14 Skincare Rules From A Pro Aesthetician

The biggest rule for me is prevention over correction. SPF is absolutely non-negotiable because protecting collagen is far easier than rebuilding it later. Healthy skin is built through good daily habits rather than occasional treatments.

I believe in consistency rather than complexity. You don't need a bathroom full of products, but you do need the right products used regularly. Healthy skin is built through good daily habits rather than occasional treatments.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people following trends instead of following what their skin actually needs. Social media has made skincare more accessible, which is fantastic, but it's also led many people to overload their skin with active ingredients and to copy routines that aren't suitable for them. I see many patients with damaged skin barriers simply because they've been trying too many products at once.

If someone invested in only three things for healthier skin, I would always recommend a high-quality SPF, a personalised homecare routine and regular professional maintenance. Those three things alone can completely transform the skin over time.

Lifestyle matters enormously. Factors such as excess sugar, chronic stress, poor sleep and excessive sun exposure often show up on the skin long before people realise. I often say that skin is a reflection of what's happening internally. Great skincare can help, but healthy skin is built from both inside and outside.

There are some laser treatments that genuinely deliver incredible long-term results by stimulating collagen, improving skin quality and addressing multiple concerns at once. No treatment is a miracle solution and the most effective treatment is always the one that's right for the individual patient.

For me, aesthetics should enhance what already exists, not change it. The best results are often the ones that nobody notices. Patients simply look fresher, healthier and more confident. Once treatments start altering someone's natural features or removing their individuality, you've moved away from what good aesthetics should be.

Pigmentation, melasma, sun damage and preventative ageing are among the biggest concerns I see. More recently, there has also been a huge increase in patients wanting to improve overall skin quality rather than chasing dramatic changes. People want healthy, glowing skin that looks good in real life, not just on social media.

Retinoids, antioxidants and exfoliating acids are among the most transformative ingredients when used correctly. The problem is that many people either overuse them or don't fully understand how they work. It's not about using the strongest product possible. It's about using the right ingredient in the right way for your skin.

Social media has undoubtedly created unrealistic expectations. Filters, editing and instant transformations can make people believe that perfect skin is achievable overnight. In reality, healthy skin takes consistency, patience and a tailored approach. One of the biggest parts of my job is helping patients understand what's realistic and achievable.

I think prevention is important, but it should always be appropriate for the patient's age and concerns. In your 20s, the focus should be on protecting collagen, wearing SPF and maintaining healthy skin. By your 30s, more targeted treatments may be beneficial but the goal should always be to support the ageing process naturally rather than fight it aggressively.

It always starts with a thorough assessment. Every patient is different and sometimes the best advice is not to have a treatment at all. I always focus on what will genuinely benefit the patient rather than what is simply available to them.

Regenerative treatments are firmly on the rise, with a shift towards boosting skin quality and supporting the body’s natural repair systems. Rather than quick fixes, patients want long-term results and a more personalised, skin-first approach – and I think that’s only set to grow.

Beauty, for me, is no longer about perfection. It’s about confidence, healthy skin and feeling at ease in your own features. The most beautiful people are simply the ones who look like the best version of themselves – not someone else entirely.

My morning routine focuses on protection and hydration. I start with a gentle cleanse, followed by a hydrating mist and serum, then antioxidant support with vitamin C, peptides and targeted skincare depending on what my skin needs that day. I finish with moisturiser and SPF, which is the most important step. I tend to use a tinted SPF rather than a heavy foundation because I prefer a natural finish that still protects the skin.

Evenings are all about repair. I focus on deep hydration, retinol, peptides and growth factors to support skin regeneration overnight. Eye cream, neck care and body care are also important parts of my routine. Plus, I regularly incorporate red light therapy throughout the week to help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health.

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