HOW TO BUILD A DERMATOLOGIST-APPROVED SKIN CARE ROUTINE
To find out how to build a dermatologist-approved skin care routine, we sat down with a team of experts and members from the British Beauty Council Advisory Board. Here, we speak to Debbie Thomas, one of the UK’s leading skin and laser experts with over 20 years of experience, along with Dr Alexis Granite, another member of the British Beauty Council Advisory Board with specialist knowledge in dermatology.
5 Key Steps to a Derm-Recommended Routine
£18.50
The cornerstone of any great skincare ritual, cleansing should remove impurities without compromising the skin’s protective moisture barrier. Enter CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, a cult favourite that has earned its place in dermatologists’ offices and bathroom cabinets alike. This gentle, non-foaming cream-gel cleanser is enriched with a trio of essential ceramides to help rebuild and repair the skin barrier, alongside hyaluronic acid to replenish lasting hydration. It’s simple, effective and consistently reliable, as Dr Alexis notes, “cutting through excess oil and dirt quickly and seamlessly, without stripping the skin of vital moisture or leaving a tight feeling – which is especially apt for dry or sensitive skin types.”
£18.00
Few brands marry holistic values with scientific innovation quite like Kiehl’s – and the enduring popularity of the Ultra Facial Cream is testament to this. Introduced in 2006, the lightweight formula was quickly christened as the definitive “ultra hydrator,” thanks to its precise focus on the fundamentals of good skincare: immediate, lasting hydration and barrier protection. It’s supercharged by three crucial ingredients: olive-derived squalene – a long-standing Kiehl's hallmark – strengthens the skin’s barrier to keep it balanced, radiant and healthy, while pro-ceramides protect against external disruptors. At its heart lies glacial glycoprotein – collected from sea glaciers in icy reaches of the Arctic, this extract is prized for its ability to protect and hydrate in the most extreme conditions on Earth. Fuss-free with universal charm, this trusted, high-performance cream fits into almost any skincare routine.
£69.00
Your shortcut to protected, luminous skin, Vitamin C is the superstar of any effective skincare ritual – and Medik8 leads the way. Their latest innovation, C-Tetra Advanced, is a gel-serum emulsion powered by a stabilised, ultra-gentle form of vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate), expertly combined with plant-derived exosomes to reinforce the skin barrier. It’s also enriched with acetyl zingerone, a ginger-sourced super-antioxidant that accelerates and amplifies vitamin C’s brightening powers, protects against pollution, and strengthens the skin’s natural defences. As Dr. Bibi Ghalaie explains, “Although potent in percentage, C-Tetra Advanced is a non-irritating form of vitamin C that’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and anyone new to the ingredient.” As for usage: “C-Tetra Advanced performs best in the morning, applied for freshly cleansed and toned skin, just before moisturiser and sunscreen. If layering with other serums, the general rule applies: proceed from thinnest to thickest for optimal absorption.”
£105.00
Touted as the gold standard of skincare, retinal (Retinaldehyde) is proven to effectively minimise the appearance of fine lines, enhance skin elasticity and firmness, and promote cell turnover for rejuvenated, revitalised radiance. Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment is formulated with an encapsulated retinal – one of the most efficacious forms of vitamin A – which protects retinal from degradation, delivering it deep into the skin for maximum results and minimal irritation. Rich and creamy, its anti-ageing properties are further amplified with kangaroo paw flower and olive leaf extract to lift and sculpt skin, while supporting its natural resilience and moisture barrier. If you are new to Retinal or have sensitive-prone skin, Tracey Cairns, Murad’s International Education Director, recommends “starting slowly with 2-3 uses each week and increasing frequency according to skin comfort level. Since we lose 3 times more water from skin at night, it’s vital to replenish skin with a good, hydrating night cream.” Experience the transformative powers of this treatment in a soft, gentle and nourishing formula.
£20.00
Come rain or shine, a spell of SPF is essential. Our top pick? The La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid. Backed by over a decade of dedicated research, this superlight, ultra-resistant formula harnesses the power of the brand’s innovative Mexoryl 400 filter, engineered to shield against long-wavelength UVA rays known to penetrate deeper into the skin and fast-track the unwelcome signs of ageing. Specifically formulated for sensitive and acne skin types, its fluid, fast-absorbing texture is also non-comedogenic – meaning it won’t clog pores and doubles up as an excellent base for make up. Dermatologist Dr. Hiva Fasshi underscores the importance of generous application, “sunscreen should be applied generously after cleansing in the mornings – including to the neck, under eyes and back of the hands.” And, as a general rule, “SPF needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Don’t wait until your sunburn – by then, the damage is done.” The final step in your daily ritual, SPF is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin long-term.
A MOMENT FOR THE EXPERTS
What are key things to remember when indulging in a dermatologist-approved skin care routine?
Agreeing with the sentiment that less is more, Debbie adds: “One of the biggest issues I have seen over more recent years is overuse of products, mixing too many ingredients and over-saturating the skin is leading to sensitivity, congestion and dehydration. Consistency is key for good skin health, a few well-selected products used long term is the way to gain happy, healthy skin.”
“In the same breath we see more active ingredients that can over-stimulate or strip the skin, like exfoliating acids,” she adds.
What’s more, Debbie says that “if you want to look youthful for longer, invest in a good SPF and use it daily. The sun’s UV rays are responsible for up to 80% of visible ageing in the skin.”
Which key ingredients can we expect to find in a dermatologist-approved skin care routine and why are they essential?
£119.00
£42.00
What top tips would you recommend to anyone interested in curating their own dermatologist-approved routine?
“The basic building blocks of any skin care routine should start with cleanser and moisturiser twice daily, along with sunscreen each morning. When outdoors for extended periods or when swimming or perspiring heavily it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours,” say Dr Alexis. She continues, “healthy sun habits are key from an early age, as they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Dr Alexis continues to remind us: “Don’t neglect the skin below your chin! Over 90% of our skin is below the chin, and its health is essential to our overall well-being. Our body skin acts as the first line of defence against environmental aggressors, infection, dehydration and mechanical damage. Body skin also shows the same signs of ageing as facial skin and similar skin concerns such as breakouts, pigmentation and dryness.”
What skin care must-haves are in your own dermatologist-approved routine?
£29.00
£39.00
£45.00
£70.00
£72.00
£45.50
£19.00
£39.00
£96.00
Precious is a Midweight Copywriter at Cult Beauty. Sticking her teeth into all things make up and skin care, Precious is always on the hunt for products that work perfectly together (while remaining loyal to her can’t-do-without staples). Like most beauty devotees, Precious doesn’t go a day without her trusted SPF 50+ and is a self-proclaimed fragrance-phile. Away from the vanity mirror, Precious can be found sat with a good book (probably by her favourite author, Toni Morrison) or nurturing her nostalgia with a quality animated film – namely Shrek.
