A Celebrity Facialist Shares Her Skincare Secrets
Image: @Minimal_By_Hadda
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A Celebrity Facialist Shares Her Skincare Secrets

As Dior’s global wellness expert and a facialist to some of the world’s most recognisable faces – think Bella Hadid and Helena Christensen – Hadda Akrim knows what it takes to achieve great skin. Here, she shares the insider tips and products she swears by.
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Image: @Minimal_By_Hadda

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The Skincare Step I’d Never Skip…

Daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF. It’s the most important step for preserving skin health. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, exacerbates pigmentation and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. I always say if it’s the only thing that you do, wear sunscreen every day, no matter the weather. An ounce of prevention, really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your skin. 

The Most Underrated Skincare Ingredients…

… is azelaic acid. It’s incredibly versatile, anti-inflammatory, pigment-reducing and acne-fighting – all without being too harsh. It's perfect for sensitive skin or anyone with rosacea. Another is beta glucan, which is a deeply hydrating ingredient that can hold up to 20% more moisture than hyaluronic acid. It's great for calming and soothing irritated skin.

The At-Home Tool That Will Actually Make A Difference…

…is a good quality LED mask like Current Body’s. Used consistently, they can really help with inflammation, acne, and overall radiance.

The Myth I Always Ignore…

… is that when a product makes your skin look super glowy or feel tight, it’s working wonders. Often, these are the initial signs of inflammation or that the product has stripped away too much of your skin’s natural oils. 

The Best Treatments…

…feel really bespoke and are tailored to your needs. For example, I love combining a light peel with microneedling or Laser Genesis to stimulate collagen, along with a deep pore-cleansing treatment. For laser treatments, I completely trust Debbie Thomas as she has so much knowledge and experience.

My Favourite Affordable Skincare Products…

… include The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension and lactic acid, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume, and the Cerave facial cleansers. I particularly love the Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser and the Gentle Foaming Cleanser.

My Golden Skincare Rule…

… is to start slowly and buffer, especially with vitamin A (like retinol). Use it once or twice a week, at night, on dry skin, with a moisturiser sandwich if needed. Don’t forget – SPF and actives are only effective if your skin barrier is intact and protected. Some actives can also make your skin more photosensitive, so be careful with sun exposure during the day.

A Throwback Beauty Product I Still Love…

… is Sudocrem. I know, it’s mainly a nappy rash cream, which sounds a bit unusual, but it really helps when my skin barrier is slightly inflamed. I even use it on my body. The 15% zinc oxide formula instantly soothes my skin. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for those with really sensitive skin.

The Lifestyle Factor That Makes The Biggest Difference To Your Skin…

… is your diet. It affects everything from your energy and sleep to the condition of your skin, which often reflects the quality of what you eat.

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