My top 3 skincare ingredients - Dr Nicole Chater

My top 3 skincare ingredients.

As a busy working mum with 3 kids, who has time for skincare? There are so many different things out there and it can be hard to wade through what is actually important for good skincare.

So for me, I like to stick to the simplest routine that is evidence-based, to give me the most bang for my buck. Whilst the basics usually suit most people, it is not a one size fits all, some skin types will benefit from different active ingredients, so I encourage each person to speak to a professional about their skincare regimen.

At the top of my list is sunscreen.

You may ask what is the best type?

Whatever you will stick to, day in and day out!

There are lots of different types/ strengths/ chemical vs physical, but at the end of the day we know that the number one cause of aging which is PREVENTABLE is UV radiation from the sun. You may think you don’t need it because it’s cloudy or you aren’t spending much time in the sun, but I promise you every little bit counts, so sunscreen is the first thing I apply on my skin Every. Single. Day.

The second thing on my list is a moisturiser.

Again, which type or brand really depends on your skin type. The reason I love moisturiser is because it feels lovely, it helps with any dryness or skin flaking. Moisturises help hydrate the skin, which is an important component for healthy skin.

Third on my list is an active ingredient known as retinoic acid, also known as a retinoid. There is very strong evidence for the use of retinoids for skin care, Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin colour. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin, and it is a very effective topical agent for acne.

However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months.

The key to a good skincare regimen is consistency. We should treat our skin in the same way we treat our teeth- we brush twice daily and see the dentist for twice-yearly checks- skincare is the same. There is not much a cosmetic physician can offer if a person doesn’t have their daily skincare routine in place.

There are other active ingredients that I use, including vitamin B’s and C, but they float in and out of my skincare routine depending on how much free time I have (what is free time?!).

For a skincare routine that suits your needs, an individual treatment plan is recommended.

By Dr. Nicole Chater