These Are The Skincare Heroes The Experts Actually Use
Facialists, dermatologists and cosmetic doctors have no shortage of intel on the best products to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. From an SPF that works harder in the sun to a serum akin to ‘sleep in a bottle’, these are the expert-approved products you need to know…
The smart SPF: Noble Panacea Energist Multi-Defence Cream SPF 50
More and more dermatologists agree that nothing short of an SPF 50, used daily, delivers the most skin protection and anti-aging benefits. And while this new sunscreen from Noble Panacea fits the bill, it also offers so much more: it’s packed with potent antioxidants ferulic acid and moringa seed to fend off blue light, pollution and dust, as well as UV rays; it has a 100% mineral sunscreen filter for better coverage that stays put longer than most chemical filters; special peptides and spirulina extract work on DNA repair, and, perhaps what clinches this sunscreen’s hero status best, it works harder the more sun your skin is exposed to. How? Light-activated technology effectively ‘turns on’ the active ingredients when they’re exposed to UV rays. Simply genius.
The facial in a bottle: Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence
A-listers and experts alike who have tried the brand’s legendary Active Botanical Serum have been hooked on its skin-changing results, but it’s the brand’s lesser-known Active Treatment Essence that is, arguably, even more of a standout skin hero. Packed with a special infusion of nutrients and a boasting proprietary two-week fermentation process (each bottle takes five weeks in total to make), this post-cleanse, pre-serum step is your micro-exfoliator, vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid booster, toner, hydrator, antioxidant treatment and skin-barrier fortifier (prebiotics feature heavily) all rolled into one easy, spritz-on formula. Use five to seven sprays all over your face, neck and chest, then press the essence into skin with your hands to really stimulate skin absorption. What’s more, it’s great for all skin types – from sensitive through to oily – and you can even take it up under the eyes for the firming, brightening and plumping benefits.
The overnight multi-tasker: MZ Skin Reviving Bio-Placenta & Stem Cell Serum
What makes this newly reformulated lightweight serum a firm favorite of beauty editors, facialists and cosmetic doctors alike (now in a supersized 50ml format) is its mix of highly effective niche ingredients, pairing bio-mimetic placenta (rich in protein and growth factors to stimulate collagen and elastin production – the building blocks of healthy skin) together with plant stem cells (for firming and brightening), alongside plumping peptides and barrier-boosting ceramides. Brand founder Dr. Maryam Zamani calls it “sleep in a bottle” as it’s ideally meant to be used at night when your skin is already in prime repair mode (but the sink-into-skin texture works equally well for daytime) – you’ll wake up looking rested and revived even without a solid amount of ZZZs behind you.
The skin-prep essential: Sisley Sisleÿa L’intégral Anti-Âge Fresh Gel Cream
Packed with hydrating heroes and potent antioxidants, this lightweight gel cream from Sisley takes skin prep to a whole new level. While the finish is truly lightweight and sinks into skin without any greasiness leftover, it’s rich in over 50 active ingredients (from skin-cell-stimulating apple seed extract to yeast and soya proteins) that work on restoring cells to function as they do in youthful skin. The result is softer lines, a smoother finish, and a firmer, more lifted appearance from the first application. The cooling gel texture is ideal to use all year round for combination and oily skin types, but it’s also perfect for all skin types in summer weather and when holidaying abroad in hotter, muggier climates.
The eye reviver: Dr. Barbara Sturm Exoso-Metic Eye Serum
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s devoted celebrity clients can’t get enough of this fantastic treatment because it really targets crow’s feet and fine lines and strengthens the skin around the eyes. One of 2024’s buzziest beauty ingredients, exosomes are the tiny sacks found between our cells that contain proteins, lipids, growth factors and DNA and boost communication between cells. According to Dr. Sturm, they’re essential for reducing inflammation and offer fantastic anti-aging benefits. Her Exoso-Metic Eye Serum pairs lab-synthesized growth factors, which encourage skin’s renewal and repair processes, with powerhouse actives vitamins C and E, peptides and botanical extracts to boost the skin-firming, smoothing and brightening results.