The ESK blog
Dr Ginni's Evidence Based Skincare Routine
20 July 2021
Dana Raffoul
I have two alarm clocks, the one that rings at 5am and wakes me on the mornings that I am on TV, the other ones are the puppies who wake me at 5:45 most other mornings. Regardless of how I wake up, the day gets going pretty fast and usually doesn’t slow down until Daniel and I have cleaned up after dinner. So – as with most things I do during the day, my skincare routine gets as much time as it needs and no more.
I shower in the mornings so that’s when I wash my face. Since my youthful acne transitioned into adult Rosacea, I use the Calming Cleanse – gentle but gets the cleaning job done! Once out of the shower, I get to my favourite part of the daily regime, using the Reverse C Serum. I have a real soft spot for it. Firstly it’s because it’s a Vitamin C Serum that actually uses Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) rather than a non-evidence based form of this important ingredient, it also has a lovely calming and hydrating effect on my skin. After that comes Enlighten. Since hyperpigmentation became an unwelcome guest a few years ago I started using it. Its added benefit is to add a little more hydration especially in winter when my skin gets a little drier. So after I have invested about one and a half minutes with those it’s time to get the day started!
On days where my skin will see no sun, I use the Peptide Primer. I love the way it feels and it makes a great base for my makeup. On days where I will get some sun exposure I use the Zinc Shade which not only provides protection from UVB, the sun’s burning rays, but also the sun’s premature ageing UVA rays. It is also terrific under makeup!
I always saw ads of women luxuriating in their skin care routines, and I would have really liked to be one of them. But in the evening, skin care is one of the things that stands between me and flopping exhausted into bed – so quicker is better and my routine usually takes no more than 3 minutes.
For the first step in my night routine, I use the Calming Cleanse on a cotton ball to remove my makeup and then an additional amount to cleanse. I follow cleansing with the Smooth Serum, I love how smooth and soft it makes my skin feel. I also like knowing that it increases the effectiveness of the Vitamin A in our hero product (Ultimate A). But if my skin is irritable, which can happen if I have seen a bit of sun (thanks Rosacea), I skip the Smooth Serum. Then comes Ultimate A. With Retinal and Niacinamide, it is effective in tackling skin ageing, rosacea and pigmentation – which fits my skin’s needs perfectly! I’m also really excited about our soon to be released reformulation of the Ultimate A. It’s just the tiniest bit more moisturising, and we have also decreased the pH to approximately 4.7 to increase its effectiveness.
On Friday evenings, I treat myself with the Hydroxy Overnight Mask after cleansing (and nothing else). It leaves my face feeling really dewy, plump and bright in the morning!
When we started Evidence Skincare (ESK), I felt that there was a real need for skincare which is evidence based and effective, but also ticked a number of other boxes. The most important amongst these are: simplicity, ease of use, products that users really love, a fantastic customer experience and from our perspective, being ethical in all things that we do. As I lie here in bed after another long day, typing out the last of this blog, I can’t help feeling just a little proud that with ESK, we have done just that.
SHOP DR. GINNI’S SKINCARE ROUTINE
CALMING CLEANSE
A gentle creamy soap-free cleanser. Coconut-based with soothing botanicals including Aloe Vera, Lavender, Rose, Soy extract and Orchid that leaves your skin clear and hydrated. May also be used as a makeup remover.
REVERSE C SERUM
A powerful anti-oxidant serum that hydrates, repairs the visible signs of ageing and protects the skin against further damage. The anti-oxidant Vitamins C (L-Ascorbic Acid – 10%) and E (Tocopherol – 1%) are combined in their most potent forms and work to repair and prevent the appearance of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and skin roughness. For skin repair, protection and moisturising of dry and normal skin.
ENLIGHTEN
A tyrosinase inhibitor (4-n-butylresorcinol – 0.1%) and anti-oxidant (Niacinamide – 5%) based cream to lighten and brighten skin appearance and provide a more even skin tone. Niacinamide provides visible improvements within 3 weeks. 4-n-butylresorcinol significantly improves outcomes after 2-3 months of continuous us. For management of hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Enlighten
Enlighten is specifically designed to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation. This lightweight cream helps to gently create a more even skin tone and hydrate and improve the barrier function of the skin.
While rarely used, 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nB) has some of the best evidence in this arena. Enlighten combines 4nB and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to create a rare combination of gentle yet effective ingredients. Enlighten helps tackle a mottled or uneven skin tone and is suitable for long term daily use
Featuring:
- Formulated to help skin look brighter and more even
- Gentle, nourishing ingredients suitable for daily use
- Supports the appearance of an even skin texture and tone
PEPTIDE PRIMER
A rich, nourishing and soothing blend of botanicals and peptides such as Matrixyl 3000 that soothe the skin, moisturise and boost collagen production for a smoother, firmer, younger and healthier looking skin. With a non-greasy texture, it is an ideal base for applying makeup. For use as a primer and moisturise on all skin types (particularly dry and sensitive skin).
Peptide Primer
Peptide Primer is a daily moisturiser designed to provide lightweight hydration and a smooth base under makeup. Formulated with peptides, it helps support a more even looking skin texture and tone. The formula is paraben- and sulphate-free, pH balanced, and designed to support skin barrier function.
Key Features:
- Provides hydration and supports skin barrier function
- Paraben- and sulphate-free, pH balanced
- A perfect option as a make-up primer
ZINC SHADE
Zinc Shade provides the protection you need from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. It may also be used as a makeup primer. It is rated SPF15 broad spectrum and has boosted levels of UVA protection.
Zinc Shade
Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup.
We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Key features:
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Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use
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Smooth application with minimal white cast
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Broad-spectrum UV protection
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Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage
Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
SMOOTH SERUM
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic Acid – 3%; Lactic Acid – 1%; Gluconolactone – 1%) exfoliating serum for use at night. This potent serum renews the skin by promoting skin cell turnover. The result: a more balanced and smoother skin and a more even skin tone. For skin renewal of all skin types. Also helps regulate oily skin.
Smooth Serum
Smooth Serum is a night treatment formulated with 3% Glycolic acid, 1% Lactic acid, and 1% Gluconolactone. This gentle AHA blend supports the appearance of skin texture and surface renewal, helping maintain the look of even skin tone.
Key features:
- Combination of alpha hydroxy acids to support skin texture
- Supports the appearance of smoother, more even skin
- Can be used alongside products containing Retinal to maintain overall skin texture
Caution: Not recommended for very sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.
ULTIMATE A
A Vitamin A (Retinal – 0.06%) and B3 (Niacinamide – 4%) based night cream. For repair and rejuvenating normal, drier and aged skin. *Suspend use of Vitamin A products if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ultimate A
Ultimate A Night Cream contains 0.06% Retinal, the most gentle and effective form of Vitamin A, paired with Niacinamide to help maintain skin barrier function and support brighter, firmer and more even looking skin tone and texture. Well suited even for the most irritable skin.
Key features:
- 0.06% Retinal to support a brighter, smoother and firmer skin texture
- Niacinamide to support skin barrier function and a more even looking skin tone
- Gentle formulation suitable for nightly use
Usage: Apply at night after cleansing (and serum if being used) as part of your evening skincare routine.
HYDROXY OVERNIGHT MASK
Salicylic Acid-based exfoliating and hydrating leave-on night mask, for acne-prone, oily, sun-damaged or sensitive skin. With soothing Aloe Vera, it helps to remove keratin and old skin cells while you sleep, ensuring new skin can thrive. As well as a mask, it can also be used as a spot treatment for breakouts or dry and chapped skin.
Hydroxy Overnight Mask
Our Hydroxy Overnight Mask is your go-to for clearer, glowing skin! With 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea, it’s a powerful yet gentle way to take on blemishes and keep skin hydrated. In oiler skin, Salicylic acid gently exfoliates for a smooth finish, while urea deeply moisturises. Use it as a spot treatment, or apply it once a week for an all-over refresh. Just cleanse, apply, and let this overnight mask work its magic while you sleep—wake up to softer, clearer, and radiant skin ready to take on the day!
Featuring;
- Gentle exfoliators for a weekly skin refresh
- Convenient size means you can keep it on hand to tackle blemishes when and wherever they happen