Top Tip: Layering Your Skincare Products

Morning routine

1. Start Clean: Cleansing first thing in the morning with a facial wash or cleanser is a very important step. Especially, if you are using an active night product such as a Retinol cream - as this will always leave some dead skin cells on your skin's surface.
2. Start Light: Serums are your next step as they are nice and light and deliver active ingredients into your skin. Always wait a few minutes before applying your next layer - this allows the previous product to penetrate correctly. I always pop on a product then go have a coffee, then pop my next layer on.  Pick a serum that is going to target your concern - for example if you feel your skin needs brightening use a Vitamin C serum which brightens the complexion.  I love Obagi Professional C Serum which is full of antioxidants - it protects the skin, brightens and promotes collagen production. Dr Victoria's own DRVICTORIA™ RADIANCE C10 is also amazing at delivering a healthy skin glow.
3. Seal: Seal in the goodness with your chosen moisturiser, but don't use anything too thick.
4. Delicate touches: Eye cream or serums are great for helping the delicate areas around your eyes stay hydrated and youthful looking. I like an eye cream with a light texture during the day, to go underneath my eye concealer, and more of creamy repairing cream at night time.
5. Protect: Apply sunscreen to protect your skin! SPF is the arguably one of the most important steps in your skincare routine, with my favourite being Heliocare Fluid Cream SPF50. I love that it's lightweight enough to layer over multiple products.

Evening routine

1. Double Cleanse: Double cleanse with your chosen cleansers. The first cleanse will remove make-up, dirt and debris of the day whilst the second cleanse will go deeper in penetrating your skin. I use a more active facial wash for my second cleanse that contains Salacylic and Glycolic acids to give a really deep cleanse. DRVICTORIA™ REVEAL is an excellent option, but be careful not to use it on sensitive skins or round the eye area.
2. Retinol: I feel everyone would benefit from using a Vitamin A cream at night. Vitamin A is essential for reducing fine lines, improving skin texture and tone, and stimulating collagen production. It is the pro-ageing skin vitamin! I started off using mine twice per week, then gradually increased the frequency as my skin became accustomed.  On alternate nights I use a soothing moisturiser - I really like Environ Super Moisture.