WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Core Four Skincare Ingredients Everyone Needs

Part One of Our Four-Part Series on Building the Ideal Skincare Routine

At Phare & Dr. Laura Clinic, we’re all about education. Whether you’re new to skincare or refining an already solid routine, our goal is to help you truly understand what your skin needs—and why. Over the month of April, we’re sharing a four-part blog series to walk you through exactly what we cover in clinic consultations. It’s the same expert guidance we offer face-to-face, now available for you to read, save, and refer back to anytime.


We’re kicking things off with what I like to call the Core Four. These are the four key ingredients I recommend for every patient, no matter their skin type or concern.

SPF, an antioxidant, a retinoid, and an exfoliating acid

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These four powerhouses are where I start with everyone in clinic. Why? Because they’re the ingredients with the most research behind them—we know how they work, what they do, and what results to expect. And more importantly, they work with your skin to help it behave like it did in its prime (think: 25 years old and thriving).

Let’s break it down

Your AM Routine: Protection + Prevention

1. SPF:

The single most important product in your skincare routine. No matter your skin concern—pigmentation, fine lines, acne—SPF is your first line of defence. Apply two full finger lengths every morning, rain or shine. The key is consistency and finding one you genuinely like wearing. We’ve handpicked a curated range [linked] to help you do just that.


2. Antioxidant:

Think of your antioxidant as your skin’s shield. It protects against environmental damage, pollution, and free radicals. The two I reach for most often are Vitamin C (brightening and collagen-boosting) and Niacinamide (calming, barrier-strengthening). We’ll dive deeper into both in Part Three of this series, where we walk you through the perfect AM routine.

Even indoors, UVA rays can penetrate through glass, and blue light from screens may contribute to skin damage and pigmentation. This is why SPF isn’t just for the beach—it’s for every single day.

Shop our favourite SPFs

€45,00

A moisturising face sunscreen designed to envelop your skin in daily SPF protection, creating a lit-from-within complexion while shielding against harmful UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution, and Blue Light.

€55,00

This 100% all-mineral formula features EnviroScreen® Technology to go way beyond UV and provide unmatched protection against sun and pollution.

€25,00

No doubt one of the best SPFs on the market. Very high UVA/UVB facial sun protection. Ultra resistant formula specifically developed for sensitive skin.

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Your PM Routine: Correction + Renewal

3. Retinoid:

From the age of 25, we begin losing collagen at a rate of 1% per year. Our cell turnover slows, skin becomes dull, flaky, and fine lines start creeping in. Retinoids are your secret weapon—they increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen, and keep your skin behaving like it’s 25 again. There are many types, and we tailor our recommendations to each patient’s skin type, concern, and lifestyle.


4. Exfoliating Acid:

This is where we sweep away the old to reveal the new. Exfoliating acids (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) help dissolve dead skin cells, clear congestion, and improve skin texture. Usually used in the evening, although some may slot into a morning routine depending on the product and patient.

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Why Ingredients > Steps

Instead of thinking “I must have a toner, serum, and a moisturizer,” I want you to think about the function your products serve. What is in your routine to protect? What is in your routine to correct?


For some, that may mean layering actives in serum form for maximum potency. For others, especially if you’re newer to skincare or prefer a streamlined approach, it might be better to keep things simple by choosing combination products or actives in cream form. Either way, the Core Four should be your anchor.

Tailoring the Core Four to You

Teenager? Just focus on SPF and maybe a gentle antioxidant. Mid-30s with pigmentation concerns? Let’s introduce a brightening acid and targeted retinoid. The beauty of the Core Four is that it’s not one-size-fits-all—it’s a framework we build on based on you, your skin, and your goals.

Want to build your own Core Four routine?

Explore our curated essentials or book a consultation with our expert team. Let us guide you through what your skin really needs—no fluff, no fads.


Stay tuned for:
Part 2: The Book Ends - Cleansers & Moisturisers

Part 3: How to build the ideal AM routine

Part 4: the Ultimate PM Routine for Skin Correction


We can’t wait to take you on this skincare journey. Because when you understand your skin, everything changes.