As an aesthetic doctor, one of the most frequent questions I get from my patients is: “What skincare products should I be using daily?” With countless options on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s actually effective and what’s just a passing trend.

In my years of experience, there are three skincare essentials that I cannot recommend enough: sunscreen, vitamin C serum, and retinol. These are the cornerstones of healthy, glowing skin, and they work together to prevent damage, promote rejuvenation, and maintain a youthful complexion.

Here’s why I believe these three products deserve a permanent place in your skincare routine:

  1. Sunscreen: Your First Line of Defense

I can’t emphasize this enough—sunscreen is non-negotiable. It is, hands down, the most important skincare product you can use every day.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for 80-90% of visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. UV exposure is also a leading cause of skin cancer. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays all year round. In fact, even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can reach your skin.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is crucial. Make sure to apply it every morning, even if you’re staying indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows. I recommend using a sunscreen that’s both broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and water-resistant. It’s also a good idea to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

Remember, sunscreen isn’t just for preventing sunburn—it’s your first defence against premature aging and pigmentation issues.

  1. Vitamin C Serum: Brighten, Protect, and Repair

Vitamin C is one of my absolute favourite ingredients to recommend to my patients. It’s a powerful antioxidant that works wonders in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. This vitamin not only helps in preventing damage but also works to repair existing damage.

One of the main benefits of Vitamin C is its ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for skin elasticity, and as we age, our collagen levels naturally decline. By incorporating Vitamin C into your routine, you can help boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and maintain a firm, youthful complexion.

In addition, Vitamin C is great for brightening the skin. It helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin. If you’re dealing with dark circles, post-inflammatory marks from acne, or sun spots, a good Vitamin C serum can be a game-changer.

I recommend using Vitamin C in the morning after cleansing and before sunscreen. It not only provides additional protection from environmental stressors but also helps to brighten the complexion throughout the day. My favourite is the Obagi Professional-C serum which comes in 10%, 15% and 20%

  1. Retinol: The Ultimate Skin Rejuvenator

Last but certainly not least, retinol (a form of Vitamin A) is a must-have in any skincare routine, especially for those concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. Retinol is a gold standard ingredient in dermatology and aesthetics because it accelerates cell turnover and promotes the production of fresh, new skin cells.

As we age, our skin naturally loses its ability to shed dead skin cells, leading to a buildup of dull skin, clogged pores, and uneven texture. Retinol speeds up this process, revealing smoother, more youthful skin over time. Additionally, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun spots, making it an incredibly versatile product.

It’s important to note that retinol can be potent and should be introduced gradually into your routine to avoid irritation. I recommend starting with a lower concentration (like 0.25% or 0.5%) and applying it only a few times a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin gets used to it.

Retinol is best used in the evening, after cleansing and before moisturizing. And, because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, make sure you’re using sunscreen diligently during the day.

Putting It All Together

To recap, these three products—sunscreen, Vitamin C serum, and retinol—work synergistically to create a balanced skincare routine that targets everything from aging to pigmentation to overall skin health.

  • Sunscreen prevents further damage from harmful UV rays.
  • Vitamin C brightens, protects, and promotes collagen production.
  • Retinol speeds up cell turnover, smooths skin texture, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

As an aesthetic doctor, my goal is always to help my patients achieve their best skin, and incorporating these three products into your daily routine is the best way to ensure long-term skin health and vitality.

Don’t forget to listen to your skin—what works for one person may need to be adjusted for another. Always patch-test new products, especially actives like Vitamin C and retinol, and if you have concerns or specific skin conditions, consider consulting with a professional to tailor your skincare routine to your individual needs.

The right products, consistency, and a little patience are the keys to glowing, healthy skin at any age.