Franco Rubartelli / conde nast
Admit it: deep down, we’re all a little nosy. So, for any beauty enthusiasts out there, this might be a dream come true. Three skincare pros opened up to Vogue about the products that have made it into their daily routines.
Especially considering that while shoppers spend on average, 45-90 minutes choosing a product, 55% of them still say they’re dissatisfied with the end result, why not take a look at what works for those in the know?
Pencils at the ready…
Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, founder of SKNDOCTOR
The cleansers: “In the morning, I just use a gentle cleanser like Bioderma Mild Cleansing Gel, or Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser. I’ve been using both of these on and off for a few months, and they’re perfect for morning as they’re light but effective. I do a more thorough cleanse before bed to really wash the day off and get my skin ready for treatments – that’s usually Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanser or PCA Skin Blemish Bar. I don’t wear make-up particularly often, but when I do, I remove it with Bioderma Micellar Water and then cleanse.”
The techniques: “I actually really like medical gauze to wash my face with! Flannels are a bit queasy for me, I don’t think they get washed as much as they should. Medical gauze has a good thickness, and it works especially well the PCA Blemish Bar to foam it up.”
The actives: “I always use a good antioxidant in the morning, and right now, I’m using Obagi Professional C 20% Serum – it’s strong stuff! I’ve used quite a few over the years but I usually come back to this one. Then, I add a few drops of Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense into the palm of my hand, along with Bioderma Sensibio Light or CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion, and an SPF from PCA Skin. I mix them all together and apply all at once – I’m usually in a rush! In the evening, I use prescription-strength retinol from Obagi or ZO Radical Night Repair, both of which really regenerate and refresh the skin. I might also use a prescription 20% Azealic Acid if I feel a breakout coming on – my skin’s more on the oily side.”
The add-ons: “Masks are a nice add-on but they aren’t essential to a routine. I like ZO Sulfur Masque once a week, or the Alpha Beta Peel from Dennis Gross. I also do a superficial chemical peel in the clinic once a month to exfoliate and brighten, and a microcurrent facial once a month too.”
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic
The cleansers: “The first part of my daily skincare regime begins with a cleanse in the shower using Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense. It has a nice combination of AHAs/BHAs to exfoliate and decongest the skin. In the evening, I remove my make-up using Bioderma Micellar Water. It’s an inexpensive and effective product which is suitable for all skin types. I then use a face wash to thoroughly cleanse my face. I currently have three different face washes on rotation and use dependent upon my skin needs. I use Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser if my skin is congested or if I have lots of comedones, or Jan Marini Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel or NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash when my acne is under control but I have lots of post-inflammatory pigmentation.”
The actives: “I’ve had acne for most of my adult life so my skincare regime is tailored around addressing my particular concerns. I use a number of active ingredients – AHA (glycolic and lactic), BHA (salicylic) and vitamin A are my staples for decongestion, skin brightening and reduction of fine lines. I use either Medik8 Crystal Retinal when my skin is slightly dry or the prescription-strength SkinCeuticals Retinol when my skin is congested and has lots of comedones. I then moisturise with Vichy Mineral 89 which has a serum-gel texture, and is light on the skin. My skin tends to be oily and I don’t like to use a creamy moisturiser in the summer months (in the winter I’d use Toleriane Ultra Fluid if my skin is more combination/dry).”
The protection: “I complete my skincare regime with sunscreen before applying make-up. I use Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free Sunscreen, it’s lightweight, matte, slightly tinted and sits well under make up as well as being SPF 50. I use SkinCeuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense for my upper and lower lids; it’s SPF 30 and weightless.”
The add-ons: “Once a week, I’ll use Caudalie Glycolic Face Mask or The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peeling Solution to brighten the skin and target congestion and blemishes. Once a month, I’ll have a medical grade mandelic acid chemical peel to remove dead skin cells as well as having many anti-ageing benefits.”
Andrea Pfeffer, founder of Pfeffer Sal
The cleansers: “I love the Esse Sensitive Cleanser, it’s light, smells gorgeous and is efficient whilst being kind to your skin and microbiome. I think it’s important to remember that cleansers aren’t really going to change your skin, so you don’t need to break the bank, just avoid any cleansers that contain sulfates and make your skin feel squeaky clean (never a good thing!) I always think of the cleanse as the pleasure zone of my routine so I choose a cleanser I can’t wait to use and spend time really massaging it into the skin.”
The actives: “In the morning, it’s all about SkinVital – this is a multi-vitamin serum that lights your skin up. It’s a potent blend of vitamin C, B, E and Ferulic It’s hands down the best antioxidant serum I’ve found, and I’ve tried a lot! Just a few drops lightly pressed into the skin is all you need for luminous skin. Then I use a hyaluronic acid serum, either ZENii Hyaluronic Booster Serum for a pure HA hit or Cosmetics 27 Essence 27 which is super soothing if my skin is feeling sensitive. I use also like to hydrate with Baume 27 in winter – it’s more of a wax that you melt between your fingers before really massaging it in. Then I apply Soleil Toujours SPF 45 and make-up and I’m out the door.”
The techniques: “If I have time in the evening, I’ll use the Elequra Rose Quartz Tool to massage my skin and assist with lymph drainage. I love this tool, as the crystal is ethically sourced and carved from one piece of rose quartz, not crushed and set in resin as a lot of other crystal tools are – better vibes all round!”
The add-ons: “Mask-wise, to deeply cleanse, I use Vestige Verdant Bioactive Organic Mask. It’s made from Estonian peat and nothing else and it draws out impurities from deep in the skin as well as repairing the barrier function. It’s so active that I only leave it on for a few minutes. If I need nourishment, I’ll use a Karuna mask. These sheet masks are truly effective and our whole team have become addicted to them. I love the hydrating one after a long flight or one to many chardonnays! Products aside, I use a silver ion eye mask at night. It’s anti-microbial and blocks out electromagnetic radiation for a more restful sleep. I also use a silk pillow case (very extra!) to keep my skin hydrated and crease free. I take Omega-3 supplements and a Vitamin B complex every day to feed my skin from within and I try and pop in for an Essential facial at the clinic every 2-4 weeks to give it a real boost of nutrients.”
