Skincare Saviours: Dermatological Skincare Routine
Cleanse, treat, repeat.
Here at LOOKFANTASTIC, we know how important it is to understand your skin. But how do you know where to start in the current cosmetic climate? There are countless skincare brands, products, routines, and trends. We are here to cut through the noise and highlight dermatologist-approved pieces that make up the ideal skincare routine.
Discover the brands, blends and formulas that are dermatologically backed to nourish and support your skin – whatever your concern, type, or texture.
Browse our collection of dermatological skincare here.
What is Dermatologically Approved Skincare?
Skincare can only be classed as dermatologically approved when a qualified dermatologist tests and verifies the product’s safety and effectiveness. This can be done through a number of tests to assess the potential of irritation.
"Dermatologically tested" can also mean a dermatologist was involved in formulating the product, using their expertise to ensure the product is safe for the target skincare concerns.
Skincare Routine Steps
Make sure you are getting the most out of your skincare by using it in the correct order. As a general rule, get your skin nice and clean with a cleanser, then slowly build up the layers of skincare.
If you ever are unsure where a new skincare item should be included in your routine, always read the directions, or go by rule-of-thumb “thinnest to thickest”. Toner comes first as it is usually watery and thin, absorbing quickly, and moisturiser comes last as the thickest item that sits on top of the skincare and absorbs slower.
- Cleanser
Exfoliant (1-3 times a week) - Toner
- Serum
- Moisturiser
And if you're truly going head-to-toe, don't forget body lotion.
Cleanser
Always begin by cleansing the skin.
You wouldn’t paint on a dirty surface, so why would you add products to dirty skin? Cleanser not only helps to prevent breakouts, but also makes your skincare work more effectively, and improves the general appearance of skin as it helps to buff away dead skin cells.
Our top pick of a dermatologically tested cleanser is Eucerin’s Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel. Dulling cells are buffed away, leaving skin radiant and renewed. When used daily, it encourages an improved texture and tone, with the development of dark spots and discolouration being prevented.
It also promotes hydration, so skin feels plump and smoother, and fine lines are reduced and skin is supple.
Click here to shop cleansers.
RRP: £16.50Current price: £12.38
Exfoliant
Not for everyday use, an exfoliator is the perfect way to level-up your skincare and really ensure your skin is perfectly clean and prepped for the subsequent products.
1-3 times a week depending on your skin type and how intense your exfoliator is, be sure to give your face a gentle scrub to maintain skin brightness. Our top pick is this Dermalogica “Microfoliant”.
Firstly, it’s in the name. Dermalogica is a brand of hardworking skincare, packed with science-backed formulas and dermatologist approval.
In their microfoliant powder is a unique rice-based enzyme that buffs away dulling debris and brightens skin. The powder is activated with water to create a very gentle scrub, leaving skin clear and refreshed.
Click here to browse exfoliators.
£65.00
Toner
Once skin is squeaky clean, it’s time to start the routine.
Toner helps to prep the skin for products, and also has its own benefits depending on the ingredients. Toners can kick start hydration, oil control, pH balance, acne control, and more.
Our dermatologically approved toner of choice is the Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimising Toner. It is a no-rinse formula so is perfect for using as part of a wider routine, and it gently exfoliates and purifies and skin, with a promise of no over-drying or tightness.
Click here to shop all toners.
£15.50
RRP: £16.50Current price: £13.20
RRP: £25.00Current price: £18.75
Serum
Serum comes next, as it delivers a highly concentrated dose of specifically targeted active ingredients to your prepped skin. Serums penetrate the skin deeper than creams due to their lightweight texture and are formulated with specific skin concerns in mind.
SkinCeuticals are famed for their hardworking products, and their P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum is dermatologically approved for its lightweight formula and promise to reduce fine lines, texture, and radiance.
It targets nine different types of expression lines, and the 5% PHA gently exfoliates to brighten and refine skin texture. It is suitable for all skin types, and promises a coveted glass skin finish.
Click here to explore serums.
£130.00
Moisturiser
No matter your skin concern, moisturiser is your friend.
Read that again.
As someone who has oily skin and had terrible acne growing up, I read so often that moisturiser was an essential and ignored it – why would I have oily skin if my skin needed moisture? I know now that my skin was so thirsty that it was creating an excess of oil. Using hydrating products has transformed my skin completely.
We have two top picks of dermatologically approved moisturisers: one for oily skin, and one for dry skin. Not all moisturisers are created equal!
For oily skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser is a fantastic option. It promises to hydrate and clarify skin, helping to minimise the appearance of imperfections, dark spots, and discolouration. It also has a mattifying effect to reduce the look of excess oil, and contains ingredients that also micro-exfoliate.
For dehydrated skin, the Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser is designed to nourish and plump using Japanese methods. The gel promises to lock in water for up to 24 hours, and soothe irritation.
Click here to shop all moisturisers.
RRP: £20.90Current price: £15.68
£25.25
Body Lotion
As a bonus step, remember that skincare goes beyond your neck!
The new AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion is designed to improve dry, rough areas and absorbs quickly for optimum comfort. Use it as the final step in your bodycare routine to lock in moisture.
Click here to shop body creams and lotions.
£24.00
Click here to browse our full range of dermatologist-approved skincare.
Discovering makeup in the 2010's era of full glam was always going to lead me to beauty writing. A lover of pop culture and language, my content is always rooted in modern day trends. My beauty holy grails are the LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balms, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, detox masks for my skin, and any hair product that promises to repair, hydrate, and strengthen!
