As a beauty editor, I’m difficult to please when it comes to skincare. With a day-to-day job that involves journalism and marketing, I know what to look out for and where to spend my money.
With sensitive, rosacea-prone skin that’s still prone to the odd breakout, I want high-performance yet gentle formulas. I like to spend my money on effective serums and sunscreens that I enjoy applying (yes, the latter exists — promise). Despite working in the industry and understanding what to look for in skincare, every day is a school day and I always seek out expert advice. Having a condition like rosacea means that my skin’s needs change regularly and I have to keep up. When I battle with a flare-up or a bout of perioral dermatitis, I always lean on the experts for advice and routine personalisation. That way, I know I’m getting the best advice and spending my money on what truly works.
Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum
I was on the fence about this product, until a trusted expert told me to try it — and I’m very glad I did. It’s a lightweight all-in-one serum containing multiple antioxidants that help protect the skin and add radiance. For rosacea sufferers, it can be difficult to find antioxidants that are stable and don’t disrupt the skin barrier. This formula doesn’t irritate the skin and even helps reduce redness — no mean feat!
Alumier MD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Untinted)
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for me (and it should be for you, too). Because I have rosacea, it’s even more important for me to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day as UV rays can be a major flare-up trigger. Alumier MD’s sunscreen is ideal if you hate the idea of sticky, thick formulas that don’t work well with makeup. This is incredibly moisturizing, feels weightless on the skin, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Refining Cleanser
I’m a firm believer that you’ve got to get cleansing right before you can move on to nailing other skincare. I keep my cleansers simple but effective, removing leftover makeup and grime from the day without my skin feeling stripped or tight. I find myself reaching for this Cleanser often; a little goes a long way, and I love how it emulsifies and leaves my skin feeling incredibly clean.
Heliocare Advanced Gel Body SPF 50
It’s important that we look after the skin on our body as well as on our face, and a big part of that is finding a sunscreen formula that you actually like using. For me, that’s Heliocare’s Gel Body SPF 50. It’s a lightweight texture with a smart formula, including Fernblock®, a patented technology shown to reduce UV-induced DNA damage (aka premature aging).
Alumier MD Retinol Eye Gel
I’ve been inconsistent with retinoids in the past—mostly because of sensitive skin—but this Retinol Eye Gel has given me the results I want with zero irritation. Although I get Botox, this still helps to soften those fine lines in between appointments, and hopefully prevents them from worsening. The microencapsulated retinol delivers effective results without disrupting the skin barrier.
ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex
ALASTIN is one of the few brands I can rely on to keep my skin hydrated and calm—even during a stubborn perioral dermatitis flare-up. This Restorative Skin Complex promises to improve fine lines and skin firmness over time, while instantly delivering hydration and comfort. It’s one I really miss when I’m not using it.
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