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HOW TO BUILD A DERMATOLOGIST-APPROVED SKIN CARE ROUTINE

 

Want the expert seal of approval on your skin care routine? You’re in luck — no need to swap around your lunch plans for a facial appointment. In fact, we’re bringing the lab of luxury to you with top tips and picks from those we can trust (see: skin care experts) to help us reach our skin’s goals... 

To find out how to build a dermatologist-approved skin care routine, we sat down with a team of experts and members from the British Beauty Council Advisory Board. Here, we speak to Debbie Thomas, one of the UK’s leading skin and laser experts with over 20 years of experience, along with Dr Alexis Granite, another member of the British Beauty Council Advisory Board with specialist knowledge in dermatology. 

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What are key things to remember when indulging in a dermatologist-approved skin care routine? 

“Less is more when it comes to skin care. Using too many products, especially multiple anti-aging products, can irritate your skin,” says Dr Alexis “Instead, focus on the basics, such as a gentle cleanser, SPF and moisturiser. Establish morning and nighttime skin care routines that work well for your skin, and stick with them.”  

Agreeing with the sentiment that less is more, Debbie adds: “One of the biggest issues I have seen over more recent years is overuse of products, mixing too many ingredients and over-saturating the skin is leading to sensitivity, congestion and dehydration. Consistency is key for good skin health, a few well-selected products used long term is the way to gain happy, healthy skin.” 

“In the same breath we see more active ingredients that can over-stimulate or strip the skin, like exfoliating acids,” she adds. “These ingredients can be very helpful but don't overuse them and always support these types of actives with a barrier-supporting hydrator, ones that contain lipids like ceramides are perfect."  

What’s more, Debbie says that “if you want to look youthful for longer, invest in a good SPF and use it daily. The suns UV rays are responsible for up to 80% of visible ageing in the skin.”  

Which key ingredients can we expect to find in a dermatologist-approved skin care routine and why are they essential? 

“Peptides are one of my favourite ingredients for skin health and rejuvenation and are very well tolerated by all skin types,” says Dr Alexis. She continues, “in the Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Daily Advanced Treatment, peptides are supported by a long list of antioxidants and skin brighteners, with clinically proven improvements in skin texture and tone.”  

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Retinol is my most recommended ingredient for nighttime use as part of a pro-ageing, rejuvenating skincare routine,” explains Dr Alexis, who adds: “Fig. 1 Beauty’s Retinol Night Cream No. 1 is powered by encapsulated retinol at 0.15%, which is a good place to start. What’s more, the brand has been designed to allow you to move up through their system to higher strengths as you acclimate.”  

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What top tips would you recommend to anyone interested in curating their own dermatologist-approved routine?  
 

“The basic building blocks of any skin care routine should start with cleanser and moisturiser twice daily, along with sunscreen each morning. When outdoors for extended periods or when swimming or perspiring heavily it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours,” say Dr Alexis. She continues, “healthy sun habits are key from an early age, as they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” 

Dr Alexis continues to remind us: “Don’t neglect the skin below your chin! Over 90% of our skin is below the chin, and its health is essential to our overall well-being. Our body skin acts as the first line of defence against environmental aggressors, infection, dehydration and mechanical damage. Body skin also shows the same signs of ageing as facial skin and similar skin concerns such as breakouts, pigmentation and dryness.” 

What skin care must-haves are in your own dermatologist-approved routine? 

Debbie explains, “Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil is perfect for removing all types of makeup as well as purging the pores of pollution particles, SPF and general grime.” She also states that she loves, “how the oil morphs into a milky solution as you massage it into damp skin.  Unless the skin is very dry, I will follow with a second cleanse using a gel wash.”  

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Debbie adds: “I always say the best SPF is the one you wear. Gone are the days of gloopy, sticky SPF and instead lightweight formulas like the Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 are readily available. “[I love how] it sinks into the skin, doesn't make it shiny, and has a few skin-boosting ingredients. It also has UVA and UVB protection, making it a perfect choice for sun protection.”  

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Precious Sodimu
Precious Sodimu Writer and expert

Precious is a Midweight Copywriter at Cult Beauty. Sticking her teeth into all things make up and skin care, Precious is always on the hunt for products that work perfectly together (while remaining loyal to her can’t-do-without staples). Like most beauty devotees, Precious doesn’t go a day without her trusted SPF 50+ and is a self-proclaimed fragrance-phile. Away from the vanity mirror, Precious can be found sat with a good book (probably by her favourite author, Toni Morrison) or nurturing her nostalgia with a quality animated film – namely Shrek.

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