An Aesthetician & Studio Owner’s Skincare Rules

Work with what your skin needs that day. Mornings are all about protection and preparation. I start by cleansing, then follow up with a hydrating essence before layering up with pHformula’s CR Recovery to strengthen the skin barrier and a brightening antioxidant like vitamin C. I finish with a lightweight barrier cream and SPF 30; I like products that allow the skin to breathe. The pHformula VITA C Serum, Post Recovery Cream, and SPF 30 are absolute staples in my routine. I like to skin-cycle and avoid overstimulation – the goal is always to support the skin so it can function at its best.

Focus on repair and cellular regeneration in the evenings. I always double cleanse to remove pollution and SPF, usually starting with a micellar water, then following with pHformula’s EXFO Cleanse to prep my skin for actives. Before applying actives, I’ll do around 12 minutes of LED light therapy. Some nights I use a retinol-based formula, while on others I opt for peptides, sealing everything in with a lipid-rich cream. If my skin feels depleted, I mix in a few drops of pHformula’s SOS Oil for extra nourishment and to prevent trans epidermal water loss.

Strip everything back if your skin needs a reset. For two weeks, stop using everything except a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturiser and SPF. I personally use Dr. Sam’s Flawless Cleanser and Vanicream Moisturising Cream. My skincare philosophy is simple: respect the skin barrier and everything else will follow. 

Find the right products for you. The one product I will never give up is pHformula’s EXFO Cleanse – which you can purchase at our studio. It truly does it all – it’s multifunctional, effective yet incredibly gentle. It cleanses deeply, hydrates, removes make-up and provides a mild daily exfoliation that lifts away dead skin cells. I also love that it can be used as a mask and it makes your daily routine simple, effective and just that little bit more luxurious.

Prioritise balance. Many people tend to over-wash or over-exfoliate because of the heat in Dubai but that only leads to dehydration and sensitivity. Instead, focus on gentle enzymatic cleansers, lightweight hydrating serums and use a breathable SPF every single day. It’s your most effective all-in-one product for anti-aging, preventing pigmentation and protecting collagen. Also, never use granular facial scrubs. They damage the barrier and create micro-tears. Personally, I prefer intelligent resurfacing – using a carefully balanced blend of acids to target specific concerns without compromising the skin barrier. It’s all about controlled exfoliation that renews the skin while maintaining its strength and resilience.

Check your vitamin D levels. It makes a visible difference in how the skin regenerates and heals. At Studio Julie Lemke, we see nutrition, sleep and flow as part of the same conversation as skincare because no topical can outwork an internal imbalance. If you’re not treating your body or your skin well, there is no other treatment that will be effective. 

Lay the foundations. I firmly believe that everything starts from within. I take JSHealth Omega-3s, Dr. Mercola’s Liposomal Vitamin C, magnesium, Holi (mane) Collagen powder by Agent Nateur and Biogena Zinc 30 or NOW Foods Zince Glycinate when needed, plus I always prioritise sleep and highly encourage a protein-rich diet for collagen support.

Recognise that injectables and skincare serve different purposes. Good skincare strengthens your foundation so that, whatever approach you take, your skin looks healthier and the results last longer. For those who prefer a more natural route, focus on tone and texture. Work with your skin, not against it, encourage circulation, support lymphatic flow and keep your barrier strong. Simple tools like facial massage, LED therapy and consistent barrier care can really help create that lifted, luminous look – no injections required.

Embrace tools and technology. One beauty tool I swear by is the NuFACE Trinity+. I love microcurrent for toning, lifting and tightening; LED light for boosting brightness and reducing inflammation; and finally, the power of hands. Manual facial massage is so underrated – it sculpts, drains and restores circulation like nothing else, and the best part is you can do it at home. 

Look into manual lymphatic drainage. It instantly helps to de-puff, sculpt and re-oxygenate the skin, leaving it smoother and more refined. Beyond the visible benefits, it also supports circulation, detoxification and overall vitality – it’s one of those treatments that makes you feel as good as you look. 

Research treatments that are going to help you achieve your goals. If I had to recommend just one treatment at Studio Julie Lemke, it would be The Bespoke Facial. It entirely adapts to your skin’s needs on the day. No two sessions are the same because no two complexions are. It’s intelligent, intuitive and results-driven, striking the perfect balance between innovative technology and timeless techniques. One of the biggest misconceptions is that more is better – or that if a treatment doesn’t involve major downtime, it can’t be effective. The skin is a living organ, not a project to be constantly stripped and rebuilt. Over-exfoliating, jumping between products and over-treating only lead to inflammation and instability. The real goal should always be restoration not disruption. 

Remember there’s no such thing as a single miracle ingredient. It’s the best advice I’ve ever received and it came from Danish aesthetician, Jane Varto. She told me it’s how ingredients are delivered into the skin that counts. That completely changed my perspective. The delivery system is what makes or breaks a formula – without it, even the best actives go nowhere. 

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