How to achieve healthy-looking skin, according to dermatologists
Every skincare and beauty lovers dream is to have healthy-looking skin. Our team of experts have picked out their favourite products for an even, youthful-looking and glowing complexion, telling us exactly how they work and why you need them on your summer skincare collection.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
61
£165.00
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
359
£35.00
Best for: dry and damaged skin
"Minéral 89 gets is name from containing 89% of Vichy’s volcanic water" explains Rosie Varlas, L'Oréal 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 continues. "This serum is applied under your daily moisturiser like you aqualia thermal and thanks to its hyaluronic acid and volcanic water helps to strengthen, re-plump and rehydrate the skin."
Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Serum
2
£110.00
Best for: all skin types including rosacea, sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
This vitamin C infused serum is formulated with 3% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, skin-brightening lilac stem cells and two skin plumping marine extracts. “The tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is gentle yet powerful oil-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens and firms the appearance of skin”, explains Dr. Loretta’s dermotologist. She adds: “The lilac stem cells provide antioxidant protection while balancing oily skin and supporting natural collagen levels” and “the marine algae extract support skin’s natural collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels.”
Dr. Loretta highlight: “On instrument testing, skin elasticity increased by a full 53% after 8 weeks of twice daily use.” They continue: “This serum is also clinically proven to improve hyperpigmentation and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by 60% with twice daily use.” It is recommended to apply the serum after cleansing but before your moisturisers and sunscreen in both your morning and evening routines.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
311
£16.00
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.
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 30
1
£60.00
Best for: all skin tones and is great for all skin types including sensitive, blemish-prone, oily skin, and rosacea.
SPF is often forgotten about in skincare routines and beauty prep, but we class it as a daily essential for protecting our complezions! Dr. Loretta reveals: “This Universal Glow Daily Defence SPF 30 is an ultra-lightweight fluid formula that features potent antioxidant Lipochroman®, multifunctional ectoin, and zinc to provide ultra-hydration, skin-smoothing, and repairing benefits while delivering full-spectrum UVA/UVB/HEV blue light protection.” SPF can act as great substitute for makeup base and can also be used as a makeup primer and “should always be applied as your last skincare step”, explains the dermotologist. The zinc is a topical mineral that helps to protect from UVA/UVB rays. The skincare expert says: “The ectoin helps nourish, smooth and hydrate stressed skin, while providing protection from HEV blue light and environmental aggressors.”
SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
35
£115.00
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.
Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
1
£40.00
Best for: all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.
Infused with marine peptides, hydrolyzed algin and chamomile and ginger, the Gentle Hydrating Cleanser works to softly remove impurities such as dirt, makeup and pollution particles. If you have dry skin, the cleanser helps to give skin are burst of hydration with highly effective marine proteins that help to support natural collagen levels. Dr. Loretta explains: “The chamomile and ginger extracts featured in the formula relieve redness due to dryness and provide relaxing aromatherapy.” The brand recommends using this nourishing gel-like cleanser twice a day, morning and evening. The skincare brand reveals: “we emphasise that a morning cleanse is an important step in our skin’s health.”
CeraVe Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream
127
£7.00
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
20
£98.00
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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