This is a very common question which I get asked as a dermal therapist and I would like to break this down for you so that you can feel that skin health can be achieved.
If you are new to prescription skin care and have never used cosmeceuticals before, I highly recommend that you book in for a skin consultation first, so I can get to know you and can recommend a realistic skin care routine and treatment plan for you, tailored to your skin concerns. I have personally tried all products which I recommend, and have seen amazing results with my clients. If you don't feel like speaking to me yet (haha), have a read of the below to see my recommendations on where to begin :)
For majority of clients, I highly recommend to start by getting your basic skin care steps first - this includes a quality cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. It might sound so simple but many people don't have this sorted in their skin care routine. Read on...
Cleansers
It's important that your cleanser is not stripping away your skin, isn't full of preservatives (face wipes!) and doesn't leave a residue which can potentially dry out your skin. Very often, the cleanser is the root of many skin sensitivity issues and dryness. Next time you cleanse, ask yourself how your skin feels. Does it leave a residue, feel dry or tight?
Two great cleansers which suit all skin types (including sensitive skin), which do a great job in effectively cleaning your skin and removes eye make up are Aspect Gentle Clean and Societe Pure Everyday Cleanser. Aspect Gentle Clean smells incredible (like an explosion of fresh tangerines) and Societe Pure Everyday is full of antioxidants which is protective for the skin and safe enough even to use on babies. Both are around the same cost value due to the ml size. I actually use both of them daily but I will admit that I prefer Societe's slightly more, but that's just a personal preference.
Moisturisers
I strongly recommend a moisturiser for everyone, even oily skin because oiliness does not indicate that skin is lacking in water. In fact, it can sometimes (not always) indicate to me that it is producing excess oil because it is lacking in hydration. Moisturisers provide a barrier for your skin, are anti-aging and protective - everyone needs a moisturiser for long term skin health and it is common to change them based on seasons and the impact which the weather has on your skin.
Aspect have created three incredible moisturisers packed full of gorgeous active ingredients to suit different skin types:
For oily skin, I highly recommend Aspect Sheer Hydration which is the most lightweight moisturiser of all three. It contains Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene and Grape Seed Extract to nourish skin and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive and problematic skin.
For normal skin, I absolutely love Aspect Phytostat 9. This is Aspect's best selling moisturiser and for good reason. Not too heavy and not too light, it smells divine and doubles as an eye cream so it's great for busy people. It contains all the goodness of Vitamin E, Kakadu Plum, Shea Butter, scented with botanicals and suitable for all skin types.
For dry skin (which are majority of Australians), I highly recommend my personal favourite - Aspect Super Moisturising Complex (or SMC). This is a luxuriously rich moisturiser which is suitable for dry and aging skin and my go-to moisturiser during Winter months. It contains Vitamin C, E, Squalene, Aloe vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Antioxidants so it's highly moisturising and protective for your skin.
I switch between Phytostat 9 and SMC whilst my partner, Dan can't go past Sheer Hydration. Both him and I have tried to move across to other moisturisers but we are personally big fans of Aspect!
Sunscreen
Out of all three key products, your most important of all is your sunscreen. The minimum coverage you should aim for is SPF30+. Sunscreen should be worn every day, with broad UVA and UVB coverage to help protect you from sun damage. I recommend Aspect Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ for every day use. It's also suitable for sensitive skin. When you plan to go swimming or perspire, I highly recommend lightweight Aspect Sun Envirostat 'On The Go' SPF50+. I placed this on the table at a BBQ once and all the lads finished the bottle throughout the day. It's that enjoyable to use!
See this super satisfying video to show you how sunscreen can protect you from the sun!
If you have always purchased your skincare from chemists, supermarkets and department stores, you are going to start seeing some amazing results by switching to recommended cosmeceutical grade products. I am so passionate about these products because I have seen first hand, the changes they can make on your skin. The best starting point for any client will be to start with the three basics first to help build strong, resilient skin which will prepare it for more targeted products which can effectively correct your skin concerns.
When you want to effectively treat your skin concerns, book in for a skin consultation with my team or message us and ask us any questions you may have.
Love Loretta xx
Photography by Sora Shimazaki and RF._.studio.