I recently had an online consultation with The Dr Laura Clinic in Galway. It got me thinking!
How do we choose skincare?
I used to be swayed by words like new, innovative and, of course, anti-ageing. But, now, I like to think that I am more informed. I want my skin to be healthy and, yes, I would love fewer wrinkles and more facial tone. Emface and Ultherapy have both definitely helped in those areas and I am lucky to have been gifted both.
When it comes to products, I know that there is no one product or brand that fits all. We are all different. Our skin needs are different. In fact, our individual needs constantly change, as the seasons change, as we age, if we are ill. So, what do we do. We go to a skin expert.
SKIN EXPERTS
I am fortunate in that I have had the advice of many different people over the past few years. Most of these I have visited in person. And I can recommend all of them. In Malahide, having moved from Clontarf, there is Jeanne Brophy who has many strings to her bow. I have had several different treatments there, all of which I loved.
In Clontarf, there is The Skin Nurse Clinic. You can read reviews of the Emsella chair and Scarlet RF treatment, both of which I have had there.
And for the most amazing relaxing bespoke facials, I pop over to Bespoke Beauty in Donnybrook to Elaine Butler Doolin. Last year, I was treated to bespoke treatments from Michelle Macken of Ultraceuticals and used their products for six months. I can honestly say all of these women are incredible and I loved every experience.
ONLINE CONSULTATION with DR LAURA CLINIC
My latest experience is slightly different. When Dr Laura from the Dr. Laura Clinic in Galway got in touch and asked me if I would like an online consultation, of course I jumped at the chance.
Based in Galway, GP Laura always had an interest in skin and skincare. She uses an integrated approach and mixes prescription products, e.g for acne, with medical grade skincare. What we are talking about is a professional assessing your skin and selecting products to suit your specific concerns.
She and her colleagues deal with a wide range of skin conditions, from Rosacea (Redness), Pigmentation and Keratosis Pilaris, to treatments for ageing and menopausal skin, fine lines, wrinkles and more. Her clinic carries a huge number of well-known brands ranging from the very affordable CeraVe to the more expensive Skinceuticals and SkinBetter Science.
Several photos of my face from all angles were submitted with details of my concerns. Below you can see a picture from before I started my new regime. The pic is taken first thing in the morning! And following a holiday where over-indulgence was the norm.
The photo below is taken following 6 weeks use and after cleansing and using my evening products.
MY REGIME
So, I started using my new products nearly two months ago and I am barely half-way through them. Detailed instructions were included. You know how difficult it can be when you buy over the counter to work out the order in which to apply products. I obviously did not have that concern. The Dr Laura Clinic responded to any queries I had very quickly. Of course, if you live in the environs of Galway you can book in for a personal assessment and treatments, such as a chemical peel.
MORNING ROUTINE
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
An antioxidant serum, this is really potent because of the combination. Initially, there is a stickiness, but it disappears as soon as I apply the A.G.E Interrupter Advanced from Skinceuticals (below) which is really hydrating.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid
Dr Laura insists that before make-up it is essential to use sunscreen. I really like the La Roche Posay (above) which is light and absorbed by the skin very quickly. There are numerous, excellent sunscreens out there and it is important that we all use one.
EVENING ROUTINE
Skin Better Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
This cream combines a retinoid for cell turnover and glycolic acid which acts as an exfoliant and is designed to help with wrinkles and photo-damaged skin. I found absolutely no irritation at all, which one can often expect with a retinoid.
If I have time, I usually allow the AlphaRet to do its work for an hour or more before I apply Skinceuticals Resveratrol which is another hero product.
WHAT I LOVE
I love that Dr Laura has given me a bespoke skincare plan. It is simple and uncomplicated. Too many products can tend to make the whole process too confusing. I am not even halfway through them, so they should last until December, if not longer.
My skin looks brighter and I can see that my pigmentation has definitely improved. A friend recently told me I was glowing. I will take that.
Follow me on Instagram and FB to hear more about the products.
As always thank you for reading. And do check out Dr Laura. You can follow her on Insta too.
Love Hilda x
Sounds great! A glowing skin is good right. And that pigmentation disappears is wonderful.