As someone who’s been creating beauty content for over 15 years, I’ve learnt that great skincare isn’t about having the longest routine or keeping up with every new launch or trending product. It’s about understanding what your skin actually needs, and Skin Pharmacy delivers that.
Although I’m fortunate to test countless products throughout the year, I still value expert advice. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when you’re using active ingredients and having someone assess your concerns before introducing new products can make all the difference.
I usually have a more intuitive approach to selecting my skincare products rather than a fixed routine and discussed in my consultation that I tend to use products based on how my skin feels and the concerns that bother me most.
During my consultation with the Skin Pharmacy expert, we talked through my skin, my current routine and the concerns I wanted to focus on.
My dark circles topped the list (they’ve been my biggest skincare frustration for years), but we also discussed how periods of stress can show up in the skin. Life can be busy and unpredictable and when I’m not getting enough rest, it’s often my skin that shows this.
Rather than suggesting an entirely new routine, the recommendations were designed to
complement the products I already know and love while targeting the areas I wanted to improve.
Skinbetter Science | EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
This was the product I was most excited to introduce into my routine. EyeMax AlphaRet
Overnight Cream combines Skinbetter Science’s patented AlphaRet Technology, which pairs a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid designed specifically for the delicate eye area.
My main concern has always been dark circles, but I also like that it’s formulated to improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and puffiness over time while supporting the skin barrier with nourishing hydrators and antioxidants. It’s one of those hardworking products that targets multiple concerns without unnecessarily complicating your routine.
Epicutis | Lipid Recovery Mask
I’m a huge fan of anything that helps support a healthy skin barrier especially when I’m stressed or in extreme weather conditions so I mentioned this in my consultation and was recommended this mask.
The Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask is a medical-grade bio-cellulose sheet mask saturated with a concentrated lipid serum that helps calm visible redness, replenish hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. It feels very soothing, making it the kind of treatment I’ll be reaching for after a busy / stressful week or whenever my skin needs a little extra care.
Medik8 | Crystal Retinal 6
I’ve been using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 for some time now, so I was pleased that the
consultation wasn’t about replacing products that already works well for me.
Retinal remains one of my favourite ingredients for encouraging smoother, brighter looking skin over time and this formula strikes a great balance between efficacy and comfort as my skin can sometimes feel sensitive with some actives.
Medik8 | Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
No skincare routine is complete without daily sun protection, particularly when you’re using vitamin A derivatives or exfoliating acids.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ has become my everyday SPF because it
delivers broad spectrum protection without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. It sits
beautifully under makeup and doubles as a hydrating final step in my morning skincare routine, making it a staple for me to apply everyday.
One of the biggest takeaways from my consultation was that effective skincare doesn’t have to mean using more products; it’s about making smarter choices based on your individual skin, your lifestyle and your goals.
Having expert guidance gave me confidence that the products I was introducing were
appropriate for my skin concerns and fit in with the other usual products I use as I worry my skin will react otherwise.
I highly recommend a personalised consultation as it can help take the guesswork out of building a routine that truly works.
Safiyah Tasneem
Skin concerns: Dark circles, stressed skin and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Beauty creator and skincare enthusiast with over 15 years of experience reviewing skincare, makeup and wellness products.
