Simplify your Skincare Routine. Product recommendations from an Aesthetic Doctor.

Simplified skincare routine.

A simple skincare routine that is implemented consistently can have a hugely positive impact on the look and feel of your complexion, your overall skin health and your self-esteem and wellbeing.

Award-winning Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Christine Or, often sees patients that are seeking in-clinic aesthetic treatments to address specific skin concerns such as dark circles, fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles, but it is equally as important to ensure your skincare regime at home is working effectively.

Following the 5 simple steps below, whatever your skin type or concern, will help give you the beautiful and glowing skin that you deserve.

Simplified Skincare Routine - Step 1

Cleanse: Cleansing dirt and impurities from the skin is an extremely important step in an effective skincare routine, and I would recommend cleansing both in the morning and evening. A double cleanse at night is beneficial for those that wear makeup or have oily skin, as cleansing not only removes microbes, makeup and pollution from the skin, but it also enables skincare products to penetrate deeper into the dermis.

For those with sensitive skin choose a gentle and fragrance-free facial wash and use this once or twice per day. For those who can tolerate a double cleanse, I would advise using a gentle makeup remover first which can be used on the eye area and then a treatment cleanser afterwards with active ingredients.

Product recommendations: Obagi Nu-Derm 1 Gentle Cleanser, a mild facial cleanser that gently removes oil, impurities and makeup to leave your skin feeling clean and fresh. Alumier Sensicalm cleanser is also another favourite gentle cleanser with no parabens, sulphates, phthalates and perfumes.

Simplified Skincare Routine - Step 2

Tone: Apply a toner to clean, dry skin after cleansing to help balance your skin's PH level, and hydrate and prepare your skin to absorb any products that follow. Toners also refresh the skin, tighten pores, and address specific concerns like oil or redness, so opt for a toner that is most suitable for your skin type.

Product recommendation: OBAGI Nu-Derm 2 Toner, designed to balance and help maintain your skin's natural pH, is non-drying and alcohol-free, ideal for sensitive skin. If your skin is looking a little dull and needs some exfoliation then Alumier Bright and Clear contains lactic acid and salicylic acid to gently remove the dead skin skins to reveal brighter younger skin.

Simplified Skincare Routine - Step 3

Treat: After cleansing and toning, it is important to choose products that treat your skin by addressing your specific concerns. This can often be by using a day serum, for example one that contains Vitamin C and is especially effective for brightening the skin as it contains antioxidants, perfect to use in the mornings. Or a night cream containing retinol or peptides to tackle skin concerns like wrinkles and fine lines. For those with acne try a spot treatment that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or if you suffer from redness, serums with calming ingredients such as niacinamide or ceramides are particularly effective.

Product recommendation: Alumier Everactive C & E peptide serum is an award-winning 15% vitamin C serum where the crystals of Vitamin C are held in the lid so the vitamin C is freshly activated just before use. Mixed with the vitamin E in the serum, this formula is a highly effective antioxidant that brightens the complexion and should be used every morning. OBAGI Retinol 1.0, a high concentration retinol formula that smooths the appearance of uneven skin texture for a clearer complexion and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Build up usage gradually, mixing it with your moisturiser, and use only at night. Always apply an SPF30 or higher the day after.

Simplified Skincare Routine - Step 4

Moisturise: Moisturisers are an essential step in your simplified skincare routine as they lock in hydration and often offer multi-purpose benefits such as smoothing wrinkles and softening skin texture. Choose a moisturising serum and cream that hydrates and nourishes to keep you complexion soft and supple.

Product recommendation: Alumier Ultimate boost serum is the hero serum for my patients. Containing micro-ionised hyaluronic acid to allow deeper moisturisation, combined with niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and matrixyl synthe 6 to stimulate collagen, this should be a staple product in your skincare routine, used twice a day and even after in clinic treatments to help heal the skin. OBAGI Hydrate, a lightweight facial moisturiser that is clinically proven to improve skin's moisture and is formulated with Tara Seed Extract and naturally derived ingredients like Shea butter to give you lasting hydration and smoother-looking skin.

Simplified Skincare Routine - Step 5

Protect: 80% of skin ageing is caused by damage to the skin from UV light. Sun protection is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and help combat the signs of ageing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen whether it is sunny or cloudy and reapply throughout the day if needed.

Product recommendation: OBAGI Sun Shield Tinted SPF50, combines UVB and UVA protection and is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

About Dr. Christine Medical Aesthetics

Dr. Christine is passionate about skin health and ensuring her patients look and feel their best. To shop Dr Christine's range of recommended products please visit her website: https://www.drchristine.co.uk/shop