What's on My Shelf Right Now: Dr. Laura's Current Routine
I recently shared the products I've been reaching for after my C02 laser treatment. I'm still helping my skin through the recovery phase but I'm almost over that now. I do want to maximise my results, so I'm still going hard with hydration, and I'm being more deliberate about pigmentation prevention because the skin is more reactive to UV post-laser and pigmentation can come back with a vengeance if you're not careful.
So my routine right now is a mix of the familiar and the new. Here's what's actually on my shelf.
Just in case you're new here, let's go over the basics of an AM routine when it comes to skincare.
- Cleanser
- Antioxidant
- Moisturiser
- SPF
My routine right now checks these boxes, but I've added an extra hydration step while my skin is still recovering from the C02 laser treatment. Here's what I'm using.
I am still obsessed with this. It's the cleanser I keep coming back to; a cloud-textured balm that removes everything without stripping, and actually leaves the skin feeling better than before you cleansed.
Post-CO2, I need something that's completely gentle and supports the barrier rather than compromising it. This does that every time.
Pigmentation is my persistent concern; it fades over winter and then starts creeping back in spring and summer, which is something a lot of people experience without realising it's UV-driven. I've added the Obagi CFx Clarifying Serum (arbutin and vitamin C) specifically to interrupt that process before it starts. If you're in a similar position and not ready for a prescription, this is a strong over-the-counter option. We also stock the non-prescription Obagi Clear Fx which is a great option too.
HYDRATION & MOISTURISER
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
I've added this into my AM routine specifically for hydration post-laser. The skin's barrier is working harder than usual at the moment, and this serum (hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5) gives it the moisture it needs without any active ingredients that might irritate. Applied after the CFx serum has absorbed, it layers really well.
SHOP HYALU B5 SERUM
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Cream
My AM moisturiser at the moment; richer than my usual and specifically designed for skin that's stressed or in recovery. It reinforces the barrier, delivers serious hydration, and contains nothing that would irritate compromised skin. Applied after the serums have settled.
SHOP HYALU B5 SURACTIVATED CREAM
My final AM step; a moisturising SPF that sits comfortably on top of everything else.
It's a new one we've added to the site and I've been using it as my everyday SPF since we got it. Hydrating, protective, and layers well with my routine - everything an SPF should do!
When it comes to a PM routine, we're focusing on repair and regeneration. This is key for me right now since my treatment. So we have to include;
- Cleanser
- Exfoliating Acid
- Retinoid
- Moisturiser
I've only just started back on my retinoid since my treatment - I left it a full two weeks before going back to it!
I use the same cleanser in the evening (Skin Cloud) and do a double cleanse with that. Since it's so gentle, I really don't feel the need to use else right now.
I'm trying this again as my evening retinoid right now and I forgot how lovely it is since trying it for the first time last year.
It uses slow-release encapsulated retinol alongside PHA (gluconolactone). PHA is a larger molecule than AHA, which means it exfoliates more gently at the surface while the retinol does the deeper work. You all know how much I love AlphaRet Overnight Cream as it combines my retinoid and exfoliating acid, and this does the exact same.
For skin that's post-procedure and still recalibrating, it's a kinder way to maintain retinoid use without causing additional irritation. Lots of clinical research behind this so excited to see how it holds up in my routine.
Mimetique Skin Restore
You can absolutely use the same moisturiser in the AM & PM, but I've been loving this as my evening moisturiser at the moment. Fab ingredients like collagen amino acids, carnosine, and multi-weight hyaluronic acid. It firms, hydrates, and helps restore skin density. A great everyday moisturiser if your skin needs hydration and a bit more bounce.
They also just released Skin Restore + which is essentially a richer version, which I am yet to try in my routine!
My hair routine has had a bit of an overhaul recently and I've been testing some new things alongside our existing favourites. You may have seen our Hair Care Edit introducing our latest brands - after testing these ranges these are the products I've kept in my routine.
I use this once a week as a scalp reset — it contains activated charcoal and salicylic acid to clear buildup from product, sebum and hard water metals, while the K18 peptide protects the hair so it doesn't come out stripped.
I've been trialling this as a bond repair treatment and it's impressive! It's designed to rebuild the internal bonds in the hair that get broken by colouring, heat, and general wear.
Still early days but the difference in texture and strength is noticeable.
A deeply conditioning mask that I use when my hair needs some real recovery. Particularly after colour or heat styling (both of which I do). One of those treatments where you can feel the difference while you're rinsing it out.
THAT'S IT!
If you were to walk into my bathroom right now, that's what you'd find! A lot of my current skincare is shaped by the Co2 recovery - but I'm almost on the other side of it! I've really enjoyed trialling the new hair care arrivals too - alongside my tried and trues like the Belle Brush bits we've had on Phare for some time now.
If you want to stay up to date with my routine and what I'm loving, socials is the best place to do that. Follow me here.
- Dr Laura
