Cleansing, always. This is the step that quietly shapes everything that follows. When it’s done properly, serums absorb smoothly, moisturisers perform better, and skin stays balanced. Skip or rush it, and even the most advanced formulas struggle to work. A gentle but thorough cleanse resets the skin, lifts away daily pollution, and helps prevent congestion before it forms. It may not feel exciting, but it is easily the most impactful step in any routine.
The Most Overlooked Skincare Ingredient
Peptides once held that title, but they’re now firmly in the spotlight. For me, that role belongs to PDRN. Hugely popular in Korea, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes more mainstream elsewhere. It acts as a kind of deep repair support for skin exposed to stress, pollution, and hormonal changes. PDRN encourages regeneration, soothes irritation, and gives skin a stronger, more resilient look. I value it because it works quietly in the background, improving how everything else in your routine performs.
The Royal Fern PN Boosting Serum is a standout example. It earns its place by helping skin feel steadier and more robust with consistent use. It’s understated, but reliably effective.
The At-Home Device That Truly Delivers
The Ziip Halo is one tool where results are genuinely noticeable. By combining microcurrent and nanocurrent technology, it helps refine contours, improve tone, and recreate that lifted, post-facial finish usually achieved in clinic. What sets it apart is its accuracy. It supports circulation, trains facial muscles, and creates a firmer, more awake appearance, with long-term benefits when used consistently.
The Treatment I Recommend During Winter
As soon as the seasons change, I book time at the Keren Bartov Clinic. There’s no preset treatment list. You book a slot, and your skin is assessed on the day. From there, a bespoke plan is built using a wide range of advanced machines. Downtime is optional. I always opt out and still leave with skin that looks lifted, bright, and luminous. It’s personalised skin strategy at its smartest and a worthwhile investment.
A Skincare Myth Worth Letting Go
There’s a common belief that skincare needs to tingle, sting, or feel tight to be effective. That’s simply not true. Those sensations usually signal irritation, not results. The most visible improvements come from consistency and ingredients that support the skin barrier rather than overwhelm it. Calm, comfortable, balanced skin is a sign things are working.
A Beauty Classic I Still Rely On
Sudocrem remains an old-school essential that still earns its keep. It soothes inflamed spots, reduces irritation, and helps settle skin during flare-ups. I always keep it on hand because it does exactly what it promises, without complications.
My Three Winter Skincare Non-Negotiables
- Protect the skin barrier. Cold weather and indoor heating quickly drain moisture, so richer formulas and humectants are essential. Products that help retain water, like Augustinus Bader’s Soothing Cream, act as a vital buffer.
- Keep exfoliating. Many people stop entirely, but gentle, regular exfoliation maintains smoothness and allows hydrating products to penetrate properly.
- Use an occlusive at night. A light layer over your routine seals everything in, helping skin look refreshed by morning rather than dry and stressed. This step may not suit very oily skin types.
Why Lifestyle Matters As Much As Skincare
I won’t pretend to follow a flawless diet. I enjoy chocolate and sweets, and that hasn’t changed. What has made a difference is that I’ve never been much of a drinker, which has paid off over time. Now at 50, sleep is the deciding factor. Without it, my skin doesn’t settle until halfway through the day. With enough rest, everything appears smoother, brighter, and more lifted. No skincare routine can truly replace the impact of proper sleep.
