A Top Skincare Expert's 5-Step Routine Plus Our Recommended Products For Spring

Internationally renowned skin expert Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme stops by to share her guide to the best skincare routine.

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme‘s 5-step skincare routine

You don’t need 15 steps in a skincare routine to get healthy-looking skin. My 5-step routine is simple:

Cleanse
Antioxidant
Moisturise
Treatment
SPF

Cleansing

Cleansing is so important when it comes to your daily skincare routine. Pick a cleanser suited to your skin type daily avoid using an active cleanser every day instead you can bring this in a few times a week to help reach your skin goals without overly stripping the skin.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are a must in your skincare routine. These neutralise the action of free radicals which if left unchecked can lead to dull skin, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and fine lines and premature wrinkles.

Wear sunscreen

It really is the secret to great skin for many years to come. For your daily skincare routine all year round, opt for factor 30 or above, and don’t forget to apply this to your hands too.

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme skincare heroes

Niacindamind

Add Niacinamide into your skincare routine – it is an all-round hero ingredient that can be used by all skin types, including those with darker skin tones, that helps to build strength and flexibility in the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and soothe irritated skin via its anti-inflammatory properties.

Improves barrier and moisture

When applied topically as niacinamides it has a lot of beneficial properties to the skin and is a must when it comes to your skincare routine. Niacinamide upregulates epidermal and dermal proliferation which helps to fortify the barrier function of the skin. It increases the epidermal barrier function in the horny layer of the skin by reducing transepidermal water loss. This is aided by the upregulation of ceramide production with improves the hydration of the skin.

Anti-inflammatory

It has anti-inflammatory properties on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide suppresses epidermal melanocyte transfer and is helpful for dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Collagen production

Niacinamide increases collagen production in the skin and can be helpful for photodamaged skin.

Oil regulation

Niacinamide helps to regulate sebaceous lipids so is helpful in acne and blemish-prone skin. The anti-inflammatory properties can also be helpful for those with acne-prone skin

Vitamin C: morning or evening?

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin needed by the body for many different functions. If we lack vitamin C skin conditions such as scurvy in the skin can occur. Vitamin C can reduce oxidized species, or oxidants and so is called an antioxidant. Antioxidants have many benefits in the skin preventing pigmentation, redness and even fine lines, so it’s fabulous for your morning skincare routine when UV radiation is at its highest.

Retinol

Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derived substances and I recommend using a retinol at night after cleansing as part of our skincare routine.

When you start using a retinol, begin by using it three times a week for the first week then slowly increase each week to allow your skin to tolerate it. Ensure you use a good moisturiser after the retinoid to prevent dryness and irritation. When you are using a retinol at night ensure you use a sunscreen factor 30 or above.