Simple skin care: the essential routine my dermatologist gave me

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We all want buttery baby soft skin so that only the sparsest of make up is required, don’t we? Well I do.

The better condition my skin is in the less I have to faff around with concealer and tinted moisturiser. Hurrah!

There are some lovely skin care products out there, and the internet is awash with skin care routines, but it can feel so overwhelming. The 12 step Korean routine I used to perform was particularly exhausting, not to mention expensive. So how are we supposed to know what works and what doesn’t? This is the question that has cost me a small fortune in skin care over the years.

If you’ve followed this blog for a while you’ll know I had a nasty flare up of Rosacea last year. I had no idea what the red sore flakeyness I was getting was until I finally bit the bullet and booked to see a Dermatologist (I used SKN). I’d had enough of devouring every beauty blog on the internet trying to find the answers and then wasting money on products that just didn’t work for me. It was the best £200 I’ve ever spent.

Last year following my Rosacea diagnosis, I was prescribed six months of what they call zero therapy. Water only on your face and a large sun hat if temperatures soar. That’s it! Oh and no make up. Yes it felt alien and against everything we’re encouraged to do to solve our skincare woes. But it worked! Less really is more.

Once the six months had past I was prescribed a very particular kind of skin care routine. Only the basics, the stuff that actually works. Music to this minimalist’s ears! My skin has never been better. This isn’t to say that this is the right routine for you but these are the essential skin care routine steps my dermatologist assured me were worth bothering with. I chose the particular products myself based on the ingredients he told me to look for.

As such, here’s what my skincare routine has looked like for the past 6 months. These are the bare essentials that work. It felt worthy of a share in case you’ve been over saturating your skin like I was. I’m assured by a professional that these are the types of products that actually make a difference. According to the pro, the rest is pure marketing.

There is no set order to this routine. The thing with our skin is that it’s a living breathing thing that has ups, downs and off days. It cannot be regimented. Learning to listen to it and alter what you’re using accordingly is half the battle. Whenever I get flare ups. where I used to freak out and apply more products, I’ve since learnt the answer is actually to back off everything. Less is more.

Cleanser – ‘try to avoid fragrance’ he told me. This Is clinical cleanser is one I found via Glamour Beauty Editor Alex Steinherr. I wash with it morning and night and have zero complaints. I will do a double cleanse (wash my face twice) in the evening, but only if I’ve had make up or spf on.

Glycolic acid – The only exfoliation I need apparently. Glycolic acid basically removes dead cells to reveal fresh skin underneath. You must wear SPF if you’re using it. This acid from Pixi is my favourite. I apply it every other day with cotton wool so I don’t over do it. I usually apply it it the evenings after cleansing.

SPF – Finding a non greasy cruelty free SPF has felt like my life’s work. This one from Paula’s Choice is brilliant. I put it on whenever I go outside unless it’s particularly dull or rainy day.

Retinol – In addition to SPF retinol is the only ingredient that will prevent ageing and reduce lines. I’ve tried all sorts of different ones and you have to be careful with it because it’s strong stuff. This retinol form Medik8 is a gentle one I found via Sunday Times Style beauty editor Sarah Jossel. I put it on a dry face around 3 nights a week. I apply three to four drops after cleansing and call it a night.

Vitamin C serum – This is the most expensive out of the lot but serums are the right place to spend your pounds because they’re scientifically more complex. This one from Drunk Elephant has made a significant difference to my skin. Think hydration and glow. I’m on my fourth bottle. I’ll use it as and when, usually always in the mornings and some evenings if I feel like my skin needs it.

Flannels – not essential but splashing water directly onto your face can be quite harsh. Personally I like to apply cleanser onto my face when it’s dry so I’m not watering down the product. Then comes the wrung out hot fluffy face cloth to wipe it off with. I like these and these. Always run a face cloth under fresh hot water – don’t fill the sink and soak it.

It’s important to stress that the best thing you can do for your skin is eat and drink (water) well. Alcohol, cigarettes, sugar and too much sun are the quickest way to end up looking like an old leather handbag – no mater how many skin care products you buy.

On a final note, if you are really struggling with your skin I’d highly recommend stepping away from the beauty blogs and seeking professional medical help with a dermatologist. It can feel like an indulgence because we aren’t encouraged to invest in ourselves like that, we’re encouraged to try as many skincare products as possible because of consumerism. Paying more upfront for a dermo will always save you money in the long run.

Any questions just let me know in the comments, I LOVE talking skin care.