYib
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3
0.3% Retinol with Vitamin B3 serum clinically proven to firm, fill and smooth sensitive skin
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4duJu7l
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Retinol With 3 Essential Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, & Niacinamide
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4v2vqYn
Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
0.1% Retinal with 3% Matryxyl which are peptides for collagen production.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RYgWdM
Vitamin C
This is called L-Ascorbic Acid and is a potent antioxidant
What it does: It stimulates collagen production, improves signs of skin ageing and photodamage by skin exfoliation and improving the skin barrier. Long-term use is required for the benefits.
Cautions: Apply in the morning. Remember to wear sunscreen in the day to reduce risk of UV damage as you will be at an increased risk of this.
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
Vitamin C with Niacinamide to brighten skin and improve hyperpigmentation.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n8FQmK
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
15% pure Vitamin C with 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Rj7Mbq
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
10% Vitamin C with 3 Essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, plus Vitamin B5.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n6yUXh
Vichy Liftactiv
16% Pure Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid and Carnosine, for hydration and sensitive skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4usLUsF
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum
12% Vitamin C with Salicylic Acid for anti-inflammatory to treat acne, blackheads, whiteheads and to brighten skin. Plus with Neurosensine to calm sensitive skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4uLv20z
Niacinamide: This is the name for Vitamin B3 it is naturally found in your skin and regulates cell renewal, it is found in many skin care products. What it does: Reduces hyperpigmentation and oiliness, keeps pores clear, soothes redness and increases hydration.
Tranexamic Acid: What it does: The 5% dose is currently under investigation for the treatment of melasma by inhibiting pigmentation pathways, it shows promising results and is safe to use.
Kojic Acid: What it does: this works by blocking pigmentation production, thus reducing uneven pigmentation with long-term use. Caution: To avoid pigmentation, wear sun-screen in the day. The number one prevention is covering up your skin with a large hat plus UVA/UVB sunscreen. This can be hard to do and is certainly a life-style change.
Active Ingredients
Anua 10+ Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4
10% Niacinamide with 4% Tranexamic Acid for reducing hyperpigmentation such as Melasma, for a more even tone and brighter skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RwwlC0
Medicube Kojic acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide with Kojic acid and Turmeric. For reducing hyperpigmentation such as Melasma, for a more even tone and brighter skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42XOAmn
Anua 10+ Azelaic Acid
10% Azelaic Acid with Hyaluron; great for skin prone to acne and acne scars, it brightens and hydrates the skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e2IE1D
Moisturiser
Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream
Ceramides with Panthenol, Niacinamide and other ingredients to hydrate and calm the skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43sWkgk
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
Ceramides to hydrate dry and sensitive skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49NjYru
Neutrogena Hydroboost
Ceramides with hyaluronic acid. There are different levels of moisturising properties that can be used in the day or at night.
Water gel: https://amzn.to/4dDKOmZ
Gel-Cream: https://amzn.to/4fEAb5V
Night cream: https://amzn.to/4uqnbp7
SPF Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh Relief Sun Spf50
SPF 50+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB PA++++ with hyaluronic acid for hydration. This is very lightweight on the skin and non-greasy.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e3kHqY
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics Spf50
SPF 50+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB PA++++ with rice extract and probiotics. This is very lightweight on the skin and non-greasy.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f6d3xg
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser
Cleanser with 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids for hydration
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f5Bg6P
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Salicylic acid with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to break down sebum, clear pores, improve acne prone skin and also hydrate the skin.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4v7djk2
Masks
Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
Collagen Face mask that is great for long lasting hydration and skin barrier repair. This needs to sit on the skin for at least 4 hours, so make sure you have time before opening this up.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42TYLZe
Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Collagen Night Wrapping mask which goes over your nightly skin care and keeps all the ingredients against the skin, without it smearing on the pillow case. This is very light weight and comfortable to sleep in.
Found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4wPAm4w
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this website may be affiliate links, including links to products on Amazon.co.uk. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.
As a doctor-led aesthetics clinic, I only recommend products that I personally use, trust, or believe may be beneficial for skin health and skincare routines. However, all skincare products should be used according to manufacturer guidance, and results can vary between individuals. The information provided is for general educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice or a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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