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My Skincare Recommendations

Healthy, beautiful skin starts with the right skincare products and a consistent daily routine.

 

On this page, you’ll find my personal skincare recommendations, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and targeted treatments to help support healthy skin at every age.

CLEANSERS

Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

 

 

Sensitive & Rosacea-Prone Skin

Mild, non-stripping cleansers that minimize irritation and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

 

  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

  • Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

  • CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

  • Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

  • La Roche-Posay Lipikar Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

  • DRMTLGY G (Oat) Cleanser

  • CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

  • HL Skincare CALM DERM Cleanser

 

Normal & Combination Skin

Balanced cleansers that effectively remove dirt, oil, and daily impurities while maintaining skin comfort.

 

 

Oily Skin

Effective cleansers that help remove excess sebum and impurities without unnecessarily drying the skin.

 

 

Acne-Prone Skin & Clogged Pores

Targeted cleansers formulated to help manage breakouts, blackheads, and pore congestion.

 

 

Dull Skin & Uneven Skin Tone

Cleansers with brightening or exfoliating ingredients that help improve the appearance of dullness and uneven texture.

 

Vitamin C Serums

Vitamin C SerumsVitamin C is one of the most effective topical antioxidants for helping protect the skin against environmental damage, brighten uneven skin tone, support collagen synthesis, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

 

What to Look for in a Vitamin C Serum

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Concentration: For pure L-ascorbic acid, concentrations of 10–20% are commonly used in effective formulations. Beginners or those with sensitive skin may benefit from starting with lower concentrations.

Form of Vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C) is the most extensively researched form. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a more stable derivative.

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Skin Tolerance: Higher concentrations may increase irritation, particularly in sensitive skin. However, the formula's pH, delivery system, and other ingredients also influence tolerability.

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Supporting Antioxidants: Vitamin E and ferulic acid are often combined with Vitamin C to improve antioxidant performance and help stabilize certain formulations.

 

My Recommendation: Choose a well-formulated Vitamin C serum based on your skin type, sensitivity, and skincare goals rather than focusing on concentration alone. For daily antioxidant protection, apply Vitamin C in the morning, followed by moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

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Here are some of my personally selected Vitamin C serums, chosen for their formulations, antioxidant benefits, and ability to address different skin concerns.

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  • Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

  • ​Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%

  • Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%

  • Vivier C E Peptides

  • Paulas Choice C 15 Super Booster

  • Timeless 20% Vitamin C Serum

  • Timeless 10% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E

  • Minimalist Vitamin C + E + Ferulic 16%

  • Sesderma C-VIT 5 Liposomal Serum

  • Drunk elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

  • Medik8 Super C Ferulic

  • CORSX The Vitamin C 23 Serum

  • Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

  • HUBISLAB Vitamin-C Complex 50% Ampoule 

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Retinoids (Vitamin A)

Retinoids are among the most extensively researched skincare ingredients for improving signs of aging, acne, uneven skin tone, and skin texture. They work by promoting skin cell turnover, supporting collagen production, and helping prevent clogged pores.

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What to Know Before Choosing a Retinoid

  • Retinol vs. Retinaldehyde: Both are effective forms of Vitamin A. Retinaldehyde (retinal) requires one fewer conversion step to become active retinoic acid and can deliver results at lower concentrations than retinol.

  • Concentration: Beginners should generally start with lower-strength formulations and gradually increase strength as their skin develops tolerance.

  • Skin Sensitivity: Higher concentrations are not necessarily better. Choosing the right formulation and using it consistently is more important than using the strongest product.

  • How to Use: Apply retinoids in the evening, starting 2–3 nights per week and gradually increasing frequency as tolerated. Follow with a moisturizer and use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.

  • Precautions: Retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy and when planning pregnancy. They are also generally not recommended during breastfeeding without medical guidance. Consider temporarily discontinuing retinoids before and during sunny vacations, particularly if prolonged sun exposure is expected. Retinoids may also need to be discontinued before and after cosmetic procedures, including chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, and facial waxing. Always consult your skincare professional about the appropriate waiting period. Avoid combining retinoids with strong exfoliating acids or other potentially irritating ingredients until your skin has developed tolerance. Discontinue use if significant irritation occurs.

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My Recommendation: Start slowly, prioritize skin barrier health, and choose your retinoid based on your skin's tolerance, experience, and specific concerns. Consistency is key to achieving long-term results.

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Beginner-Friendly & Lower-Strength Retinoids

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  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01% Retinal) - Particularly suitable for sensitive skin and cautious beginners.

  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 (0.03% Retinal) - A good starting option for most beginners.

  • SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 - A moderate-strength retinol option that some beginners may tolerate with gradual introduction.

  • Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment - Retinol combined with bakuchiol and peptides, suitable for beginners who tolerate moderate-strength formulations.

  • Olay Retinol 24 Night Serum

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Intermediate Retinoids

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  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Retinal) - For regular retinoid users looking to progress from lower concentrations.

  • SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 - For skin already accustomed to retinol.

  • La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

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Advanced & High-Strength Retinoids

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  • Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment - High-strength retinol for experienced users.

  • Paula's Choice Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment - Contains 0.1% encapsulated retinaldehyde and 0.16% Adapinoid, a separate retinoid derivative.

  • HUBISLAB Premium Active Derma Glow Retinal Cream (0.1% Retinal) - An advanced anti-aging cream.

  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 (0.1% Retinal) - For advanced retinal users.

  • Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 (0.2% Retinal) - For highly experienced users.

  • SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 - High-concentration retinol for experienced users.

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PEPTIDES

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help support the appearance of firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Depending on the formulation, peptide serums can help improve the appearance of fine lines, elasticity, and skin texture while providing additional hydration. They are generally well tolerated and can be incorporated into both morning and evening skincare routines.

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Some of My Favourite Peptide Serums

  • HUBISLAB MineExo Peptide Ampoule 

  • Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

  • Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum

  • Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

  • Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum

  • Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

  • SkinCeuticals P-TIOX

  • COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 

  • DRMTLGY Needle-less Serum 

  • The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

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