As Linden Tyler accurately said, ‘Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time’, and I couldn’t agree more. But when I talk about ‘investing’ in your skincare, I’m not referring to luxury skincare products. I mean effective, clinically backed cosmeceutical skincare products that are well-formulated and contain brilliant ingredients.

You don’t need to have an extremely expensive skincare regime in order to have an effective one. You just need to make sure you’re spending your money in the right places – that really is the key to achieving results. So, which products are worth investing in? And where can you save your money? Read on to hear my thoughts.

Before you purchase any skincare products, consider these four things…

  • Your requirements: What are you looking for in a skin care product? Would you like to prevent skin ageing? Is your skin feeling dry and sensitive? Would you like to improve wrinkles? It’s much easier to establish the correct routine, once you’re clear on your goals.
  • Do your research: What makes the difference is whether the product contains high-quality ingredients, and this is one of the first things I look for when I consider a new product for either myself or my patients. I want to see evidence-based ingredients that are research-backed and supplied at sufficient concentration levels to give a result. But the formulation is equally as important, so you need to be confident that the product formula is able to get those high-quality, research-backed ingredients exactly where they need to go within the skin.
  • Begin with the basics: If you’re not sure where to begin, investing in some basic skincare items is a great place to start. A good cleanser, targeted serum, and sunscreen are all necessary components of any skincare regime. Once you’ve understood the essentials, you can eventually buy the other products.
  • Consider having a bespoke consultation with an expert: In my opinion, there really is no better investment for your skin. Having a proper skin assessment and getting some bespoke recommendations, eliminates the guesswork and ensures that you’re going to see results.

SAVE: Cleanser

There are some very effective cleansers on the market at affordable price points – brands like Cerave and Cetaphil offer some great options. But make sure you choose a product suited to your skin type – hydrating formulas work well for dry, sensitive or menopausal skin whilst foaming cleansers may be more suited to oily or breakout-prone types.⁠

SPEND: Antioxidant Serums

Serums are one of the areas in your skincare routine where investing more money is going to make a world of difference. This is the main product that targets any skincare concerns you might have and includes higher concentrations of key actives, which means they’re more expensive to formulate. Any serums that have been clinically trialled (not just consumer tested) are worth looking into, as they demonstrate proven skin improvements.⁠

Look for serums containing ingredients like vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid. While these serums might come with a higher price tag, their long-term benefits make them a worthwhile investment.

SAVE: Moisturiser

Moisturisers help to nourish our skin barrier by providing lipids, protecting from external chemicals, and locking in hydration to our sometimes-parched complexion. Typically, basic moisturisers don’t contain expensive ingredients, so you don’t need to spend much money to keep your skin nourished and hydrated. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and lipids.

SPEND: Exfoliant

A decent exfoliant makes a world of difference to your skin. Exfoliants are a targeted treatment containing higher concentrations of actives, so good products tend to be more expensive to formulate. Investing in an effective yet gentle exfoliant will do a world of good for your skin.⁠

SAVE: Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen on a daily basis is crucial for minimising sun damage and helping to prevent skin cancer. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day. You don’t need to spend too much money to find a great SPF that leaves no white cast and provides great UV protection.⁠ I love the Heliocare range which offers a wide range of sunscreen options at reasonable price points. 

SPEND: Retinol  

One of the best places to spend money in your skincare routine is a retinoid, AKA vitamin A. This is the gold standard in skincare and one of the best ingredients for your skin. Although retinoids are hailed for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they also contributes to a more even and radiant complexion. This is an unmatched ingredient and investing in a high-quality retinoid product is guaranteed to deliver results.⁠

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