12 Skincare Rules From A Celebrity Facialist

My skincare philosophy is simple: science first, no fluff. I believe in results-driven skin health using evidence, expertise and the right techniques rather than following trends or making unrealistic promises. For me, skincare should be about understanding your skin, treating it intelligently and achieving real, measurable results. My approach to skin became much more clinical when I worked in a private clinic alongside a GP and dermatologist and my own mother’s experience with skin cancer further reinforced the importance of understanding skin health and treatment. Today, I combine wellness, science and results-driven treatments in everything I do.

I always tell my clients that our skin is our largest organ and essentially our coat. Just as we adjust our clothes depending on the climate, we need to adjust our skincare to our surroundings. In the UAE, heat, strong UV and air conditioning can all affect the skin barrier, so I focus on hydration, barrier support and, of course, SPF every day. When I’m spending more time in air conditioning, I love the ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser, alongside the Soothing Spray, which is fantastic in dry, air-conditioned environments. 

SPF is the most important step in protecting your skin from UV damage and preserving all the work you’re putting into it. I’m also very conscious of sun exposure – I love being outside, but I don’t sit with my face in direct sun. And one rule I’ve always stuck to is never use a sunbed. If you want to keep wrinkles at bay, never forget your SPF. Prevention is everything when it comes to skin ageing.

My holy grail product is the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish. I’ve used it for years and genuinely couldn’t live without it. I use it around four times a week in the morning because it leaves my skin incredibly smooth, refined and instantly brighter. That said, I’d recommend using an exfoliating polish a few times a week rather than automatically reaching for it every morning. You want to remove dead skin cells and improve texture without compromising your skin barrier.

I’m a big believer in retinol when it’s appropriate for the skin. I introduce it into my evening routine, but I always listen to my skin. If I feel my barrier has become compromised, whether that’s from retinol or a treatment I’ve had, I’ll simplify my routine and focus on repairing and soothing the skin instead.

A healthy skin barrier is fundamental to healthy skin. If mine feels compromised, one of my favourites is Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Cream, which I find incredibly soothing. Sometimes your skin doesn’t need more products – it needs less, plus some good barrier support. I’m a big believer in knowing when to strip your routine back.

We always say this in our consultations: what you eat is what you are! Hydration is key for me. I drink lots of water throughout the day and love adding electrolytes to stay hydrated and feel my best. I’m also a big fan of Skinade and take it consistently as part of my routine. Sleep is non-negotiable too – I genuinely love my sleep and notice such a difference in my skin when I’m well rested.

I’m a big believer in starting treatments before you have a problem. Think of treatments as preventative maintenance – keeping the skin healthy, strong and supported rather than waiting until something needs correcting. I’ve become particularly passionate about this through my work with microneedling and seeing how much the right treatment can support the skin over time.

As a microneedling expert, it has to be microneedling! It’s the treatment I can’t live without. I love it because it’s so versatile – it can stimulate collagen, improve overall skin quality and help with acne, pigmentation, scarring, texture and the appearance of pore size. It’s one of my go-to treatments for creating healthier, smoother skin, and the results are backed by science.

Before a big event or red carpet, my focus is always on hydration and texture. Harsh lighting and high-definition cameras pick up every little detail, so we want skin that looks beautifully plump, smooth, and refined. I also love lymphatic drainage before a big event to help give the skin a fresh, healthy-looking finish.

My Dermalux Flex comes everywhere with me! It travels with me on flights and is a permanent fixture at home. It’s the go-to LED, and I love that it’s clinically proven and backed by science. With how much I travel for work, it’s an amazing, results-driven tool to use after flying and whenever my skin needs a little reset. I also always have some Dermaroller Intense Hydration Masks and Augustinus Bader eye patches – non-negotiables. 

Your skincare shouldn’t stop at your jawline – your neck deserves just as much love and protection as your face. I always make sure my skincare and SPF extend down to the neck. And for an easy skincare tip, if your lips are dry, sleep with Vaseline on them. It’s simple, but it really works.

AM

My skincare routine is very much centred around ZO Skin Health, and I keep my morning and evening routines slightly different because I want to address different needs throughout the day. In the morning, I start with the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser, followed by the Exfoliating Polish. I then use the Complexion Renewal Pads, which I love for keeping the skin feeling fresh and refined. Next comes Daily Power Defense, followed by a peptide-rich serum that helps support the skin, then Brightalive to target pigmentation and help maintain a brighter, more even complexion. I’ll then apply my eye cream and, most importantly, finish with SPF. I alternate between ZO Skin Health SPF and Augustinus Bader SPF, depending on what I’m using at the time.

PM

In the evening, I make a few changes. I switch my cleanser to the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser, and this is also when I introduce retinol into my routine. I’m a big believer in retinol when it’s appropriate for the skin. If I feel my skin barrier has become compromised, whether that’s from retinol or a treatment I’ve had, I’ll simplify things and add a barrier-supporting cream. One of my favourites is Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Cream. 

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