THE BASIC STEPS THAT EVERY ROUTINE NEEDS
"The building blocks for every skincare routine are the same; Cleanser, antioxidant, SPF, exfoliating acid, retinoid and moisturiser. Anything after that is a nice-to have, but not necessary.
Here's a sample 5-step routine where I combine my retinoid and exfoliating acid by including AlphaRet - this is a solid routine for someone with no major skin issues looking to reduce signs of ageing and maintain a glow."
Learn more about each product/category below and explore alternatives.
CLEANSER
Your cleanser is the foundation of your skincare routine. You want it to effectively remove impurities and product build up without stripping the skin or disrupting the barrier.
A luxurious cleansing balm, suitable for all skin types. Effectively removes makeup & oils while nourishing the skin barrier.
A hydrating cream cleanser with added PHA (gluconalactone) to gently exfoliate the skin while cleansing.
A great option for breakout/acne prone skin, the addition of Salicylic Acid helps unclog pores and soothe irritated skin.
An afforable, hydrating cleansing lotion that effectively melts away impurities without stripping the skin.
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).
The gold-standard in antioxidant protection, C E Ferulic is a mainstay in our antioxidant rotation. Brightens & improves appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
A lightweight niacinamide emulsion that visibly improves the early signs of photoaging, even skin tone and improves appearance of wrinkles.
Alto Defence Serum
A scientifically advanced vitamin C serum, designed to help protect the skin against environmental stressors and free radical damage to reduce signs of ageing.
An affordable niacinamide serum that works to visibly correct pigment in the skin for a brightening effect, while also protecting the skin from daily stressors.
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.
A moisturising face sunscreen designed to protect while creating a lit-from-within complexion and shielding against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
A tinted mineral SPF that offers both protection and lightweight coverage to even out complexion. Mineral SPFs are great for blemish-prone skin types.
bio-watery sunscreen spf 50
A hydrating, lightweight Korean SPF that hydrates and nourishes the skin while keeping it safe from UVA & UVB rays.
Another Korean SPF, this gel-texture delivers deep hydration as well as broad-spectrum defence at a great price point.
Retinoids
Retinoids are your secret weapon; they increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen, and keep your skin behaving like it’s 25 again. This is a step that will make a visible result to your skin.
*Combines your retinoid & exfoliatng acid step.* Our best-selling retinoid that significantly improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation with little-to-no irritation.
Alpharets answer to acne & breakouts, designed to clarify the appearance of oilier, blemish-prone skin.
An innovative retinal formula that has all the anti-ageing, radiance-boosting and clarifying benefits of retinol, plus the same low irritation.
A teen-friendly retinoid that is super gentle but still works to increase skin cell turnover and reduce breakouts and blackheads.
Exfoliating Acids
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.
A lightweight lotion that helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, removing dull, old skin cells, while revealing new skin cells for a brighter complexion.
For 2% salicylic acid is oil soluble and able to penetrate deep into the pores to break down blockages which can lead to blemishes and congestion.
The formulation of AHA & BHA & Purifying Botanical ingredients helps to improve skin texture, increase vitality and control pores.
An at-home peel pad that gently resurface sthe skin while improving texture and tone - great before a special event/occasion.
Moisturiser
Once your serums have done their work, your moisturiser steps in to seal everything in. It doesn’t need to be fancy... but it does need to be functional.
A dermatologist‑developed night cream scientifically proven to rebuild collagen and elastin, while reinforcing the skin barrier.
A daily moisturiser combines pharmaceutical grade botanicals, peptides and powerful antioxidants to deliver multiple anti ageing benefits for a smoother, firmer and more youthful-looking complexion.
A long-lasting hydrating moisturiser designed to replenish moisture and support healthy-looking skin throughout the day.
A simple but effective moisturiser, this is a great option for sensitive of breakout-prone skin types. A firm clinic favourite.
THAT'S IT, ALL YOU NEED FOR HEALTHY SKIN!
"I call these the Bookends (Cleanser & Moisturiser) and the Core 4 (antioxidant, SPF, retinoid & exfoliating acid). Once you've found the ones that work for you - that's when you can start to add more in if you'd like. "
