Healthy-looking skin is something we all strive for but can sometimes be hard to achieve. Our team of experts have picked out their favourite products for an even, youthful-looking and glowing complexion , explaining exactly how they work and why you need them on your summer skincare collection.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
Best for: mature skin types
Blended with vitamin e, ferulic acid and pure vitamin c, otherwise known as l-ascorbic acid), this super serum hydrates, adds radiance and helps to reduce the visible signs of ageing. "The serum contains 0.5% Ferulic Acid, an antioxidant and phytochemical found in fruit & vegetables such as tomatoes, oranges and carrots, to protect against environmental damage" says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, aesthetic dermatologist. "
"The CE Ferulic is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin types with signs of ageing by the way of lines/wrinkles, loss of elasticity and a dull complexion" recommends Dr. Ana Mansouri, cosmetic surgeon. "It is particularly suitable for mature and sensitive skin types as it is formulated in a gentle and soothing base which mean it also happens to be very well tolerated post skin procedures" she adds.
VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Best for: dry and damaged skin
"Mineral 89 gets is name from containing 89% of Vichy’s Volcanic water" explains Rosie Varlas, L'Oreal skincare trainer. "This mineral rich water in filled with antioxidants that will help repair skin barrier function and strengthen the skin. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. Layers and layers of dead skin cells are compacted together by a lipid bilayer effectively sticking them together to make the waterproof, barrier of our skin. If your skin barrier is damaged this will let irritants in and moisture out" she elaborates. "This serum is applied under your daily moisturiser like you Aqualia Thermal and thanks to its Hyaluronic acid and Volcanic water will strengthen, re-plump and rehydrate the skin".
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
Best for: blemish-prone skin
“The Effaclar range has been formulated for those with acne-prone skin" says Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist. "The Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is a foaming gel facial wash lifts dirt, grime and sebum away from the surface of the skin without disrupting its delicate balance and leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh. This formula contains key ingredients glycacil, zinc PCA and citric acid which help to purify the skin, reduce excess oil and gently dissolve dead skin cells. The skin is left feeling clean and soothed with restorative La Roche-Posay thermal spring water" she explains. Developed according to a strict formulation charter and with soothing, anti-oxidant-rich ingredients, the formula is also suitable for event the most sensitive skin types.
SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
Best for: all skin types
Formulated with proxylane, botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid, the SkinCeuticals H.A Intensifier Serum attracts water to the skin's surface to boost hydration. "Hyaluronic acid (HA), a macromolecule, plays a vital role in the synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules and epidermal cell interactions with the surrounding environment. It’s pretty much the best thing for hydration of the skin" says Dr. Emma Craythorne, consultant dermatologist.
CeraVe Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream
Best for: extremely dry skin
"The palms of the hands and soles of the feet are the only places on the body that do not produce oil so are more likely to become dry" says Rosie, explaining that this can ultimately damage the skin's barrier. "CeraVe’s hand cream contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerine to help restore barrier function and hydrate the hands. Ceramides are lipids (oils) naturally found in the skin." she adds. "The ceramides along with the glycerine (which acts like a water magnet) and hyaluronic acid are slowly delivered in to the skin over 24 hours thanks to our MVE technology, meaning that the skin is able to stay hydrated for longer".
Rosie's top tips, "If you suffer with extremely dry skin, then try applying a thick layer of CeraVe Hand Cream before you go to bed and then wearing cotton gloves. This will help to keep the hand cream where it needs to be and should help provide relief for longer".
SkinCeuticals Serum 10 Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin
Best for: dull and sensitive skin
This radiance-enhancing serum is formulated with a potent blend of 10% pure vitamin C (l-absorbic acid) & 0.2%- ferulic acid,, both rich in antioxidants to help defend against environmental aggressors and [visible signs of] ageing in the skin. "Antioxidants effectively protect skin from oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress can involve damage to proteins like collagen and elastin, lipids, and nucleic acids. These changes can lead to premature ageing. Oxidative stress may includes changes in the skins' pigmentation and texture," explains Rosie.
When it comes to creating a brighter and more youthful-looking complexion, Rosie advises maintaining a daily morning and evening skincare routine. "Cleanse, tone, use a gentle exfoliant daily or 2 times a week, always protect your skin using an antioxidant in the morning and finished with a SPF".
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