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I used to think it was my bathroom cabinet that was getting out of control. Recently, a friend of mine who was devastated by her ever-expanding beauty routine showed me her bathroom shelves, and she has almost as much stock as Space NK.
Hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, plus the tendency to layer peels and masks means we bombard our faces and our skin suffers. But how do you reset when there are thousands of products promising amazing results?
Enter GetHarley, an online consultation service that connects customers with eligible skin specialists. Whether your problem is acne, eczema, dark circles or you just want a non-BS beauty routine, GetHarley will find your match. Mine was Dr Fiona McCarthy, an oncologist who switched to esthetics in 2015 after experiencing skin pigmentation during her pregnancies. He also has a ‘holistic and preventive approach to aging’, according to his bio. Fantastic.
I could ask him where he stands in the ‘science versus cleanliness’ argument and whether the two are mutually exclusive. “It’s actually pretty simple,” says Dr McCarthy encouragingly. There are three main ingredients that are scientifically proven to keep skin youthful: vitamin A (or retinol as it’s commonly known), SPF, and antioxidants, best of which is vitamin C.
She doesn’t use toners, praises cheap moisturizers (save your money for active ingredient products), refutes the notion that we should stick to one brand for everything (“no brand is superior for every product”), and recommends creamy cleansers as we age. . “Most cleansers work, so it’s important to choose the right formulation for your skin type.”
Cream-based cleansers are better for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin – try Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – while lathers are better for oily skin. Despite rating Medik8 r-Retinoate Eye Serum, many consider it a waste of time as eye creams do not contain ingredients that make a long-term difference in skin quality.
‘It has a new, high-strength, form of retinol that’s formulated to not dry out but deliver results.’ Although she recommends using it twice a week initially rather than the daily application recommended on the product.
Dr McCarthy has treated melanomas for years and believes using a daily SPF separately from your moisturizer is the best thing you can do for your skin. If you hate the idea of chemicals penetrating your skin, go for the mineral one that provides a physical barrier. It should contain UVA and UVB. If you’re worried about blue light, the combination of SPF and vitamin C will keep you fully protected.’
She recommends Heliocare Oil-Free Gel, which leaves skin hydrated and hydrated. She likes vitamin C because besides brightening the skin, it also stimulates collagen production. But do not use more than once a day. Containing vitamins C, E and 19 and other antioxidants, Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum is a cream rather than a serum and is especially popular for mature skin. He says it’s expensive but worth it. His pick when it comes to hyaluronic acid is Vichy Mineral 89, which can replace more intense moisturizers when warmer weather returns. “It’s light but intensely hydrating.”
The best skincare products to use in your 50s and beyond
This article is kept up to date with the latest advice.
