A Pro Facialist Shares Her Top Skincare Rules
The Skincare Step I’d Never Skip…
Cleansing is the first step in my routine – both morning and night – and sets my skin up for actives and nourishment. You don’t need to spend a lot and you only need your cleanser to do one job, but this step is fundamental to keeping your skin in a responsive and clean condition. It’s not only about the formula but about stimulating blood flow and lymphatic movement by using firm, uplifting pressure.
My Most Underrated Skincare Ingredients…
Azelaic acid is a gentle anti-inflammatory and great for exfoliation, as well as treating common skin concerns such as acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. It works by boosting cellular regeneration, but – crucially – requires zero downtime. Another I love, best suited to those experiencing dryness, dullness, dehydration or perioral dermatitis, is ectoin. Full of benefits, this provides cellular protection from environmental stressors and UV cell damage (although it’s not a substitute for sunscreen) and has anti-inflammatory properties, but also repairs and strengthens barrier function while simultaneously supporting the skin’s microbiome and moisture levels. My favourite ectoin products are by Biossance and Dr. Jart.
My Ride-Or-Dies…
Augustinus Bader’s The Skin Infusion is meant to be used as a four-week reset but my skin thrives on this serum, so I use it daily. One moisturiser I’m always reaching for is Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream, I actually apply it in the morning as it sets my face up for a day of hydration and support. Finally, the SPF I can’t be without is Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50. Milky and ultra-light, it feels so soft and is suitable for all skin types.
A Myth I Always Ignore…
‘You can shrink your pores.’ This is categorically untrue: pores cannot be permanently closed or shrunk via topical product.
The In-Clinic Treatment I Recommend…
Apart from a facial massage session with me? During the winter, I love BBL & Moxi which is a combined laser and light therapy treatment used to address pigmentation. All year round, I swear by microneedling and a monthly light-surface skin peel. This combination encourages cellular renewal and banks collagen, leaving your skin smooth and glowing.
The Affordable Buys I Rate…
Weleda Skin Food is a high-street must-have – I always pick it up when I see it. Another favourite of mine is Hada Labo Tokyo Super Hyaluronic Lotion, I use it as an essence to plump my skin and lock in hydration ahead of my serum. Then, CeraVe is a great budget-friendly, all-rounder brand which has formulas designed for acne and congestion as well as others for dryness, eczema and sensitivity.
My Golden Rule…
Getting enough sleep is a non-negotiable. I hear so much about how self-care is at the forefront of everyone’s minds but often we forget how long some of these elaborate evening routines are taking and don’t properly consider our sleep. The body needs ample daily rest to fully repair, rejuvenate, relax and lower cortisol levels. Drink something calming an hour before bedtime, keep your room dark and cool with fresh air coming in and complete your skincare and body rituals in less than 20 minutes before climbing into bed and allowing your mind to settle. Another tip is to wind down by reading a book, journalling or listening to a calming frequency before you close your eyes.
The Skincare Tools I Swear By…
Your hands are 100% your best tools. Work your hands around your face and neck, getting to know your facial muscles and pressure point areas to lift, contour and reduce tension in and around the face. Otherwise, a gua sha is a simple and great tool to stimulate the lymphatic system but I also rate the Déesse Pro Sculpta. It’s an at-home microcurrent device, designed to improve tone and texture while working out the facial muscles, resulting in a fresh, sculpted look.
One Throwback Product I Still Love…
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Serum is a product I had access to when I was assisting many years ago. I was given the leftover bottle after a BAFTA event and I remember feeling so lucky to be able to use it on my skin. Today, I actually work with Lancôme, so it’s one of the skincare products that has always stayed with me.
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