‘The beauty products every woman should own’
ONE OF Sydney’s leading aesthetic physicians outlines the products you should have in your skincare regimen.
Dr Joseph Hkeik is an aesthetic physician with over 10 years experience. His clinic in Sydney (All Saints Clinic) is a favourite with celebs such as Kerri Anne Kennerley, Annalise Brankensiek and Laura Csortan.
Here he shares his top beauty tips for healthy, luminous skin.
What are the three skincare products you think every woman should own?
At my clinic we believe prescriptive cosmeceutical preparations. They differ vastly from what is available from the supermarket or indeed the department store. They are active formulations designed to address and correct various skin concerns and are typically available from medical skin clinics. Apart from a good sunscreen and the right cleanser for each skin condition, everyone needs these three skincare basics:
a) Vitamin A in the form of Retinol or Retinaldehyde, is essential for skin renewal. It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as blemishes and any evidence of sun damage.
b) The B group vitamins, especially Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) provide excellent hydration, photoprotection, antibacterial benefits as well as calming properties.
c) Vitamin C (preferably in the more stable oil-soluble form) has wonderful photo-protective properties, increases skin plumpness and also improves the appearance of uneven pigmentation.
(Additional products such as peptides, growth factors, exfoliators and pigment inhibitors can be added in to further tailor a program for each individual’s particular needs.)
Is it the same for men?
Yes, we use the same ingredients but we may select a different medium such as a serum versus a cream, depending on the skin fitness and skin health of each client.
What are the biggest no nos when it comes to skin?
Biggest mistake we see is when patient start using vitamin A cream at night and the ignore to protect the skin the following morning. The other mistake we see is patients stick to the same regimen in different seasons. Our philosophy is to challenge the skin in the cold winter season but to simply support it and protect it during the hot and sunny summer season.
What is the most common skincare mistake you see people making?
- Sleeping in make up
- Thick non-organic make up to cover skin break out or acne.
- Not using skin care products suited to your skin’s needs
- Squeezing pimples
- Over-exfoliating, (using loofahs and, abrasive exfoliants and AHA products)
- Using cheap products that sensitises their skin and make it weaker.
If you could give one piece of advice about skincare, what would it be?
1. Let the skin experts diagnose your skin condition and tailor your skin care range accordingly.
2. Sunscreen is the skin’s number one anti-ageing solution and should be a non-negotiable.